Most estate plans focus on homes, investments, and other physical or financial assets. But today, many of us also hold years of memories, accounts, and value online — and without a plan, loved ones may struggle to find or access it after we’re incapacitated or gone.
What Counts as a Digital Asset?
More than social media. Think:
- Email and social media accounts
- Online banking and investment accounts
- Digital photos, videos, and cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
- Cryptocurrency and digital wallets
- Websites, blogs, and online businesses
- Subscriptions and password manager accounts
- Business or professional files
Some carry real financial value; others matter for sentimental reasons. Both deserve a place in your plan.
What Is a Legacy Contact?
A legacy contact is someone you designate to help manage certain digital accounts and assets after your death or if you become unable to manage them yourself. This person can help carry out your wishes, such as preserving important files and memories, closing accounts, or helping loved ones access information. However, simply naming a legacy contact does not automatically give them legal authority to access or manage every account, which is why digital assets should also be addressed as part of your broader estate plan.
Why a Password List Isn’t Enough
Handing someone a spreadsheet of logins feels simple, but providers have their own after-death procedures, two-factor authentication complicates access, and information is often scattered across platforms. A real plan addresses both what you have and how you want it handled.
Building Your Plan
Inventory what matters — not every account you’ve ever created, just what’s important to your family, finances, or business: financial accounts, crypto, email, cloud storage, social media, websites, key documents, subscriptions, password managers, and devices.
Decide the outcome for each: transfer, close, preserve, download, or delete.
Choose the right people. A family member might handle photos and social accounts; your attorney or advisor might handle financial assets. Make sure everyone knows what to do and where to find what they need.
Keep it current. Accounts, passwords, and wishes all change — revisit your inventory periodically and keep it aligned with your broader estate plan.
Don’t Leave Your Family Guessing
Your digital footprint is bigger than you think. A little organization now can spare your family real stress later — and help ensure your memories, money, and wishes are handled the way you intended.
Digital assets are one piece of the puzzle. Our Wealth Management team can help you build a complete plan — contact us to get started.
