Prepare now for the inevitable, and the unexpected

Let’s be honest, planning for the unexpected, or the inevitable, isn’t something most of us are eager to do. It can feel uncomfortable or even overwhelming. But in our tech-driven world, skipping this step creates real challenges for the people we care about most.

These days, our lives are powered by devices and digital accounts. From online banking and bill pay to email, photo storage, streaming services, and even grocery deliveries, so much of what we do happens online.

And that’s convenient . . . until it’s not.

Unlike in the past, many of us don’t have stacks of paper or handwritten notebooks that tell someone how to manage things when we’re not around. That digital silence can make an already difficult time even harder for loved ones who are left trying to figure out what to do next.

The financial impact alone can be huge. Right after someone passes, families are often faced with more than $12,000 in immediate expenses — funerals, household bills, legal help, and more. Settling the estate can take well over a year.

And when important information is locked behind passwords or hidden in online accounts, it drags things out even further.

To make matters more complicated, many people don’t have a will in place. And even if they do, online accounts often come with fine print that prevents anyone else, even a spouse, from accessing them. Without a plan, some families have to go to court just to retrieve photos or access email. And that process can take months and cost thousands.

The good news? You can make things easier by taking a few simple steps now to organize your digital legacy.

1 - Make sure someone can access your devices

Your phone or computer holds the keys to almost everything: email, important documents, photos, contacts, and more. If no one can get in, they’re locked out of everything.

During the pandemic, many families discovered that face recognition doesn’t always work, especially if someone’s appearance changes due to illness or an accident. Obtaining access can be expensive and might not even be successful, even with a court order.

You can avoid all that by making sure someone you trust can unlock your devices. That might mean sharing a password, adding their face or fingerprint to your phone, or leaving instructions somewhere safe. And don’t overlook helpful features like Medical ID or Emergency Contacts on your phone. These can give first responders quick access to critical information.

2 - Keep track of your passwords

Without access to your accounts, loved ones might miss bills, lose meaningful photos, or keep paying for services you’re no longer using. A written list is better than nothing, but a secure password manager is even better. These tools let you store login info safely, and they can also generate strong passwords to ensure you use unique passwords for every online account.

And keep in mind, having the password to a bank account is NOT the same as having appropriate legal authority to access a financial account. Every financial institution has its own rules. It’s best to let your loved ones know they’ll need to contact those institutions directly and follow their process.

3 - Use built-in legacy features

Platforms like Apple, Dropbox, Facebook, and Google allow you to assign someone as a “legacy contact.” It’s a simple setup, and it grants your chosen person access to your account if something happens to you. Similar to beneficiary forms for a bank account, these designations will override instructions provided in a will.

If you don’t make these designations, loved ones might have to deal with the heartbreak of losing access to treasured memories or spending significant money to pursue access to your data.

Taking a little time now to organize your digital life is one of the most loving things you can do. It spares your family from additional emotional and financial burdens during an already difficult time. And it provides them with space to grieve, support one another, and start to heal.

Your legacy isn’t just about the things you leave behind. It’s also about the peace you give to the people you love.

Source: Kate Hufnagel; NAPO Blog