photo credit: angermann

The best way to remember your password is not to rely on your memory at all!

Up until recently, I have relied on my memory to remember my passwords and it has become increasingly difficult. As internet security becomes more sophisticated, every website you visit and account you have requires a username & password. Some user accounts require you to update your password on a regular basis and even getting your username correct is becoming a gamble! This is because companies all create their own policies, naming conventions and definition as to what is secure enough.

So, finally, I bit the bullet and downloaded a password manager- and I love it! For those of you who haven’t made the jump yet, I have some tips to share. If you are currently using your contacts, word or excel to store this information, I urge you to quit that practice immediately, if not sooner. Here are some things to consider when selecting a password manager:

1. Online vs. Desktop Software- Since I am very rarely without my laptop, I don’t have a desire to store my passwords online, however, if you work from numerous workstations, you will want to consider this distinction as a number one priority or if you have a smartphone, see #5 below.

2. Store additional account types and information- Some password managers only allow you to enter usernames and passwords. I always look to consolidate functions and some are better than others at managing credit cards, bank accounts, SSN’s, insurance, prescriptions, etc. and some even allow you to create your own fields to store and label desired data (you know how I feel about labeling- never underestimate the power of labeling).

3. Export/Backup- Just like anything else these days, if one is good, two is better, right? OK, so I don’t necessarily agree with that theory but in this case, having a backup is always a wise idea.

4. Autofill sign in feature- A good password manager will allow you to enter all of the necessary info in order to launch and login to the desired site with the click of a button.

5. Software for your Smartphone- If you have a Smartphone, this feature can pay dividends, especially for the storage and retrieval of information other than pw’s…You can retrieve everyone’s SSN,

Oh, and of course, you need to consider the software’s password protection and security- but that’s a given!

I can’t believe that I waited so long to do this. It has been a time (& energy) saver when my memory is a bit fuzzy or it’s an account that I only access occassionally. I did an initial brain dump of my usernames and passwords but I have also been adding as I go and I am shocked by just how many accounts I have to keep track of- it’s no wonder I was having difficulty remembering.

If you don’t have a password manager (or am I the only one), would you mind sharing the reason? I know my reasons and I will share and explore the bigger meaning behind them in a future post…

Well, today is Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th, 2008 and to many of us that means three-day weekends, backyard BBQ’s, family gatherings and of course, the unofficial start of summer. Most importantly, though, Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor our nation’s war heroes.

Today, my husband and I visited Arlington National Cemetery where we witnessed the last Changing of the Guard ceremony of the evening for the Tomb of the Unknowns. On this special day, we were honored to be present to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Let us also honor those who have served or continue to serve our country. The month of May is designated by Congress as National Military Appreciation Month, but we can show our gratitude all year long. Our service men & women need to know we appreciate their contribution and sacrifices in protecting and defending our nation’s freedom. So, if you know someone who is retired military or active duty, please thank them for serving and protecting us.

I hope you had a safe holiday weekend!

photo credit: Billa

Having moved to a metro area in an entirely different state, I have definitely had some challenges getting around. And, yes, I do love my GPS (we call her ‘Gabbie’) but on a handful of occasions she just doesn’t come through for me. I was reminded of some 411 services recently that I thought I would share with you.

1-800-FREE-411- I have tried to use 1-800-FREE-411 in the past but the automated system didn’t understand what I was saying. I don’t think my Long Island accent is that thick- is it? Free, but not very useful.

1-800-GOOG-411- This free service helps you to quickly connect with local businesses- and it is soooo easy to use. OK, at first glance it’s similar to most 411 services. You dial the number and tell the automated system what city and state you are looking for. But, wait, if you know the zip code you can actually type it into the phone. Then, you tell the system the business name or category and they will find matches for you. Once you make your selection, you will be connected- for free.

And if you use your cell phone, you can say the words “text message” and you will receive a text with the business info. They even take it a step further for phones that have internet capabilities. Just say “map it” and GOOG-411 will send you a map of the business. How’s that for cool and convenient? Especially when you are driving- not that you would ever dream of it, but it prevents you from having to grab a pen and paper to write down the number while you are driving.

Google SMS- I don’t recommend this while driving…If you are looking for a business, just send a text to GOOGL or 466453 (that’s it- just six numbers) with the business name, city and state and you will receive a matching address and phone number via text within seconds. And, most newer mobile phones will allow you to dial directly from a phone number in a text message. You can get information on movie times, weather, directions, glossary, currency conversion, and the list goes on…and it’s all for free. Ummm, except your carrier may charge you.

Check out the links to watch a demo or find more info about what they can do! Do you know of any more free, fast 411 services? I’d love to hear about them.

One of the easiest steps for detoxifying your inbox and getting a jump on inbox overload is to stop it before it comes in. It’s also a great tip for dealing with your paper inbox. So you can apply these tips there as well.

• Are there subscriptions that you never have time to read? Do you belong to a ton of listservs that don’t really provide any value? Unsubscribe or cancel them.

• If you don’t already have one, install a good spam filter and train it well. If you simply delete all of the true spam that comes into your inbox, the volume will remain the same. Training your spam filter by marking messages as spam and blocking senders or domains will decrease your volume of spam.

• Do you have well meaning friends and family that send you every chain letter, tax scam, prayer and pretty picture that comes their way? Ask them to remove you from their distribution list. “But how?”, you say? Your friends and family genuinely want to help you and you would be surprised what they will do if you simply ask for their assistance. If you are having a hard time asking, the next time you receive one of their junk emails, reply with the below response and customize as you wish:

Hi <name>,

I would like to request your assistance. I am making an effort to simplify and get organized and would like to spend less time in my inbox. Would you mind removing me from your distribution list for jokes and other forwards? I always love to hear from you personally and I thank you for helping me to simplify.

• If there is absolutely, positively someone who would die of heartbreak at your request or someone who make your life miserable with the big G (GUILT), then set up a rule and have emails from that person automatically sent to a separate junk mail folder and get them out of your inbox.

Do you have any other suggestions for getting off of that loved one’s distribution list? Love to hear what has worked for you.

photo credit: gruntzooki

We live in a society where we are bombarded with information from every angle and we are especially overloaded by incoming email. Try Googling “Email Overload“- you will get 299,000 results. Everyone seems to be suffering from it.

So, why are we so overloaded by email? Here are some points of pain that seem to be common among email users:

• One of the basic frustrations of disorganization in general, and email specifically, is not being able to find what you need when you need it.
• Your inbox fills up quicker than you can empty it. Therefore, if you don’t keep up you will be perpetually trying to catch up.
• You can’t get any REAL work done because you are too busy dealing with email.
• You feel pressured to reply to ALL of your emails quickly.

I’d love to hear your email pain points and why you may be frustrated and overwhelmed by email in the comments section. More on email overload next week…