Some programs on linux that use configuration files, want me to enter my password in plain text in one of their configuration files. For example newsbeauter, the rss reader wants me to enter my google account password in a ~/.newsbeauter/config if I want to read google reader feeds. Mutt also sort of wants a password in a text file, but gives an option of entering it on every login.

Is there any secure workaround to storing a password in a config file like that (eg for newsbeauter)? I was thinking of running the app as root, but that doesn't seem right. Or somehow creating and deleting the file everytime I use the app.

Any ideas?