Change Fat Wallets To Super Thin and Slim Wallets / Wallet Alternatives

Do you have a fat wallet overflowing with stuff that you wish you just trim down? If you have watched the episode of Seinfeld where George Costanza goes on about his wallet problems, you know what I mean.

A fat wallet gives you back problems by pressing on your nerves (literally!) when you sit on your fat wallet all day. Don’t think so? Well think about all the time you spend sitting on your fat wallet when you are driving, are in meetings, having lunch, commuting on the bus or train, etc. That’s a problem.

On top of that, it’s AWFUL LOOKING. It gives you that big bulge that’s just ugly.

But well guess what, you can trim down your wallet easily. You just need to know how. Here’re some easy ways to have a thin wallet again.

A great big fat thick wallet. Urgh.

Get Rid of Junk

If you’re like me, then your wallet is filled with unnecessary things. Get rid of them! Here are some examples of things that you really shouldn’t be keeping in your wallet:

1. Photographs - You might keep photographs of your loved ones in your wallet, but honestly, is keeping those photographs in your wallet the best place these days? I have all my photographs in my phone, and it’s much more accessible!
2. Receipts - Yes, you need to keep receipts, but no, you don’t have to keep them in your wallet forever. If you get a receipt that day, process it that day. Record down the amount and keep it at home and out of your wallet.
3. Namecards - You shouldn’t be keeping your own namecards in your wallet, because it’s a etiquette faux pas. Keep them in a separate business card holder. And for the namecards you get from people that you meet, take them out and keep them at home at the end of the day. If it’s someone that you foresee that you might contact, then store their contacts in your phone - it makes it more convenient for you to contact them that way too.

Combine Multiple Club Cards into One

When I stumbled upon this site, it was a Why-Didn’t-I-Think-Of-That moment, so kudos to its creator. What this site does is simple: it allows you to combine all the club cards’ barcodes that you have into a single card that you can print out yourself. Check it out yourself, it’s idiot-proof! Here’s the website: justoneclubcard.com

The site currently has over 120 cards in their database that you can choose from, but even if your card isn’t listed, you can just use their “advanced” feature to try to create your own barcode using one of the 12 standard barcode symbol sets.

Get a Super-thin wallet, The Thinnest You Can Find!

When I bought my previous wallet, I thought it looked slim. As time went back, I realised that it wasn’t as slim as I thought it was. The problem was all that extra leather material made everything really thick - much thicker than it really needs to be. So finally I went around the Internet, looking around for nice wallet alternatives that I could use. Here are some that I found, and my opinion / review on these thin wallets.

1. All-Ett Wallets (Bi-fold, tri-fold, card case)

All-ett thin wallet (European, Spinnaker)

All-ett thin wallet (Original, Leather)

Comes in the conventional bi-fold and tri-fold forms, and is supposedly really thin. How it manages to be so thin lies in the fact that it uses Spinnaker cloth, and that your cards are stacked directly on top of each other with no separation between them.

Spinnaker is like nylon, but is strong, yet extremely thin and light-weight. It is typically used in making sailboat sails, so you know it won’t fray or crack, and it’s is water resistant and washable too. Vegans might appreciate this material as no animal products are used in its manufacture.

Pros: Super thin, very light. Can be put in front pocket (actually, it’s recommended that you keep this wallet in your front pocket)

Cons: You need around 3 cards in each card slot before your cards feel more snug and secure, otherwise cards can slide around. Also, there is a crinkly noise because of the spinnaker material (less apparent in the leather versions)

Price: $19.95 (Junior Spinnaker)

Website: All-Ett Wallet

2. Jimi Wallets

Jimi thin wallet

Billed as “The wallet for people who hate wallets”, the Jimi wallet is made out of translucent, 100% recycled plastic. It holds 5 cards, some cash and a few other items.

Pros: Funky design that’s great for outdoor use.

Cons: Looks a bit too kiddy for my liking, limited space for cash bills.

Price: $14.50

Website: Jimi Wallet

3. Slimmy Wallets

Slimmy thin leather wallet

The Slimmy wallet is an ultra slim wallet that is an excellent front pocket wallet for any occasion, eliminating the bulk and bulge of traditional bi and tri-folds. It is made from high-quality full-grain leather.

The Slimmy wallet comes in three versions — the Slimmy, the ViewSlimmy, and the SlimSlimmy. All feature an open, three-pocket design that holds the essentials — cash, credit cards, driver’s license, and receipts. My favorite is the Slimmy ($22; black, brown or tan). It’s simply the perfect front-pocket wallet. The ViewSlimmy ($26; black or tan) is identical to the original, but adds a window for displaying an ID. The SlimSlimmy ($33; black or brown) is even slimmer - you’ll need to triple-fold your cash.

Pros: Simple and sleek.

Cons: Bills need to be folded in half like how you would use a money clip, and triple-folded for the SlimSlimmy (worse for long receipts). But don’t put too many cards in, because it gets thick quick. Also, push cards down really well or else they MAY fall out.

