https://lastpass.com/index.phpUse passwords with letters, numbers and special symbols. Generate passwords as long as the website you are signing up for can handle. I use generated passwords between the size of 30 characters and 50. Be sure to choose a master password that is easy for you to remember but hard to guess and brute force.
http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/google_chrome_portable/Install this on a usb drive and install the chrome plugin for lastpass. ONLY visit websites that are bitcoin related using this. This will minimize contamination of the host computer by leaving your browsing information and history on the usb drive.
https://store.yubico.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=25&osCsid=973cdb9a5d62ca6b5618b6408c1f9e2bGet a 2 factor authentaction device from above. This one works with LastPass. You get the Yubikey and a 1 year premium account with LastPass which allows you a lot more features than the free version.
http://www.sandisk.com/products/usb-flash-drives/cruzer-glide-usb-flash-driveGet an 8 gig stick. Walmart sells them for 10 bucks.
http://www.sandisk.com/misc/secure-accessInstall and activate encryption on your usb drive. Use the software that comes with the usb drive or find one that suits you. Make sure it is PORTABLE and doesn't rely on the host computer.
https://www.bitaddress.orgGenerate a paper wallet and store your savings there. Find more information on this forum regarding paper wallets. Create a brain wallet if you want but store your bulk of coins you are not trading or spending offline. A SAVINGS IS A MUST. The value of Bitcoin is only going to go up so be sure to save!
http://ecdsa.org/electrum/Use a thin client on your usb drive and use a password to encrypt the private keys. Use this as your spending address. Do NOT use web wallets. Your private keys are stored on some servers.
These are all the tools I use and what i have learned over the past year. And above all....
TRUST NO ONE! There is SOME trust you have to give but be cautious, use your brain, do not assume.
READ READ READ.
Good luck in the future! What is your payment address? I don't have a lot of coin but I can shoot some your way. Someone was nice to toss me coin when I lost some of mine in a scam. I know how it feels!!!!!
GOOD LUCK!