Legacy Tips of the Week

Trivia Question❓

What does the term "intestate" mean in legacy planning?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

In today's digital age, considering your digital legacy is an essential aspect of comprehensive legacy planning. Your digital footprint encompasses everything from social media profiles and email accounts to online banking and digital assets. Failing to address these digital assets in your legacy plan can lead to complications and confusion for your loved ones after you're gone.

One crucial step in managing your digital legacy is creating an inventory of your online accounts and digital assets. This inventory should include login credentials, account information, and instructions for accessing and managing each account. Be sure to update this inventory regularly and keep it in a secure location that your executor or trusted family member can access when needed.

When planning your digital legacy, consider what you want to happen to your online presence after your passing. Do you want your social media profiles to remain active as a memorial, or would you prefer them to be deactivated? Are there digital assets such as photos, videos, or documents that you want to pass on to specific individuals or organizations?

Another important aspect of digital legacy planning is addressing digital privacy and security. Ensure that your executor or designated individual has the necessary permissions to access your digital accounts while also safeguarding sensitive information and protecting against identity theft.

Additionally, some online platforms offer tools and options for managing your digital legacy, such as designating a legacy contact on Facebook or setting up account trustees on certain financial platforms.

By incorporating digital legacy planning into your overall legacy plan, you can ensure that your online presence and digital assets are handled according to your wishes, providing clarity and peace of mind for your loved ones during a challenging time.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Intestate refers to a situation where a person dies without a valid will, leading to state laws determining the distribution of their assets.