5 steps to safer passwords
1. If a site allows it, use two-step verification: Some sites allow you to set a password and then identify a photo of your choosing, others have passwords followed by secret questions
2. Use a mnemonic device or uncommon formula to create more secure passwords: I Love The 12th Man! becomes ILT12M!
3. Don't use the same password everywhere: Break passwords into groups like banking, email, social networking, shopping and frequently visited. Use a different master password for each, but add two letters to the end of each that are site specific. So ILT12M!fb would be for your Facebook account.
4. Use a password manager: LastPass, PasswordBox and 1Password are all good.
5. If all else fails write down your complicated passwords on a piece of paper, keep it in your wallet and set a reminder in your phone to change it at the beginning of each month.