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As our financial and social lives go digital, it’s becoming more important to think about how loved ones can access accounts in the event that the original user can’t.
According to experts, the first step is taking inventory. Then set a time to review regularly.
Experts recommend tax time as a good time to arrange an annual inventory check. People often have more accounts than they realize.
Once you have all of your accounts in one place, make a road map. A road map would be a list of all accounts, usernames, and passwords. However, they do suggest withholding sensitive information from a person’s will.
“If you’re writing in the will, indicate that a road map exists and where to find it. But don’t put passwords [or] usernames in a will. That’s a public document,” said Rachel Sheedy, Kiplinger.
Some internet companies, including Google and Facebook, already have built-in features to control data after death.
Cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin can be lost for good if a person doesn’t leave instructions on how to access the private key.
Experts suggested using a hardware wallet to secure Bitcoin and to keep that with your road map document in a safe deposit box.
Companies like Everplans and TrustedHeir specialize in digital estate planning. A password manager can also make things easier, by storing logins and passwords all in one place.
Many states have passed a uniform law that greatly increases individuals’ ability to control what happens to their digital assets after they die.
To learn more about this NBC story click here.
(KAIT/NBC) -
As our financial and social lives go digital, it's becoming more important to think about how loved ones can access accounts in the event that the original user can't.
According to experts, the first step is taking inventory. Then set a time to review regularly.
Experts recommend tax time as a good time to arrange an annual inventory check. People often have more accounts than they realize.
Once you have all of your accounts in one place, make a road map. A road map would be a list of all accounts, usernames, and passwords. However, they do suggest withholding sensitive information from a person's will.
"If you're writing in the will, indicate that a road map exists and where to find it. But don't put passwords [or] usernames in a will. That's a public document," said Rachel Sheedy, Kiplinger.
Some internet companies, including Google and Facebook, already have built-in features to control data after death.
Cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin can be lost for good if a person doesn't leave instructions on how to access the private key.
Experts suggested using a hardware wallet to secure Bitcoin and to keep that with your road map document in a safe deposit box.
Companies like Everplans and TrustedHeir specialize in digital estate planning. A password manager can also make things easier, by storing logins and passwords all in one place.
Many states have passed a uniform law that greatly increases individuals' ability to control what happens to their digital assets after they die.
To learn more about this NBC story click here.
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