9 things you should never keep in your purse

The only identifying document you should regularly carry with you is a driver's license or state identification card. You should not make a habit out of carrying your social security card, passport, or birth certificate with you unless you need it for traveling.

Aside from the hassle of having to replace these items, they're a major source of identity theft.

"Your social security number is the critical piece of information a thief needs to carry out identity theft," Velasquez told Reader's Digest.

If you use your debit card as a way to easily take cash out, then you can bet a thief can do the same if they steal your card.

"I'm not a huge fan of always having a debit card with you, because the cash disappears from your account and you have to prove it wasn't you before you get it back, unlike a credit card, where you can stop the charges and the money never leaves your account," John Sileo, CEO of cybersecurity group Sileo Group, told Reader's Digest.

It may not always be possible, but try only keeping a debit card on you when you know you'll be withdrawing cash, and a checkbook only when you need to write a check. Also avoid carrying around large wads of cash in the case that you lose your bag for good.

If you wear makeup daily, sometimes you may need a midday touch-up.

However, warm temperatures or broken caps can spell disaster and cause your makeup to melt or leak all over the contents of your purse.

If you must, opt for travel sizes of your absolute essentials and store them in a separate makeup case or clear plastic bag.

We're all guilty of shoving receipts in our bags and unearthing them months later, but you should get in the habit of regularly organizing and throwing out receipts.

Though they're not as tragic a loss as your identifying documents, receipts paint a picture of what you typically spend money on, which can make it easier for someone to make purchases with your cards without raising suspicion.

"It's giving a thief a great picture of who you are and where you shop," Velasquez told Reader's Digest. "All fraud analytics look for anomalies in behavior, and your receipts show where you shop."

If you have a long day or busy schedule ahead of you, you may want to fend off a growling stomach by keeping your favorite snacks in your purse. But just like cosmetic products that can melt, spill, or leak, certain foods are as equally as disastrous.

You'll want to avoid keeping anything perishable in your purse — even granola bars, fruit, and candy bars can get smashed when you're on the go.

Opt for bagged items that won't be easily crushed, like trail mix or nuts, and store them in clear bags or containers when you're in transit.

Keeping gift cards in your wallet feels natural for most of us, in case you find yourself on an impromptu shopping trip.

But according to Intuit's Mint, it can be nearly impossible to get the balance back if they're lost or stolen, so minimize the risk by bringing them only when you're heading to that store to make a purchase.

You should do the same with store-specific credit cards — the more cards you have on you, the more damage a thief can do before you're able to cancel them all with your bank.

"Do you need to carry that department store card with you all the time? No, only when you plan to go to that store," Linda Jacob, a certified financial planner and accredited financial counselor told Discover.

If your wallet or purse is a dumping ground for membership or loyalty cards at your favorite stores, gas stations, and restaurants, then you'll definitely want to downsize.

Just like gift cards and store credit cards, you should bring them only if you know you're going to use them.

It's not as risky as losing identifying documents or bank information, but a thief can easily access your gym or use your reward points if they get hold of your card.

An even better option is to check for smartphone apps which can be password protected and used just as easily when you're out and about.

Basically, you don't want to be toting too much of anything with you on a regular basis. Carrying around devices, books, umbrellas, personal items, food, extra clothes, and anything else can make your purse too heavy and lead to back, neck, or shoulder pain over time.

"Many patients don't realize that their heavy handbags are contributing to their problems," Heidi Prather, an associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, told Real Simple.

She recommended that your purse or tote shouldn't weigh more than a gallon of milk, or a bit over eight pounds. Lightening your load is not only better for your body, but also protects you in case someone gets hold of your belongings.