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passwords

A (another) word about passwords

I will be the first to admit that remembering the plethora of passwords and pin numbers in our high tech world is overwhelming. However, it is imperative that you DO remember them. And even more imperative that you use different hard to guess passwords for different sites…especially financial sites. Using sticky notes is not the best way to manage your passwords, but using a Rolodex or index cards in a recipe box can work well. You can read our tip (click here) about electronic ways to save and remember your passwords. Knowing your passwords will save you a great deal of time when needing tech support either on the phone or from guys like me who make house calls. And we all know time is money.

Why you shouldn’t use the same username and password for everything

I have had several clients tell me that they use the same username and password for everything so they don't forget.

While this is a personal decision, I just thought I would provide one good reason why it's not a good idea to only use one username and password.

Let's say that somehow a bad guy gets a job working for your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or perhaps he gets a job working for your newsletter about singles who collect stamps.

Typically these kinds of sites can't see your password, but they can reset your password. If this particular shady individual resets your password then you won't be able to get into the stuff related to that site that you want.

Save yourself some grief…

And money and time.

We have many tips on our web site concerning passwords . The number one issue with passwords is remembering them. It's crazy how many computer users I help that tell me, "I don't have a password.", when I query them about their email or Internet password to troubleshoot a problem or setup a new computer. ANY OF US WHO HAVE EMAIL ADDRESSES HAVE TO HAVE A PASSWORD. It may have been years since you had to remember what it is, but at some point you will be asked for it. Use some of the great (and free) software packages available to manage your passwords. Or at the least write them down in a central location; small address books work well, post-it notes, not so much.

An analog tip for digital passwords

Sometimes the best solutions for our digital problems can be found in the analog world. Today I had a client who used a great method to remember all of her passwords.

She used a little address book – the kind you keep next to your phone or in your car to keep track of important contact information.

For example, you can put your Visa.com user name and password under the V section. Best of all, it doesn't look like a password list so bad guys aren't likely to find it interesting enough to snoop through.

Know where to find your vital computer information

One of the reasons I share so much information on this web site and on our show is because I like to help people learn to save time and money. Usually if a person isn’t saving time or money, they become disgruntled and agitated.

Today, two of my clients could have saved some money and time if they had had some basic computer information available. In order to help others be more efficient and frugal, here is a list of items you want to have at the ready when you need technical help: