Our digital lives play a huge role in who we are today, covering everything from social media and online banking to our cherished photos and important documents. Yet, many of us don't think about what happens to these digital treasures after we're gone.

Recent events in my life have highlighted the importance of having a digital will and including your digital assets in your estate planning. In today's world, a digital will is no longer just a nice-to-have; it is as essential as a traditional will.

Similar to how a traditional will takes care of our physical belongings, a digital will, or digital estate plan, guides how you'd like your online accounts and data handled after you pass away. This way, your digital legacy can be taken care of how you want, and it helps your loved ones access important information and those special memories you've created.

Why is a Digital Will Important?

• Access to Information: Ensures loved ones can access financial accounts, emails, social media, and cloud storage.

• Privacy and Control: You can choose which accounts to delete, memorialize, or deactivate.

• Protecting Loved Ones: Helps ensure your family can manage bills and access cherished memories.

• Preserving Memories: Control who can manage your social media and important files.

• Avoiding Legal Battles: Prevent disputes over account access.

• Preventing Identity Theft: Protect your accounts from unauthorized access.

What Are Digital Assets?

Digital assets include online accounts like social media, banking, emails, photos, documents, and more. Even accounts without significant monetary value can require access for deletion or memorialization.

Creating Your Digital Will

1. Inventory Your Accounts: List all online accounts and important files.

2. Delete inactive accounts: Clean up old accounts you no longer use or need.

3. Gather Account Information: Note usernames, passwords, and security details.

4. Determine Your Wishes: Decide if accounts should be deleted, transferred, memorialized, or closed.

5. Select Your Digital Executor: Choose a trusted individual to manage your digital estate.

6. Document Your Wishes: Communicate your preferences clearly and use templates if needed.

7. Store Information Securely: Keep a physical and digital copy in safe locations, like a password manager or a safe deposit box.

Creating a digital will may feel overwhelming, but it is essential for protecting your digital legacy and ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of. By planning and organizing your online affairs, you can provide peace of mind for both yourself and your family.

This post is the first in a series of resources I will be creating on digital estate planning. Upcoming items include a digital will template, a step-by-step eBook, and a course on creating a digital will. Please let me know in the comments what other resources or information you would like on this topic.