Digital assets are easy to overlook—and essential to your legacy. If you didn’t include them when you set up your will or trust, you’re not alone. The good news: updating your plan is straightforward and powerful. As Proverbs 21:5 reminds us, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit.” A few intentional steps today can protect memories, income, and peace of mind tomorrow.
What counts as a digital asset?
- Photos and videos stored on your phone, in the cloud, or on external drives
- Files such as emails, financial documents, and digital business records
- Cryptocurrency and nonfungible tokens (NFTs)
- Domain names (URLs)
- Social media profiles (Facebook, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch)
- Content creation accounts (YouTube, podcasts)
- Affiliate marketing accounts (Amazon, Google, ClickBank)
- E-commerce platforms (Etsy, Shopify)
- Device backups and recovery keys
- Databases and cloud storage (medical records, backup services)
Why this matters?
Many digital assets hold real-world value—think monetized channels, influencer accounts, crypto wallets, domain portfolios, and online storefronts. They can represent a significant share of your estate. Planning now ensures your work, memories, and income streams are safeguarded and transferred the way you intend.
Three steps to get your plan in top shape:
1. Inventory your digital assets
Take a complete snapshot of your digital life. List every account, platform, and property.
- Include where each asset lives (platform, device, cloud), how it’s accessed, and why it matters.
- If you own a business, add client files, databases, subscriptions, licenses, and platform logins.
- Store this inventory securely; share its location (not your passwords) with your trusted decision-makers.
- Use a reputable password manager and update your list at least annually.
2. Appoint a Digital Fiduciary (your “Cyber Successor”)
Choose someone you trust to manage your accounts if you’re incapacitated or after your passing. This person often also serves as your agent under a power of attorney, trustee, or personal representative.
- Access is governed by state law (including RUFADAA in most states) and by each platform’s terms.
- Turn on platform tools that streamline access:
◦ Google: Inactive Account Manager
◦ Apple: Digital Legacy
◦ Facebook: Legacy Contact - Securely store two-factor authentication backup codes and recovery methods so your fiduciary can act quickly and legally.
3. Put the right legal and practical tools in place
Match your goals with clear, durable instructions.
- Consider placing certain digital assets in a trust to enable smooth management and transfers.
- Add explicit digital-access authority to your power of attorney.
- Write a practical letter of instruction: where assets live, renewal dates, monetization details, and whether accounts should be preserved, transferred, or closed.
- Special care:
◦ Crypto: document hardware wallets and seed phrases offline—never in email or cloud storage.
◦ Domains and subscriptions: track auto-renewals to prevent accidental loss.
◦ Brands and content: clarify ownership and who can continue managing channels or revenue. - Revisit your plan regularly—laws and platform policies evolve.
What happens if you don’t plan?
- Lost family photos and videos that can’t be recovered
- Business disruption, lost revenue, or brand damage during incapacity
- Locked accounts, expired domains, or inaccessible crypto
- Extra stress for loved ones at an already difficult time
Make your next move today
- Spend 20 minutes listing your top 10 digital assets.
- Turn on legacy tools for your most-used platforms.
- Choose your digital fiduciary and tell them where your instructions are stored.
- Schedule time with a qualified estate planning attorney to formalize your plan.
This is about protecting what you’ve built and the people you love. A clear, modern plan keeps your digital life organized, your legacy strong, and your loved ones supported—now and for years to come.
Important note: This article is for general education and isn’t legal or tax advice. Laws vary by state and change over time. Consult a qualified estate planning attorney for your specific situation.