'I almost cried': Michigan mother grateful after local realtor returns lost wallet full of tips. Here's how to improve your odds of recovering lost belongings — and better protect your cash

An act of kindness that won't be forgotten

Donnie Hanson, a 26-year-old real estate agent, was surprised to find the wallet while running errands on a busy Monday afternoon. He noticed the wallet lying conspicuously in the middle of the road.

“I couldn’t believe that it was just lying in the middle of the road,” he told Live 5 News reporters.

"I just knew I had to give it back," he added.

Hanson explained that he had previously lost his wallet, an experience he never forgot, — especially since his wallet was never returned. Remembering how it felt, he was determined not to let someone else go through that same experience.

Johnson, an elementary school teacher, emphasized that Hanson’s thoughtful gesture had a significant emotional impact on her family. Losing the wallet meant losing more than just cash — it represented hard work and dedication. Now, her son has his wallet back.

“These small acts of kindness truly make a difference in the world,” Johnson said.

She also pointed out how meaningful Hanson’s actions were to her son, a busy college student who was rushing around town and likely hadn't noticed when the wallet slipped out of his pocket.

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How to protect your finances

While this story had a happy ending, losing your wallet can be stressful and financially risky. Here are a few practical ways to protect your finances — and improve your chances of having lost items returned.

Use digital payments when possible

Minimizing the cash you carry can reduce potential losses. Digital payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay offer secure, trackable alternatives to cash and can be processed from your phone.

Carry only essential items

Consider carrying a smaller wallet with just your ID, one or two credit cards and a small amount of cash. Leave the rest at home or at another secure location. Fewer items mean less hassle — and less loss if your wallet goes missing. Also, keep your wallet in your front pocket rather than your back pocket, where it can more easily slip out.

Label essential items

Consider discreetly labeling important items, like your phone case and wallet, with a phone number or email address. This ensures you can be contacted, without revealing sensitive information like your address, and increases your chances of recovering lost items.

Check your statements regularly

Regularly reviewing your bank and credit card statements can help you detect unauthorized transactions quickly. Think about setting up text or email alerts for larger purchases so you're notified if someone tries to make a big purchase, which, in the event your wallet is picked up by someone not-so-honest, it might trigger you to cancel your cards quicker.

Taking practical measures can help protect your finances, while practicing everyday acts of kindness can help create stronger, more supportive communities. As Michelle Johnson experienced firsthand, small gestures can leave lasting impressions — reminding us all of the good we can do for each other.