The rise of remote work has transformed the way many industries operate, and finance is no exception. While the flexibility of working on the go is attractive, maintaining professionalism and productivity requires a different kind of preparedness - the everyday carry (EDC).

Here’s the Finance Magnates guide to the essential everyday carry for remote finance workers, ensuring you have everything you need to thrive in the virtual landscape.

Electronics for Seamless Workflows

Laptop and charger: This goes without saying, but your trusty laptop is the cornerstone of your EDC. Invest in a reliable machine with enough processing power to handle demanding financial software. Always keep your charger readily available, and consider a spare for emergencies.

External battery (Fully Charged): Power outages or long video calls can disrupt your workflow. A hefty, pre-charged external battery ensures you stay connected even when the plug is out of reach. Get one that can charge a laptop, not just your phone.

Connectors, connectors, connectors: Modern laptops often prioritize sleekness over functionality, leading to a lack of ports. A collection of essential connectors and dongles (or a USB hub) allows you to connect anything you might need for maximum flexibility. Don't forget to pack spare charging cables for all your essential devices as part of your everyday carry.

A wireless (and wired) keyboard for comfort and control: While laptop keyboards are functional, extended typing can lead to discomfort. A comfortable, wireless keyboard keeps your wrists happy while offering a familiar typing experience. Look for models with the option to connect via wire for times when Bluetooth might not be ideal. Also, when putting together your EDC, consider a smaller form factor, like a 60% or 65% board.

External Hard Drive: Invest in a high-capacity external hard drive for regular backups of your work. Consider cloud storage as an additional layer of protection. But, run all this past your IT department to make sure it’s safe and secure.

USB Charging Station: Multiple devices often mean multiple chargers cluttering your workspace. A multi-port USB charging station that you can plug into a power socket consolidates power management, keeping your devices juiced.

Capturing Ideas and Keeping Records

Pen and paper, with a modern twist: You’ll often rely on handwritten notes and calculations. Pack a reliable pen and a good old-fashioned legal pad. While notebooks are aesthetically pleasing, legal pads offer more writing space and are more cost-effective – qualities essential for heavy note-taking. Also, bring a pencil or two (with a sharpener), you never know when your pen will die on you.

A tablet or E ink machine: If you're a tech enthusiast, consider investing in a tablet with a stylus for note-taking and document annotation. These offer a paperless experience while still providing the tactile satisfaction of writing. High-end options E ink replicate the feeling of pen on paper but digitally, offering the best of both worlds. Just remember, though, that’s another device to charge or monitor.

Staying Connected

Mobile Hotspot: Remote work relies on constant connectivity. Invest in a mobile data plan with a hotspot option. This allows you to stay connected even when working from remote locations, or the coffee shop or co-working space when their Wi-Fi is out.

Audio Solutions

Noise-Cancelling Headphones: The co-working space or cafe can be noisy, whether it's construction outside or people chattering. A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones creates a focused work environment, allowing you to concentrate on critical tasks or participate in calls or meetings.

Consider a High-Quality Headset: For frequent video calls, a dedicated headset with a noise-cancelling microphone ensures clear communication on both ends.

Beyond the Essentials

A multi-tool: You never know when you might need a screwdriver, bottle opener, or pair of scissors. A quality multi-tool offers a surprising number of uses, making it a valuable addition to your EDC.

Metal water bottle with a hook: Staying hydrated is crucial for focus and overall health. Choose a metal water bottle for durability and temperature control. Opt for a bottle with a carabineer clip or hook for easy attachment to your bag, ensuring you always have access to water and that you never lose your bottle.

Pencil case: Small items like extra pens, sticky notes, USB drives, or even breath mints can easily get lost in the bottom of your bag. A small pencil case keeps these essentials organized and easily accessible.

Fancy Everyday Carries

A portable scanner: If your role involves dealing with physical documents, consider a portable scanner. These compact devices allow you to quickly digitize receipts, contracts, or other paperwork, streamlining your workflow and reducing paper clutter.

Wireless Presenter: Remote presentations are a reality for many finance professionals. A wireless presenter allows you to control slides, highlight key points, and navigate through your presentation with ease, even while presenting from a distance.

And there you have it, our guide to everyday carries and doing business on the move, whether you’re trading forex , getting on with compliance checks, or crafting the ultimate landing page for a slick new product, now you can do it with confidence, and perhaps a little style.

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