SHOULD I CHANGE MY PASSWORD?

SHOULD I CHANGE MY PASSWORD??? 

Like a child, we often are more trusting than is prudent.  Like a child, we are often preoccupied with other things.  A child may innocently not see the consequences; but as adults, we can no longer use that excuse.

I tend to be set in my ways.  Are you?  The convenience of having a password memorized--knowing what it is makes life easier.  It is easy to sign up for some new website, newsletter, etc. and use the same user ID and password.  BUT, how can I be content that it has not been compromised?  How would I even remember all the sites and newsletters I've signed up for?  Have you had that feeling?

I have learned to create strong passwords.  I use combinations of UPPER CASE, lower case, numerals and characters above the numerals.  Personally, I NEVER use things related to me as passwords, such as dates of birth, family member names, personal address numbers, or pet's names.  However, I do look for a memory key in creating a password: MyGenkoTree! 1960Chevy*.

I have learned to use different passwords for key sites, such as my real estate, my banking, and my financial accounts.  My bank account password is exclusive, frequently changed, and unrelated to other things.

But, how can I know it is time to change a password?  The things that I might list would be indications that it is too late; so I take no chances, and change the critical password frequently. 

I have found a helpful website that is worth visiting.  Clark Howard ( http://www.clarkhoward.com/ ) mentioned it, and I checked it out.  You may wish to do so...  https://shouldichangemypassword.com/ .  Just type in your email address, and it will tell you if it has been compromised.  You do not disclose USER ID nor password.  It is not a fix-all, but may provide a little peace of mind.

I have learned to NEVER SHARE MY PASSWORDS.  I may hurt people's feelings, but NO, I WILL NOT GIVE YOU MY PASSWORD!  Many have shared passwords with girlfriends, boyfriends, sibblings, best friends, bosses, co-workers, and new acquaintants.  You know the horror stories--I do not need to enumerate them here.

After you change you password, GO LIST A HOME...