Your Digital Estate: Don’t Leave Loved Ones Locked Out
Have you set up your will or trust? If so, great! Named beneficiaries for your retirement accounts and life insurance? If you have, you’re on a roll.
Now, how about your online accounts? Hmmm…
A trusted loved one will need to access those accounts in an emergency. And if you are the trusted loved one for a close friend or family member, you’ll want to know that information when the time comes.
The best way to give your loved ones peace of mind about your digital estate: Make a list. Consider these categories:
- Desktop and/or laptop computer login
- Online banking, billing and investments
- Insurance policies
- Medical and dental
- Utilities (electric, water, internet)
- Money transfer (PayPal, Venmo)
- Shopping
- Social media
- Streaming services
- Subscriptions (newspapers, magazines, blogs, music, gaming)
Important reminder! Also list your smartphone and/or tablet passcodes. It’s unlikely your loved ones will be able to get your device unlocked without them.
Once your list is complete, here’s what to do next:
- For every online account, list your username (it’s not always your email address) and your password.
- Place the list in a secure and easily accessible location like a fireproof safe. (If you use a password management program, be sure you put its name, URL and password in this secure location.) Note: Do not put this list in your will, which could become public record when filed.
- Tell a trusted loved one the secure location and, if necessary, its combination or key. Or, leave written instructions of the location’s whereabouts with the trusted individual.
When creating or updating your will and other parts of your estate plan, we hope you consider the role Vail Health has played in your life and how you can continue making a difference for years to come. Contact us at Foundation@vailhealth.org or (970) 569-7766 today to discuss your giving options.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of printing. The information in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.
