We use sunscreen for our skin, insurance for our homes, and locks on our doors all for the same reason – to protect. Because we recognize that what is valuable deserves protection.
However, one area many people don’t protect and overlook is their digital life.
Today, much of what we own, manage, or store exists online. Financial accounts, photos, social media profiles, cloud storage, and even business assets often live entirely in digital form. Without a plan, these assets can be difficult or sometimes even impossible for loved ones to access.
Just like sunscreen helps prevent damage before it happens, a little planning can help protect your digital assets and make things much easier for your family in the future.
Take Inventory of Your Digital Assets
If you haven’t considered your digital assets before, the best place to start is by making a list of what you have. This might include online bank and investment accounts, cryptocurrency or digital wallets, email accounts, social media profiles, cloud storage platforms, and any online businesses or domain names you own.
Creating a simple inventory helps ensure your loved ones know what exists and where to begin if they ever need to manage your accounts.
“They helped us determine the right solution for our family and dealt with every detail in a friendly and professional manner.” – David
Store Login Information Securely
Knowing an account exists is only part of the equation. If no one can access it, it may effectively be lost.
Using a secure password manager can help you organize login credentials safely. You can also make sure a trusted person, or your estate planning attorney, knows how to locate or access that information if necessary.
Name Someone to Handle Your Digital Accounts
Your estate plan can designate someone to manage your digital accounts if something happens to you. This person may be responsible for closing accounts, preserving important files, or managing online financial assets.
Being clear in this can help avoid delays and make it easier for your loved ones to carry out your wishes.
“They took the time to explain everything and make sure we understood our options before moving forward.” – Naomi
Review Legacy Settings on Your Accounts
Many online platforms (Facebook, Apple, Google etc.) now allow users to set up legacy access in advance. For example, some services allow you to designate a contact who can manage or memorialize your account if you pass away.
If you are interested in how to create a legacy contact, click here to read our blog with a set by step process.
Taking advantage of these features is another way to build security and make this process much smoother for your family.
Include Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan
Finally, make sure your digital assets are addressed in your estate planning documents. If you have digital assets it is important to mention that to your estate planning attorney. Proper planning can give your executor the authority needed to access accounts, manage digital property, and carry out your instructions.
Without these provisions, families can run into privacy laws or platform policies that make access difficult.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
We often think about protecting our physical belongings, but our digital lives deserve the same attention, especially in 2026. Taking a few simple steps now can help prevent unnecessary stress and confusion for the people you care about most.
A little digital sunscreen today can go a long way in protecting what matters tomorrow.
If you have questions about how your digital accounts fit into your estate plan, we’re here to help. Schedule a free discovery call with our team to learn how you can protect your digital assets and make things easier for your loved ones.
“What seemed overwhelming was broken down into choices and explained.” – Marain
