A meme that floated around personal finance blogs last year asked the question, "What's in your wallet?" Every blog that had anything to do with personal finance shared their contents for all to see as though it made any difference.

But I'm here to suggest that maybe it does.

Just maybe, the contents of your wallet reveal a little more about the psyche of the person. And just maybe, what you do or don't have in your wallet could determine whether you become rich or remain in the grips of mediocrity.

Here are some of the contents and what they may tell you about yourself;

1. Photo of your spouse - If one of these are predominantly displayed in your wallet you're starting well. Being married is not the most essential key to being successful but it is a positive. Being able to remain faithful to one partner and trust them, including the area of finances, can only be a good thing. Many divorces attribute money as a determining factor for the split.


2. Photo of your kids - If this is in isolation to a photo of your spouse then it would probably mean that you're no longer living with their mother/father. Which probably means a portion of your income and wealth is being separated from you beyond your control - not a positive factor.

   If the photo is in addition to one of your spouse, then you're more likely to strike it rich. A healthy family is far more likely to succeed in life than one which isn't. Your family is also a great motivator to ensure that success is attainable.



3. Photo of your girlfriend/ boyfriend - while this could be a long term positive the short term truth is that you're likely to be handing out money hand-over-fist trying to impress them. Consider it an investment providing you have long term ambitions.


4. Condom - Many guys carry one of these in their wallets for that special occasion. However, trying to determine what it could mean for your financial success is difficult. On the one hand, it could mean that your safe and willing to insure the things that are essential. On the other, maybe your frivolous and not willing to commit. Therefore, opportunities are only seen as short-term gains.


5. Business Cards - If you carry your own business cards in your wallet this is a definite positive. It means that you're prepared for opportunity and willing to grasp it when it presents.

   If you carry other people's business cards it can also be seen as a positive measurement. It displays your willingness to network and hold opportunities close for when the time might become right.

   However, if you carry other people's cards without your own you can gauge this as detrimental to your prospects. It shows that you're not ready for opportunities but your holding on to a chance just in case it comes good. Risky and fate-reserving. A definite no-no.



6. Credit cards - A platinum Amex may say "wealth-on-a-stick" but it can also mean "employee-related". If the cards are not your own they will give you good lifestyle, while you're working for your boss, but they sure don't display that you're on your own and able to handle money wisely.

   In fact, if you have more than 2 cards your chances for becoming wealthy diminish with each extra one. Managing credit cards, especially multiple, can take away serious time from creating long-lasting wealth. I would even go so far as to question why you would need more than one.



7. Cash - Cash is good. It shows that you budget and that you have control. The larger the denominations that reside in your wallet demonstrate how much more control you have and the ability to restrain yourself from spontaneous and unnecessary purchases. This is very positive.


8. Tickets to an upcoming show - very positive. Ticket stubs to a show you went to 3 weeks ago - a big downer. It shows that you're not willing to unclutter your life and move on. You hold on to things which no longer have value or you're too slack to deal with minor things.


9. Library Card - a huge positive. Your library card demonstrates your willingness to read and therefore learn. It also shows that you esteem frugality over ownership.

Your wallet could hide the secrets to making it in this life because it is one of the most personal things we hold tightly to. It shows us a little piece of our world and what we hold dear. And, it gives us a glimpse of what me might become.

Check your wallet. Have you got what it takes?