Week 17:  Digital afterlife:  Managing online accounts

Today's lesson is a topic that touches on loss and grief - experiences we've all faced or will face in our lives. Today's focus is on the practical, technical side of things,  the steps and tools that can make a difficult time a little bit easier for our families. Our lesson does not cover the emotional journey of loss, which is deeply personal and different for everyone. Instead, we will learn practical life skills, much like knowing how to change a tire or balance a checkbook. The goal of today's lesson is to give you confidence and concrete steps you can take, both to prepare your own digital life and to help when someone you care about passes away. Remember that planning ahead is one of the most caring gifts we can give our loved ones.

Step 4: Save Digital Memories

• Download photos and videos

• Archive important messages

• Create a digital memorial or tribute site

This Week

• Choose a digital executor

• Set up a password manager or make a password list

• Start your inventory of accounts

• Set up a legacy contact for Facebook or Google

Each Month

• Add any new accounts to your list

• Check that everything is still up to date

Every Year

• Review your plan

• Talk with your family about where everything is kept

Talk to a lawyer about adding digital assets to your will. You can also ask a trusted friend or family member to help organize your accounts.

By making a digital plan now, you’re giving your loved ones a wonderful gift — peace of mind and a smoother path through a difficult time.

Digital Asset Inventory Worksheet

Use this worksheet to list your most important accounts and where their login information is stored.

Email Accounts:

________________________________________

________________________________________

Social Media Accounts:

________________________________________

________________________________________

Bank or Financial Accounts:

________________________________________

________________________________________

Shopping & Subscription Accounts:

________________________________________

________________________________________

Cloud Storage Accounts:

________________________________________

________________________________________

Where passwords are stored:

________________________________________

________________________________________

Legal Planning for Your Digital Life Worksheet

Add digital assets to your will and name a digital executor. Use this checklist to get started.

☐ Include digital assets in your will

☐ Name a digital executor

☐ Write out clear instructions for your digital accounts

☐ Store passwords or master password securely

☐ Talk with your attorney about RUFADAA (a digital access law)

Managing Accounts After Death Worksheet

Every platform has its own process. Here's where to go for each:

• Gmail: https://support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/6357590

• Yahoo: https://help.yahoo.com/kb/SLN2021.html

• Outlook: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/accessing-outlook-com-onedrive-and-other-microsoft-services-when-someone-has-died-ebbd2860-917e-4b39-9913-212362da6b2f

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/help/1506822589577997

• Instagram: https://help.instagram.com/231764660354188

• Twitter/X: https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies/contact-twitter-about-a-deceased-family-members-account

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a570279

Backups and Password Managers Worksheet

Keep your data safe and accessible by using strong backups and password management tools.

☐ Use the 3-2-1 backup rule (3 copies, 2 types, 1 offsite)

☐ Set up a password manager (like LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden)

☐ Create an emergency access plan for your password manager

☐ Back up important files to a USB or external hard drive

TIP: Make sure a trusted person knows how to access your master password.

Helpful websites:

• Everplans – https://everplans.com

• Clocr – https://clocr.com

• GoodTrust – https://mygoodtrust.com

Glossary:

• Digital Executor – A person you assign to handle your online accounts after death.

• Legacy Contact – Someone chosen to manage a social media account after you pass.

• RUFADAA – A law that helps your digital executor access your accounts (if you’ve allowed it).