There’s no question that LastPass has saved me a lot of time – and headache – by remembering and filling passwords for me. But I’ve found that there is lots of information besides passwords that I need to access and use in my day-to-day life, online and off. Whether I’m booking our next family vacation, submitting medical forms at a new doctor’s office, or filling out a job application, there are all sorts of details that I need to have on hand, sometimes when I least expect it.
Why store more than passwords in LastPass?
With templates for many different types of information, LastPass is the perfect place for me to store all those other details. Rather than rifling through stacks of papers or worrying about losing or damaging important documents when I carry them in my purse, I can keep secure, digital records that go everywhere with me!
A few reasons I store digital records in LastPass:
- No matter where I am or what device I’m using – from a work computer, to my Chromebook, iPad, or Android phone – I know I can always log in to LastPass to access information
- Sensitive details are encrypted, so I know they’re safe
- Even if I don’t have WiFi or a data connection, I can log into LastPass offline and view the data I need
- Because we both use LastPass, I can share everything with my husband in a Shared Folder so we both can access and use the stored records
What items to store in your vault
When it comes to organizing your family’s important information, here’s what I recommend storing in LastPass for extra convenience:
Passports
If you’re booking a trip, especially internationally, you’ll likely be asked for your passport information. Rather than searching through a file cabinet or stack of papers, having a digital record of it ensures you can quickly look up or copy-paste the details you need.
In LastPass, use the “Passport” option to store each family member’s passport. You can even use upload a photocopy or picture of the passport as an “attachment” to the note.
Driver’s License
You may carry your driver’s license in your wallet, but there are other times besides driving where you may need to look up your license number. Filling out job applications, applying to rent an apartment, booking flights, or renting a car are all situations where your driver’s license may be requested. A quick search in the vault for your license ID is much more convenient.
In LastPass, use the “Driver’s License” option to store each family member’s license information. Again, you can upload a photocopy or picture of the license to the note,
Payment Cards
If you’re like me, you probably do just as much shopping online as you do in real life, if not more. Just in the last week, my online purchases have ranged from a housewarming gift to a delivery meal for friends with a new baby to everyday household essentials and even a new bookcase. Every purchase requires entering my credit card and billing address. With those details saved in LastPass, it’s just a few clicks to complete the checkout process.
In LastPass, use the “Payment Card” option to store all debit cards or credit cards.
Social Security Numbers
It’s not often you’ll need to use your Social Security number, but having it stored for every member of the family makes it easier on the rare occasions it does come up. I have my number memorized, of course, but haven't memorized the numbers for my other family members. When I need to reference it for signing into a financial account or filling out a medical form, it’s so much easier to look it up in LastPass than to try calling my husband or go hunting in our paper files.
In LastPass, use the “Social Security Number” option to store each family member’s SSN.
Insurance Cards
Though you may carry your medical, dental, and other insurance cards in your wallet, there may be other times when a digital record is handy. Having a record in LastPass makes it easier to copy-paste the ID number and other details if it’s requested on any forms.
In LastPass, use the “Health Insurance” option to store details on your insurance cards.
Using LastPass as a Convenient Vault for Everything Else
If you have other family members – or even roommates or friends – who may need access to those records, too, you can share them via LastPass. In LastPass Families, a Shared Folder is a convenient way to share many records with others.
Of course, the list above is just a small sample of the types of information you can – and should! - store in LastPass for added convenience. Other pieces of information you may want to add to LastPass include: addresses (think billing and shipping), WiFi passwords, bank accounts, membership numbers, security questions and answers, prescriptions, and information for computers and important devices.
Your LastPass vault is the perfect place to store anything you may need to look up or want to ensure you have a secure digital record of. Set aside some time to add these important details to LastPass for added convenience and peace of mind going forward.