Price: $23.95

Website: Slimmy Wallet

4. Beza Money Clamp

Beza Money Clamp

The Beza Money Clamp claims to be the only money clip in the world that works — whether you’re carrying 1 bill and 1 credit card or 25 bills and 12 cards. The owner got the idea from seeing people using those black paper binding clips as a money clip. Note that the Geneva is basically the Cash Clamp with a separate leather wallet for cards.

Pros: Sexxxxxy.

Cons: I’m just not comfortable with money clips, but if I were, this would be the money clip of my choice.

Website: Beza.biz

5. Money Band

Money Band

The Money-band claims to be the original rubber band wallet replacement. More versatile and slimmer than a money clip, it is on average 1/2 inch shorter in length than standard office rubber bands, and made from natural rubber (and because it’s natural rubber, it fatigues, which explains why it comes in a 5-band package.

Pros: Minimalist. You can’t get any smaller than this.

Cons: It’s just too minimalistic for me, there’s minimalist and then there’s bare.

Website: Money-band.com

6. Stretch Money Holder

Stretch Money Holder

The Stretch Money Holder is fairly unique - it uses dual band system where rigidness of the cards supports the money from crumpling, while the money acts as a shield to protect the cards.

Pros: Unique and minimalist. Not a lot of people would have seen or used this before.

Cons: I’m naturally biased against money clip or similar products because of the lack of privacy.

Website: StretchMoneyHolder.com

7. Storus Smart Money Clip

Storus Smart Money Clip

The Storus Smart Money is a innovative wallet replacement. The Clip Card channel securely holds a single card, or up to five cards, while the Clip tightly holds bills, receipts, and up to 5 additional cards.

Pros: One of the better money clips + card systems.

Cons: I’m naturally biased towards money clip or similar products.

Website: Storus.com

8. Rogue Wallet

Rogue Front Pocket Wallet

The Rogue Front Pocket Wallet is a front pocket wallet with a curved design that opens up at the top (the portion with the curved edge) like a standard billfold wallet. A lined pocket, card slots and a clear window allow you to store cash, receipts and cards.

Pros: Unique design with a clear window for ID, acts like a standard bi-fold.

Cons: A little thicker than the other bi-folds like the Big Skinny or All-Ett.

Website: RogueWallet.com

9. WalletBe Front Pocket Wallet

WalletBe Front Pocket Wallet

The WalletBe Front Pocket Wallet comes in only black and holds up to 10 cards, and has an easy-access inner-ID window. An inner elastic pouch holds receipts, business cards, etc., with a handy elastic band to hold cash in place.

Pros: Clear window for ID, flip design allows for privacy

Cons: The bi-fold design does make it little thicker than the other wallets.

Website: WalletBe.com

10. Timbuk2 Card Wallet

Timbuk2 Triple Card Wallet

Rugged simplicity with just 3 card slots.

Pros: Simple and thin.

Cons: Sporty look doesn’t lend well to formal occasions.

Price: $12.42

Website: Timbuk2 Triple Card Wallet

11. Dopp Regatta 88 Series Front Getaway Pocket

Dopp Regatta 88 Series Front Getaway Pocket

Throw your ID, cash and your credit cards into this stylish and slim case.

Pros: Simple and thin, yet be organised with multiple compartments.

Cons: Need to fold bills in half.

Price: $20

Website: Dopp Regatta 88 Series Front Getaway Pocket

12. Coach Signature Stripe Card Case

Coach Signature Stripe Card Case

This luxury card wallet features 3 credit card pockets and an interior multi-function pocket with Coach’s signature jacquard fabric with leather trim.

Pros: Classy, thin, neat.

Cons: Need to fold bills in half.

Price: $78

Website: Coach.com

12. BigSkinny Thin Wallet

BigSkinny Thin Wallet

This wallet by BigSkinny claims to be the world’s slimmest wallet - but I doubt it beats the All-Ett.

Pros: A thin bi-fold and yet has multiple compartments so you can still be organised.

Cons: Ugly logo.

Price: $19.95

Website: BigSkinny.net

Subscribe to my blog: RSS reader    Email

The coffee loving caffeine junkie in me

Coffee - heaven in a cup. And mainly because it contains caffeine, the boot in the ass that gets me started on my day.

Caffeine is the most widely consumed pharmacologically active substance in the world. Its major action is to stimulate the central nervous system.

Chemically speaking caffeine belongs to the alkaloid family and the methylxanthine group. Caffeine is found in over 60 plant species of which the most well-known are cocoa-beans, tea and coffee. That’s why tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate products have caffeine in them. Caffeine is also added to soft drinks and a variety of both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

An average sized cup (150 ml) of ground roasted coffee contains around 85 mg of caffeine, instant coffee 60 mg, decaffeinated coffee 3 mg, leaf or bag tea 30 mg, instant tea 20 mg and cocoa or hot chocolate 4 mg caffeine.

