Here’s how I create, remember, and find my passwords:
- I think of three words that are completely unrelated, and string them together. For example: DictionaryWheelieJump.
- Then I add a number and a punctuation mark, so my completed password might be DictionaryWheelieJump44!
- Now, in my email account, I create a folder labeled “Reference.” For each company where I may need to sign in, I create a folder with that company’s name and a shortcut to my password that does not include the three words I came up with in step 1. For example: “Staples DWJ44!”
- I make the folder do double-duty by storing important emails (receipts, etc.) from that company. At any given time, I may have two or three nonsense phrases I’m using. The number and punctuation mark will vary depending on the rules of the given account. When I have to change a password, it’s easy – I just change the number or switch to a new nonsense phrase (and record it in the appropriate email folder).
Important tip #1 Always follow more secure rules for anything that’s connected to your financial information. For example, your email account is often used to reset passwords (and now will be used to store a lot of them), so don’t store that password anywhere.
Important tip #2 If you are presented with the option to “save your credit card information” with any vendors, don’t. It’s better to enter it manually each time you make a purchase.
Bonus A bonus of using this system is it allows you to conduct regular monthly audits of accounts you have. If you’re not using that free AI tool you signed up for in 2022, deactivate your account. Keeping your digital footprint small is good security hygiene.
