Some Better Ways to Stash Your Cash

When it comes to carrying money, a wallet is not enough anymore. Innovative new cash holders meet more diverse requirements than that little leather case ever could. The following items may be available in area stores. Prices do not include shipping.

Little sack that could: For a small bag, Baggallini’s Quick-Change organizer packs a slew of storage space. Inside the 8 1/2-inch by 5 1/2-inch by 1-inch zippered nylon bag are three more sewn-in zippered compartments plus slits for credit cards, passports, travelers checks, schedules and other essentials. Elastic loops keep pens or lipstick tubes secure. An outside zippered pocket is good for stashing sunglasses or pens for quick retrieval. The detachable, adjustable strap converts the bag from a shoulder sack to a fanny pack; there also are sewn-in belt loops. Double zippers mean the bag can be locked--I use one of those tiny combination locks--and it is so lightweight you can bring it along everywhere.

Quick-Change Travel Bag (13080) is $39 from the Norm Thompson Catalog; telephone (800) 547-1160.

Snap-on stroller bag: For the mom who schleps everything, this leather-like purse/organizer goes from around the hips to around the stroller bar in a snap via four detachable plastic straps. (The system fits all styles of strollers.) A large main compartment has three inner pockets with room for a wallet, checkbook, sunglasses, diapers, wipes and more. Two side pouches are the right size for cellular phones, water bottles or baby bottles.

Snap N’ Stroll convertible purse/fanny pack/stroller bag is $20 from Kel-Gar; tel. (800) 388-1848.

Key ring cash: How many times have you been caught without your wallet or cab fare? The Cash In Case Key Ring has a little metal cylinder for holding an emergency stash. Roll up a $20 or $100 bill, insert it into the hollow chamber and reattach the included key ring. Now you have cash for emergencies.

Cash In Case Key Ring (SV636C) is $19.85 from Magellan’s; tel. (800) 962-4943.

Making light of your money: Lumatec, maker of the tiny FlashCard flashlight card, has branched out with the Flash-N-Carry Money Clip. The slim leather case and magnetic money clip has a second pocket containing a FlashCard. The light can be activated with a squeeze while still in the case, or removed and used separately.

Flash-N-Carry Money Clip is $19.95 from Lumatec; tel. (800) 586-2832.

Safe storage: For safely carrying around cash, passports, travelers checks and a few credit cards, nothing beats a cloth waist pouch that can be concealed under clothing. Eagle Creek makes the most efficient one around with two zippered compartments and an adjustable elastic waist strap. The soft material is gentle on the skin. Every traveler should have one of these for snatch-proof strolling.

Eagle Creek Undercover Deluxe Security Belt is about $12 in stores. For a nearby store, call the manufacturer at (800) 874-9925.

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