President’s Message
Digital Legacy: Managing Your Online Accounts for the Future
In today’s connected world, we leave behind more than just photo albums and handwritten letters—we also leave digital footprints. From email and social media to online banking and cloud storage, our online lives are filled with information, memories, and even financial assets. But what happens to all of this after we’re gone?
That’s where digital legacy planning comes in. It’s about organizing and preparing your digital presence so your loved ones can access, manage, or close your accounts when the time comes.
What Is a Digital Legacy?
Your digital legacy includes everything you’ve created or stored online. This might involve:
- Email accounts (e.g., Gmail, Outlook)
- Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)
- Photo and video libraries
- Online banking and bill-pay services
- Financial accounts
- Shopping and subscription accounts (Amazon, Netflix)
- Password managers and digital wallets
While many people plan for physical assets in a will, digital assets often go unmentioned. Without clear instructions, families may struggle to access or even locate these important accounts.
Why Planning Matters
There are emotional, financial, and legal reasons to take your digital legacy seriously.
- Emotional: Your photos, messages, and stories are part of your life’s story. Giving loved ones access can offer comfort and help preserve your memory.
- Financial: Unmanaged accounts might result in lost funds, ongoing charges, or even identity theft.
- Legal: Some platforms restrict access to accounts after death, even for next of kin. Others may require court orders.
Being proactive can ease the burden on your family during a difficult time.
Steps to Manage Your Digital Legacy
1. Make a List of Accounts
Start by listing your most important digital accounts. Group them by category: email, banking, social media, subscriptions, and so on. Note which accounts are most important and what actions you’d want taken—such as deletion, memorialization, or transfer.
2. Use a Password Manager
If you don’t already use one, consider a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Roboform. Mac users have Apple’s Password app built in MacOS. These tools store login details securely and often allow you to name an emergency contact. This can make it much easier for someone to access your accounts if needed. Password managers allow access to all your devices so that they are all in sync. Some have free versions that may or may not limit access across devices or may do so for a trial period. The paid versions remove those limits and may allow multiple users thereby giving flexibility of use for a nominal annual cost. Browsers like Chrome or Edge offer password saving login username and password storage for free, but a down side is that if you save a password for example in Chrome, it is not available in another like Edge. Additionally saving it using one device, like your computer, may not transfer to your tablet or phone even using the same browser. If saved on your phone it may not transfer to your computer and tablet – bottom line is that your passwords saved for free in browsers can be scattered making things harder for you now and for someone else later on.
3. Assign a Digital Executor
Just as you might name an executor for your will, it’s smart to assign a “digital executor” to manage your online affairs. This can be formalized in a will or simply discussed with someone you trust. Make sure they know where your digital information is stored and how to access it.
4. Use Legacy Tools Offered by Platforms
Some major platforms offer tools specifically for this purpose:
- Google: The “Inactive Account Manager” lets you decide what happens to your Google data if your account becomes inactive.
- Apple: The Digital Legacy program lets you name contacts who can access your iCloud account and data.
- Facebook: You can designate a legacy contact to manage your memorialized profile or request deletion.
- Instagram: Offers options for account memorialization.
Take a few minutes to activate these settings where available.
5. Include Digital Wishes in Your Will
Although not all digital assets are legally treated the same as physical ones, it’s still a good idea to include digital instructions in your estate planning. Be specific about what you want done with your accounts and who should be responsible.
Consider making a video for your “significant other” and tell them everything they need to know in case something happens to you. Plus, the video will serve as a wonderful keepsake and a cherished memory.
6. Keep Everything Up to Date
Review your digital legacy every year or so, especially after major life changes like retirement, moving, or changing passwords (Password Manager apps make this easy.) Keeping your instructions and access details up to date will make things easier for your loved ones.
Checklist Planning Guide:
- Make sure your family knows how to access your smartphone (PIN)
- Make sure you have your usernames/passwords updated and stored somewhere safe that your family knows about
- Make sure your important documents (including pictures and videos!) are saved in the cloud so they are preserved for your family
- Make sure you have a recently updated Estate Plan
- Make sure you provide a list of all the important contacts that your family will need (your advisor, accountant, lawyer, doctor, etc.)
- Make sure that you have a complete inventory of any digital assets (crypto, etc.)
A Quick note about Windows 10
Microsoft makes Windows 10 extended security updates free, but there’s a catch:
Consumers will have to turn on Windows Backup if they want a year of free Windows 10
security updates.
Click here to read article
Members helping members,
Buddy Holt, President
Tellico Village Computer Users Club