Have you ever wondered what would happen to your online accounts if something unexpected happened to you?

Think about it: your bank and investment accounts, digital tax records, email inbox, and maybe even some cryptocurrency or NFTs—all part of your financial life, all stored online. Would your spouse be able to access your accounts to pay the mortgage? Would your kids know about your investments? Without a plan in place, your loved ones might be left in the dark.

That’s where digital legacy planning comes in. It’s an essential (and often overlooked) part of modern estate planning. Let’s walk through what it is, why it matters, and how to get started.

What Counts as a Digital Financial Asset?

We manage more of our financial lives online than ever before. Your digital financial assets might include:

• Online bank and investment accounts
• Digital copies of tax returns
• Online bill-pay systems
• Email accounts with financial info
• Digital accounting software for your business
• Cryptocurrency wallets and exchange accounts
• NFTs and other blockchain-based assets

Even accounts like cloud storage or social media can hold important information or sentimental value, so it’s worth including them in your planning.

Keep in mind: crypto assets require extra care. They often rely on private keys or seed phrases. If that info gets lost, the assets could be gone forever.

How to Create a Digital Legacy Plan

Make an Inventory

Start with a list of your online accounts—especially financial ones. Include:

• Account names and URLs
• Usernames and password hints (but not passwords themselves)
• Security questions
• Two-factor authentication details

Update this list regularly and store it securely—either electronically with encryption or in a physical safe place.

For crypto, include wallet names and locations (like a hardware wallet), but never write down your private keys in this list. Instead, leave instructions on where those keys can be found.

Name a Digital Executor

Choose someone you trust to manage your digital assets if you pass away. Ideally, pick someone comfortable with financial and tech matters. Give them legal authority in your will to access and manage both financial and personal digital accounts.

Update Your Power of Attorney (POA)

A POA allows someone to act on your behalf while you’re alive but unable to manage things yourself.

• Ask your attorney to include specific language that gives your agent the right to manage digital assets.
• Standard POAs often don’t cover digital stuff well—make sure yours does.
• If your digital life is complex, consider a separate POA just for these accounts.

Leave Clear Instructions

Spell out how to access your accounts, where digital documents are stored, and what to do with things like email accounts, cloud storage, or crypto holdings. The clearer your instructions, the less guesswork your loved ones will face.

Store Everything Safely

Options include a safe deposit box, an encrypted digital vault, or working with an attorney who offers secure document storage. Some online services specialize in digital legacy planning—ask us for recommendations if you're curious.

Check with Financial Institutions

Some banks and investment firms now let you assign beneficiaries or grant account access upon your death. Check to see what your providers offer—and take advantage of these features.

Review Your Plan Regularly

Life changes—your digital legacy plan should, too. Set a yearly reminder to review and update your list, especially after big life events like a new job, a move, or opening a new account.

Talk to Your Loved Ones

Let them know you’ve made a digital legacy plan and where to find the information when it’s needed. These conversations can bring clarity and prevent stress later.

Legal Notes to Keep in Mind

Digital assets exist in a gray area legally. Here’s what you need to know:

• Laws around digital accounts vary by state.
• Some financial institutions have rules that limit access unless specific authorization is provided.
• Privacy laws can complicate things without proper documentation.
• Crypto and NFTs are especially complex—some countries don’t recognize them as inheritable assets.

Working with an estate planning attorney who understands digital assets is the best way to make sure your plan is solid and legal.

What Happens If You Don’t Plan?

Without a digital legacy plan, your family could struggle to access key financial accounts—or even lose them entirely. Unattended digital accounts can be vulnerable to identity theft or rack up fees that drain your estate. And if you own cryptocurrency, the risk is even higher: without the right keys or instructions, those assets could be lost forever.

Give Your Loved Ones Peace of Mind

Digital legacy planning might not be the most exciting item on your to-do list, but it’s one of the most loving. It saves your family from stress, confusion, and financial loss. And it helps ensure that the wealth you’ve built—online and off—ends up exactly where you want it.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. For personalized guidance, consult a professional financial advisor.