Death is difficult. The loss of a loved one can feel like torture. No one ever plans for something like this to happen. Planning for death seems like it should be the furthest thing from our minds when you, or a loved one falls ill or ages. Yet, planning for death is one of the most important and healthy steps to take along the journey of life. Getting our affairs in order is vital. It’s hard to know what to plan out and what one should gather; we can help with that. As we have entered the Digital Age, much of our lives can be found online and housed within information technology. Getting your technology affairs in order must now be considered in this process.
Tracking, maintaining, and sorting your digital life or a loved one’s digital life can be easy if it is planned ahead, but if it is left behind or a forgotten step, it can become a daunting nightmare to work through. Technology has created an infinite legacy of data and timelines belonging to an individual. Social media accounts, bank accounts, data dumps and storage, calendars, contacts, audio and visual accounts and so much more can lie within the cloud. There are browser-based accounts, downloadable local accounts and mobile applications that all require login information. Could you imagine trying to hack or crack the codes of all of these accounts while either gaining control over them after a loved one has passed, or turning off auto-payments? It’s a never-ending nightmare, you try to escape that world-wide spider web, but you will be caught forever.
1. Keep a list of your digital accounts
It might be a good idea to keep a spreadsheet or a written list of each account you create online.
2. Categorize your list
Make sure to label what kind of account you create. You may want to list all of your social media accounts first, then your accounts that have banking information attached and when those accounts auto-renew.
3. Password Management-Keep your passwords safe, secure and organized
Always make sure you keep them up-to date. When you change your password, update your list. Don’t keep this list easily accessible to others or in a place where it could get stolen.
4. Consider a legacy contact
Social media accounts like Facebook offer the option to create a legacy contact.
If you or your loved ones are uncomfortable talking through these affairs, let us help. Please contact us at 1-772-485-7432 to schedule an appointment, or email us at: therednotebookproject@gmail.com