Subscribe to my blog: RSS reader    Email

My New Computer Workspace (External Keyboard + Mouse)

I use a Lenovo (IBM) Thinkpad X60s, and I love it, mostly for its excellence durability, reliability, and mobility. The problem comes when I use it for prolonged periods of time, especially since I code and write tons of reports.

That’s when I feel that things can be improved somewhat. Read my post on Ergonomic Tips on Healthy Laptop Usage and Ideal Typing Postures.

First thing I did was to elevate my laptop by using a makeshift stand. It costs much less than the $30-$50 computer stands that the shops sell, plus it has really good airflow as well.

Then I went out and got myself an external keyboard and mouse. Apparently though, a USB keyboard is as hard to find as an interesting and humourous professor. I wanted to get a Logitech keyboard at first, as the classic design really appeals to me:

Just look at that - an understated, minimalistic, classic keyboard. Sadly though, I found out that most of Logitech’s cheaper keyboards only support PS/2. My Thinkpad laptop only has USB ports, so I can’t use anything except a USB keyboard.

After some searching, I found an Anyzen (it’s Korean) basic black keyboard that came with USB. Great thing was that it cost less than $10! So now my computer workspace looks like this, and it’s so much more comfortable.

If only I could get rid of all the wires.

Subscribe to my blog: RSS reader    Email

Ideal Typing Postures

In the ideal typing posture, muscle loads are minimized. This posture is achieved when the keyboard is below seated elbow height and the keyboard base is gently sloped away from the user so that the keys are accessible to the hands in a neutral posture.

In this position the arms, shoulders, neck and back can relax, especially during brief rest pauses. Also, in this slightly reclined sitting position the low back rests against the lumbar support of the chair, the elbow angle is opened to promote circulation to the lower arm and hand, the abdominal angle, and the popliteal angle (behind the knees) are opened to promote blood circulation. The feet rest firmly upon the floor.

Problem postures

Desktop keyboard

Typing at a keyboard on a desk is a common work posture for many computer users. In this position it is difficult to maintain the wrist is in a neutral posture, because the forearms sag as they tire and this puts the wrists into greater wrist extension. Also, most users have to work with their elbows flexed, which can compress the median and ulnar nerves at the elbow and restrict blood flow to the hands.

Working with the forearms sloping up increase muscle loads in the upper arms, shoulders, and neck. Working in this position for more than 3-4 hours invariably leads to muscle fatigue.

Conventional keyboard tray

Typing at a keyboard on a conventional articulating keyboard tray can increase postural problems for users. Working with the keyboard more steeply angled on the tray is a common work posture for many computer users.

In this position it is also difficult to maintain the wrist is in a neutral posture, because the forearms sag as they tire and this puts the wrists into greater wrist extension. Studies have failed to show that conventional keyboard trays substantially improve wrist posture.

Subscribe to my blog: RSS reader    Email

Ergonomic Tips on Healthy Laptop Usage

Laptops are getting really pervasive. It used to be that laptops were the exclusive tools of the rich, or busy business people. These days, almost everyone owns a laptop.

The problem with a laptop, however, is that it isn’t ergonomic - in fact, most people use their laptops in a way that will cause health problems. I suffered from a stiff neck and backaches before I decided that I needed to completely change the way I use my laptop.

Un-ergonomic Laptops

The design of laptops violates a basic ergonomic requirement for a computer, namely that the keyboard and screen are separated. In the early days of personal computing desktop devices integrated the screen and keyboard into a single unit, and this resulted in widespread complaints of musculoskeletal discomfort.

By the late 1970’s a number of ergonomics design guidelines were written and all called for the separation of screen and keyboard. The reason is simple - with a fixed design, if the keyboard is in an optimal position for the user, the screen isn’t and if the screen is optimal the keyboard isn’t.

Consequently, laptops are excluded from current ergonomic design requirements because none of the designs satisfy this basic need. This means that you need to pay special attention to how you use your laptop because it can cause you problems.

Laptop Posture

Laptops violate basic ergonomic design requirements, so using a laptop is a tradeoff between poor neck/head posture and poor hand/wrist posture.

• Occasional Users - because the neck/head position is determined by the actions of large muscles, you are better off sacrificing neck posture rather than wrist posture. For occasional use:
  • positioning your laptop in your lap for the most neutral wrist posture that you can achieve
  • find a chair that is comfortable and that you can sit back in
  • angling the laptop screen so that you can see this with the least amount of neck deviation
• Full-time Users - if you use your laptop at work as your main computer you should:
  • use a separate keyboard and mouse. You should be able to connect a keyboard and mouse directly to the back of the laptop or to a docking station
  • position this on your desk/worksurface in front of you so that you can see the screen without bending your neck. This may require that you elevate the laptop off the desk surface using a stable support surface, such as a computer monitor pedestal
  • use the mouse on an adjustable position mouse platform

Subscribe to my blog: RSS reader    Email