A Guide to Legacy Planning for the Digital Age

If something happened to you tomorrow—who would know how to access your most important accounts? Who could find your bank logins, your estate documents, or even just your phone passcode?

In an increasingly digital world, legacy planning isn't just about wills and life insurance—it's about making sure someone you trust can access your digital life in a secure and intentional way. Below are three approaches—Good, Better, and Best—for sharing critical information if you're suddenly unavailable.

Good: The "Basic But Better Than a Post-it" Method

Sometimes simple wins. If you don’t have time to set up software or complex systems, you can still put some safeguards in place.

• Create a digital document (a PDF or Word doc) listing your key accounts and instructions. Think: Apple ID, banking logins, insurance info, and where to find your will.

• Store this file securely in a place like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox, and name it something unassuming. Or to avoid having to name your file something like “Grocery list” (which you will probably forget you called it), name it appropriately and add password protection to the file or folder.

• Share access with 1–2 trusted people or give them instructions on how to retrieve it if needed.

Better: Password Managers with Shared Access

Password managers like 1Password, Dashlane, or Bitwarden are great for keeping everything in one place—and making it accessible to others in case of emergency.

• Store all your passwords, secure notes (e.g., Social Security number, health insurance details), and credit card info.

• Designate a trusted contact and share your emergency recovery kit or master password with them securely.

• Ideally, choose someone both tech-savvy and close to your next of kin, so they can act as a bridge.

For example: I use 1Password, but my mom isn’t tech-savvy. So I gave the recovery codes to my trusted friend who she knows. If something happens, she’ll help walk my mom through getting access.

Best: Full Digital Legacy Planning Tools

Want a truly modern and proactive approach? Consider tools designed specifically for end-of-life digital access and legacy planning.

Platforms to explore:

• Everplans – Helps you create a secure end-of-life plan with everything from passwords to funeral preferences. You can assign “deputies” who get access at the appropriate time.

• GoodTrust – Lets you manage your digital assets and even assign who can control your online accounts after death.

• 1Password + Emergency Kit + Estate Plan – Combine your password manager with legal documentation. Make sure your estate plan or will references how to access your Emergency Kit.

While the “best” option is the gold standard, it can also be a heavy lift. The most important thing is to choose the path with the lowest barrier for you—while keeping in mind who will actually need to access your information.

For me, I went with the “better” option. My mom isn’t tech-savvy, and she’d be the one handling things, so the solution had to work for her, not just me. That meant skipping the most high-tech setup in favor of something simpler and more human.

Legacy planning isn’t really about us—it’s about making life easier for the people we leave behind.