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 also keep reference information about that company within the folder, so it does double-duty.
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).
For super high-stakes accounts (like places where I keep money) I follow more secure rules, but this system helps me keep track of 90% of my passwords.