"Yes, my account number is........."
November 2, 2011 7:10 AM Subscribe
Need help wrangling account numbers/logins
I'm currently in the process of transferring several bank and credit card accounts from one bank to another, paying off old bills, and signing up for a whole new set of web sites (e.g. to pay my rent and other bills online). As a result, I am swimming in a sea of pieces of paper with account numbers, invoice numbers, logins, and credit and debit card numbers. I would love to put this all into a spreadsheet, but I don't have Excel, and I'd rather not keep this much personal info in Google docs, which is my usual spreadsheet go-to. I'm currently considering Apple's spreadsheet app, but even that is $20. Is there any cheaper or more practical solution I'm missing?
I'm currently in the process of transferring several bank and credit card accounts from one bank to another, paying off old bills, and signing up for a whole new set of web sites (e.g. to pay my rent and other bills online). As a result, I am swimming in a sea of pieces of paper with account numbers, invoice numbers, logins, and credit and debit card numbers. I would love to put this all into a spreadsheet, but I don't have Excel, and I'd rather not keep this much personal info in Google docs, which is my usual spreadsheet go-to. I'm currently considering Apple's spreadsheet app, but even that is $20. Is there any cheaper or more practical solution I'm missing?
Best answer: KeepassX is an open source cross-platform password manager that I've been using for a couple of years. You might want to check it out and see if it works for you.
posted by arcticseal at 7:23 AM on November 2, 2011
posted by arcticseal at 7:23 AM on November 2, 2011
I keep all that sort of info in a simple encrypted text document. Gedit for Linux makes it easy, I assume there is something comparable for Windows or Mac.
posted by COD at 7:36 AM on November 2, 2011
posted by COD at 7:36 AM on November 2, 2011
I like things like 1Password for that. What if your computer is stolen?
posted by Admiral Haddock at 7:38 AM on November 2, 2011
posted by Admiral Haddock at 7:38 AM on November 2, 2011
If it's not imperative that you store this info in a spreadsheet format, you should just use apple's built-in keychain access app, which has secure storage for internet logins and text notes. If you have to have a spreadsheet, use LibreOffice or apple's Numbers to create the spreadsheet and store it in an encrypted disk image (DMG file, created through the disk utility app) to protect the contents.
posted by Chris4d at 9:44 AM on November 2, 2011
posted by Chris4d at 9:44 AM on November 2, 2011
BTW keychain access is free and already installed, ditto disk utility. LibreOffice is free, Keepassx is free, 1Password is $50.
posted by Chris4d at 9:46 AM on November 2, 2011
posted by Chris4d at 9:46 AM on November 2, 2011
Seconding LibreOffice on the Mac for spreadsheets. Also try LastPass for logins. Free or $1 per month. Free version has served me well for several years. Works with all browsers.
posted by webhund at 4:56 PM on November 2, 2011
posted by webhund at 4:56 PM on November 2, 2011
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posted by reptile at 7:19 AM on November 2, 2011