Beware the Cloud: How to BackUp Your Important Information

It is getting easier and easier to store all of your files and information in a way that makes them accessible virtually anywhere thanks to “the Cloud.” Here at iMoneyCoach we like life to be easier, but we also think about the “what ifs” and some solutions for them. So what if something happened to the Cloud and everything in it disappeared? What important information would you lose? How long would it take you to retrieve or re-compile that information?
Do you know what the Cloud is? If not, you may want to check out the description in Wikipedia. And then head over to this article about the potential dangers of using the Cloud (please note the dangers associated with Google!).
We would like to share some ideas with you for backing up your Google (and other application) files. Yes, it does take a little bit of time, but spending a couple minutes here and there could save you a ton of stress and time in the long run should anything happen to the Cloud.
How to Manually backup Google Calendar, Contacts, and Docs

• Export Google Calendars: These instructions show you how to save your Google Calendar to your computer as an .ical.zip, which you could open in Outlook if you needed to retrieve the information or upload to Google if your Calendar was wiped out.
• Export Google Contacts: This will show you how to save your contacts as a CVS file which you can also upload file to Outlook, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.).
• Download Google Docs to computer: If you are a fan of Google Docs, these instructions will help you download your docs to a computer so you have a back-up copy.
• Apps You Can Use to backup Google
• BackUpGoo – Backs up Google docs, contacts and calendars to PC. Money back guarantee, not too expensive and has free trial. Google does have Google Drive (see below) which now connects to your PC, but we are looking at the big picture of “what if something happens to Google?” and you might want to consider having a separate app/company to back up your information.
• Backupify – Backs up Google Apps and social media accounts. It is actually another cloud but does allow local download and prices start at $3/month.
• Google Drive – dangerous in that it is still a Google program, but it can sync with files on your PC so you can easily create a backup. Comes with 5GB of free storage and offers more for a fee. This page shares how to select which files sync.

We have said it before, but here at iMoneyCoach we are not out to scare you. It is wise to be vigilant and prepared so that if the worst happens you will come out ahead. While there are many options out there that are meant to “make life easier,” be sure that you know what will happen if those options fail and have a backup plan in place so that you do not lose time and money in the long run.