Passwords! If you are like me, you hate getting notices you must update or change your password. With the digital world we live in, it seems like we have a million passwords. Electronic passwords are a relatively new concept, but a reality in today’s world.
When I was a kid I could remember 100 phone numbers and call my friends without looking anything up. Some folks used to carry a little black book of contacts with their family and friends listed in them. The world has only had “smart” phones for a relatively short time period now, but our memories have suffered. We have become lazy and no longer use our minds like we used too. Perhaps this is why remembering passwords, and our resistance to changing them, is difficult now. There is a solution, 1 Password.
1 Password is just one of many options, but it is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to securely hold your passwords and not have to remember them. With this app, you only have to remember 1 password. The app keeps track of all your passwords and makes it easy to log into our digital world.
1 Password has apps for Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux and Chrome OS. It is capable of holding an unlimited number of passwords and is secure, has two factor authorization and is capable of crossing boarders if you travel. There is also 365 day, 24/7 email support for those of us that are electronically challenged.
There is another key advantage to 1 Password and similar secure applications. Digital accounts or assets are a reality in today’s world as well. When you pass away, your family may need access to your digital accounts or assets. Instead of having to provide them with a list of your passwords, you can simply provide them with access to your 1 Password account.
One of the most common issues I deal with in helping families transfer assets from their loved ones when the die is gathering all the vital information. Gathering bank accounts, investment accounts, insurance accounts, where they keep vital information like deeds, car titles and other important documents is often a stressful and time consuming task. Families already dealing with the grief of losing a loved one, do not need the added stress of gathering this information.
Some folks are very organized and leave this information in a written list or organized files for their loved ones. However, more often than not, the majority of families I deal with do not have this experience. We are too busy to take the time to create these lists or organize files and, truth is, we just don’t get around to it.
I hope the information provided here is helpful. If you have not already done so, or if it has been more than 5 or 10 years, please consult with an attorney about updating your estate plan.