Save Your Profile

After you have entered information into a few fields you should save your profile by clicking on the Save toolbar button () or choosing Save from the File menu.

Password Encryption

My Estate Organizer always saves your information in an encrypted file using modern AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption. The first time you save, you are asked if you want to encrypt your profile with your own password or use My Estate Organizer's built-in password. (Note: no matter which option you choose at this point, it is possible to change it later if you desire. See the 'Changing Your Profile's Current Password Settings' section of the bottom of this page).

Option 1: Use your own password...

Think of a password that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. Try substituting letters with characters and numbers. To make it easier on yourself, try to use numbers and characters that resemble the letters they are replacing (eg: 'r488it' instead of 'rabbit'). The best passwords are at least eight characters in length and use a combination of numbers and keyboard characters (with both upper and lower case letters).

ADVANTAGES of using your own password:

• Using your own password protects your information from others who may use it maliciously. It will not be possible for someone who has stolen your computer (or accessed it in some manner without your consent) to open your profile without your password.

• Have peace of mind knowing your information is safe no matter what happens to your computer.

DISADVANTAGES of using your own password:

• If you forget your password neither you or anyone else will be able to open your profile! DO NOT FORGET YOUR PASSWORD! Give your password to your financial advisor and trusted family members.

• Every time you open your profile you will be prompted to enter your password (a minor inconvenience).

Option 2: Use My Estate Organizer's built-in password...

If you choose this option My Estate Organizer will use its built-in password to encrypt your profile when you save. Also when opening your profile My Estate Organizer will automatically apply the built-in password to open it, so you will never be required to enter a password.

ADVANTAGES of using the built-in password:

• You won't need to create or remember a password.

• You won't need to enter a password when opening your profile. This may be convenient but it has its drawbacks (see below).

DISADVANTAGES of using the built-in password:

• If a malicious person gains access to your file, they could open it without needing a password, although they would need to use My Estate Organizer to do so. Other programs could not open your profile because it is encrypted. Only My Estate Organizer knows the default built-in password.

Changing Your Profile's Current Password Settings

If you ever want to apply your own password, change your password or have My Estate Organizer use the built-in password, choose Set Password... from the File menu.