Digital legacy planning

{{whyLabel}}: You cannot protect what you haven't documented; your heirs need a map of your digital existence.

{{howLabel}}:

• List all categories: Financial (banking, crypto), Social Media, Communication (email), Cloud Storage (photos, docs), and Subscriptions.
• Use a simple spreadsheet or a secure note in a password manager.
• Do not write down passwords here; only the service name and the associated email address.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A complete list of at least 15-20 primary digital services is documented.

{{whyLabel}}: Not all accounts are equal; some require immediate action (banking) while others are sentimental (photos).

{{howLabel}}:

• Label each item as 'Critical' (Financial/Legal), 'Sentimental' (Photos/Videos), or 'Disposable' (Shopping/Forums).
• Identify which accounts have monetary value (e.g., PayPal balances, Reward points, Crypto wallets).
• Mark accounts that will cause identity theft risks if left unattended.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Every item in your inventory has a priority tag and a basic 'action intent' (e.g., 'Delete' or 'Transfer').

{{whyLabel}}: Google provides a native way to share data or delete your account after a period of inactivity.

{{howLabel}}:

• Go to 'myaccount.google.com' and search for 'Inactive Account Manager'.
• Set a timeout period (e.g., 3 or 6 months of inactivity).
• Add up to 10 trusted contacts who will receive a link to download specific data (Drive, Photos, Gmail).
• Decide if the account should be deleted after the data is shared.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The Inactive Account Manager status is 'On' with at least one verified contact.

{{whyLabel}}: Apple's 'Digital Legacy' program allows designated people to access your iCloud data after your passing without needing your passcode.

{{howLabel}}:

• On iPhone/Mac: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Legacy Contact.
• Choose a trusted person and share the unique Access Key with them.
• Inform them that they will need this key and your death certificate to request access.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A Legacy Contact is added and the Access Key is securely shared or printed.

{{whyLabel}}: This allows someone to manage your memorialized profile, pin a final post, or respond to new friend requests.

{{howLabel}}:

• Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control.
• Select 'Memorialization' and choose a friend or family member.
• Decide whether to allow them to download a copy of your Facebook data.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A Legacy Contact is selected and notified via the platform.

{{whyLabel}}: A password manager is the single most effective tool for digital legacy, as it holds the 'keys to the kingdom'.

{{howLabel}}:

• Choose a reputable service (e.g., Bitwarden for open-source, or 1Password).
• Import all credentials from browsers or old lists.
• Ensure every account has a unique, strong password.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All primary accounts from your inventory are stored in the password manager.

{{whyLabel}}: This feature allows a trusted person to request access to your entire vault if you don't respond within a set timeframe.

{{howLabel}}:

• In Bitwarden or 1Password, navigate to 'Emergency Access' or 'Family Organizer' settings.
• Invite your digital executor via their email address.
• Set a 'Wait Time' (e.g., 7 days) before access is granted to prevent unauthorized access while you are alive.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: An emergency contact has accepted the invitation and the wait period is configured.

{{whyLabel}}: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) can lock out heirs even if they have your password. Recovery codes are the only bypass.

{{howLabel}}:

• For every critical account (Email, Finance), go to Security settings and 'Download Recovery Codes'.
• Store these codes digitally in your password manager's 'Secure Notes' or print them for a physical folder.
• Do not rely on SMS 2FA, as phone lines are often disconnected quickly after death.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Recovery codes for at least your primary email and banking accounts are secured.

{{whyLabel}}: In case of total digital failure or immediate need, a physical backup provides a tangible starting point for your family.

{{howLabel}}:

• Print a 'Master Sheet' containing: Your Master Password (if not shared via Emergency Access), device PINs, and a list of your most important accounts.
• Include instructions on where to find your legal Will.
• Store this in a fireproof safe or with a trusted legal professional.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A physical folder exists in a secure, known location.

{{whyLabel}}: A traditional executor may not be tech-savvy; a digital executor specifically handles your online presence.

{{howLabel}}:

• Choose someone who is technically competent and trustworthy.
• Formally name them in your Will or a 'Codicil' (legal amendment).
• Ensure they know where your 'Emergency Folder' or Password Manager access is located.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A person is chosen and has verbally agreed to the role.

{{whyLabel}}: A Will is a public document; a private letter provides the 'how-to' details without exposing sensitive info to the public record.

{{howLabel}}:

• Write clear instructions for each priority account (e.g., 'Close my LinkedIn', 'Keep my Google Photos for the kids').
• Specify what to do with hardware (laptops, external drives, encrypted USBs).
• Mention how to handle subscription cancellations to save the estate money.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A written document (digital or physical) exists and is attached to your estate planning papers.

{{whyLabel}}: Digital lives change rapidly; passwords expire, new accounts are created, and platforms change their legacy policies.

{{howLabel}}:

• Set a recurring calendar invite for every 6 months (e.g., Jan 1st and July 1st).
• Review your inventory for new accounts.
• Verify that your Emergency Contacts in Google/Apple/Password Manager are still the people you want.
• Update any physical 'Master Sheets' if passwords have changed.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A recurring calendar event is created with a checklist in the description.