Chapter 8: Managing Your Accounts, Passwords, and Subscriptions
Modern digital life requires accounts, passwords, and subscriptions. This can feel confusing and overwhelming. This chapter explains what these are and how to manage them in a simple, organized way.
1. What Is an Account?
An account is your personal entry point into a digital service.
Think of an account like:
A membership card
A personal mailbox
A key to your digital room
You usually create an account for email, banking, healthcare portals, streaming TV, and shopping.
Most accounts require two things:
an email address and a password.
2. What Is a Password?
A password is the key that keeps others out of your account.
Think of a password like:
The key to your front door
The combination to a safe
The PIN for your ATM card
Good passwords protect your money, photos, and private messages.
You do not need complicated passwords for everything.
You do need unique passwords for important accounts like banking and email.
3. The Problem: Too Many Passwords
Many seniors feel frustrated because:
Every service wants a password
Password rules are confusing
It is hard to remember many passwords
This is normal. Even technology professionals struggle with this.
The goal is not perfection.
The goal is a simple system that works for you.
4. A Simple System for Passwords
Here is a straightforward approach that works well for many people:
Use three levels of passwords:
Important accounts
Email, banking, healthcare portals.
These should have strong, unique passwords.
Everyday accounts
Shopping, streaming TV, newsletters.
These can share a simpler password.
Low-risk accounts
Forums, games, or websites you rarely use.
These can use a basic password or be avoided entirely.
You do not need a different password for every single website if it is not important.
5. Where to Store Passwords
You should never rely only on memory.
Common safe options:
A written notebook kept in a secure place at home
A password manager app (we can set this up for you)
A trusted family member or advisor who knows how to access them in emergencies
For many seniors, a simple password notebook is the easiest and most practical solution.
6. What Are Subscriptions?
A subscription is a service you pay for regularly, usually monthly or yearly.
Examples:
Netflix or streaming TV
Music services
Cloud storage
Newspapers and magazines
Software or security services
Think of subscriptions like utility bills or magazine deliveries.
They continue until you cancel them.
7. Why Subscriptions Can Become Confusing
Subscriptions are easy to start and easy to forget.
Over time, people may pay for:
Services they no longer use
Duplicate services
Free trials that turned into paid plans
This can quietly waste money.
8. A Simple Subscription Organization System
Once or twice a year, review your subscriptions.
Ask:
Do I use this?
Is it worth the cost?
Is there a simpler or cheaper option?
Write subscriptions in a list with:
Service name
Cost
How often it charges
How to cancel
This list can be kept with your password notebook.
9. Accounts as Part of Your Digital Estate
Accounts and passwords are part of your personal records, just like:
Bank accounts
Insurance policies
Legal documents
It is helpful for a trusted person to know:
Where your password list is stored
How to access critical accounts if needed
This is not about loss of control.
It is about preparedness and peace of mind.
10. A Calm Philosophy for Accounts and Passwords
You do not need to be perfect.
You do not need to follow every technical rule.
A practical approach is enough:
Keep important passwords secure
Write things down in a safe place
Review subscriptions occasionally
Ask for help when needed
A Simple Guiding Idea
Passwords are keys. Accounts are rooms. Subscriptions are ongoing bills.
Your job is to keep the keys organized and the bills intentional.
What’s Next
Chapter 9: Online Safety and Scams—How to Stay Safe Without Becoming Afraid
We’ll explain common scams, warning signs, and simple safety rules to protect your money and privacy.