By Marc C. Shaffer
Marc C. Shaffer is a financial advisor in Overland Park, Kansas, working with clients in the Kansas City area, Phoenix, and Utah Valley.
Over the years, we’ve enjoyed a simple tradition at Searcy Financial® Services. When clients head out on an international trip, we send them off with a money belt featuring our logo. It’s a small gesture, though it often becomes part of something much bigger.
We’ve seen photos come back from all over the world.
Clients standing in front of the Eiffel Tower…
walking through markets in Italy…
exploring ancient ruins…
…often have that money belt proudly visible.
It turns into a bit of a “Where’s Waldo” moment in their travel pictures. It’s fun, memorable, and practical. Money belts have long been a reliable way to keep cash, passports, and valuables secure while traveling. In recent years, many clients have also used them to carry something even more important: their cell phone.
And that’s where the conversation is evolving.
A Real-World Reminder from London
Recently, one of our clients experienced something that highlights a growing travel risk. While in London at the start of an extended trip, they briefly took their phone out of their front pocket to check something before crossing the street. Afterward, instead of returning it to a more secure location, they placed it in a less secure jacket pocket. That small, everyday decision turned out to be costly. The phone was stolen almost immediately.
This happened on the very first day of the trip. Suddenly, there were no photos, no easy way to communicate, and no access to the many apps we rely on daily. Anyone who has traveled internationally understands how disruptive that can be.
Fortunately, there was an Apple Store nearby. The team there helped the client activate “Lost Mode,” which locks the device remotely and can display a custom message. That step provided some immediate peace of mind.
However, the situation didn’t end there.
Later, the client discovered unauthorized purchases being made through Amazon and shipped overseas. At that point, it became clear that while Lost Mode is helpful, it may not always be sufficient depending on the situation. A full remote erase of the device, something that wasn’t initially done, could have reduced the risk of further complications.
Your Phone May Be Your Most Valuable Travel Asset
For many travelers today, a smartphone holds far more than contacts and photos. It may include:
- Email access
- Banking and investment apps
- Password managers
- Travel itineraries
- Personal and business communications
- Payment methods and digital wallets
In some cases, your phone effectively becomes a gateway to your financial life. That’s why thinking about phone security should be just as routine as protecting your cash or passport when traveling.
Practical Ways to Protect Your Phone While Traveling
This experience prompted us to revisit some best practices with clients. These are simple steps, though they can make a meaningful difference.
- Be Intentional About Where You Carry It
It can be easy to underestimate how quickly theft can occur, especially in crowded areas or unfamiliar environments. Consider:
- Keeping your phone in a front pocket when possible.
- Using a money belt or crossbody bag with secure closures.
- Avoiding loose jacket pockets, especially in busy areas.
A small change in habit may reduce exposure to opportunistic theft.
- Limit Visibility in Public Spaces
Pulling out a phone in crowded areas can draw attention. In some cases:
- Try to step aside before using your phone.
- Avoid holding it loosely while walking.
- Stay aware of your surroundings when checking directions or messages.
These adjustments may help reduce the likelihood of being targeted.
- Enable Strong Security Settings
Before traveling, review your phone’s security features:
- Use Face ID, fingerprint, or a strong passcode.
- Enable automatic locking after short periods of inactivity.
- Turn on “Find My iPhone” or similar tracking tools.
These settings may help protect your data if the device is lost or stolen.
- Understand Remote Protection Options
Many people are familiar with Lost Mode, though fewer are aware of the importance of remote erasing. If your phone is stolen and recovery seems unlikely:
- Locking the device is a good first step
- Remotely erasing the phone may further protect your personal and financial data
Each situation is different, though having a plan in advance can make decisions easier in a stressful moment.
- Secure Your Financial and Personal Apps
Think through what access your phone provides. You might consider:
- Logging out of sensitive apps when traveling.
- Using two-factor authentication.
- Avoiding storing sensitive passwords in easily accessible notes.
These steps may reduce the impact if your device is compromised.
- Back Up Your Data Before You Leave
Photos, contacts, and important documents can often be recovered if they are backed up. Before a trip:
- Confirm your phone is backed up to the cloud or another device
- Store copies of important travel documents separately
This can help ensure that even if the device is lost, your information is not.
- Carry It Like You Carry Cash
This is where the original idea of the money belt still holds up. Many travelers instinctively protect their cash and passport carefully. Applying that same mindset to your phone can go a long way.
These Habits Apply at Home Too
While this situation happened overseas, the same risks can exist in your home city.
Phones are frequently used in public places, including restaurants, events, and sidewalks. The same precautions can apply. In some cases, consistent habits at home make it easier to stay mindful while traveling.
A Broader Perspective on Financial Security
In our role as a financial planner and investment advisor, conversations about risk often focus on markets, taxes, or long-term planning. At the same time, real-life experiences like this highlight another layer of risk. Everyday decisions can affect access to your financial life. It raises a few helpful questions:
- How secure is the information stored on your phone?
- Do you have a plan if your device is lost or stolen?
- Are there simple habits that could reduce your exposure to risk?
These are not always top-of-mind topics, though they can be an important part of a broader financial planning approach.
A Tradition That Still Matters
We’ll likely keep sending those money belts. They’ve proven useful, they create lasting memories, and they serve as a subtle reminder. Protecting what matters does not have to be complicated. In many ways, this recent experience simply expands that idea. Alongside your passport and cash, your phone deserves the same level of attention.
Final Thoughts
Travel is meant to be enjoyable, memorable, and enriching. A few small precautions can help keep it that way. Situations like this can be frustrating, though they also offer an opportunity to reassess habits and improve how we protect ourselves, both financially and personally. This is often where thoughtful planning extends beyond investments and into everyday life. Many families find value in working with a fiduciary financial advisor who can help them think through not only long-term strategies, but also the practical details that support financial security along the way.