Checklist Digital Legacy

For now and later, important for both yourself and your loved ones – 15 checks

Have you ever thought about your legacy? Probably not something you think about every day. Yet it is important at every stage of life, not just when you are 50+. Even when you are young and just starting out, it is wise to reflect on the question: can your family access important (digital) data if something happens to you? Use this handy checklist as a step-by-step guide and schedule a review from time to time on the following points:

Check 1: do I have available an overview of all my devices and login details?

A valuable starting point. You are likely using more and more hardware: smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices which are now considered indispensable. Also consider that many devices are now connected to the internet. They can create challenges if something happens to you: at least one person should be aware of your login details and/or how to use them.

Check 2: have I created a complete overview of all my online accounts?

Now consider everything you do on these devices: do you have a Google Account, Microsoft Account, or Apple ID? You may use all three. They are gateways to all the other online accounts you use, such as TikTok, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. In addition, the number of online accounts is rapidly increasing due to the many AI applications in use. The multiple logins often involve monthly subscriptions. What would happen to them if you are no longer able to manage them yourself?

Check 3: has someone been made aware as to what should happen to my social media profiles?

The future is always uncertain. However, if you do not arrange anything for your social media accounts, you may continue to exist digitally online after your death. Whether that is desirable is your own decision. You may want to leave a final online message. Discuss this, and if you want your accounts deleted, also leave a list of everything you use daily, preferably including login details.

Check 4: have all my financial assets been documented?

This check is important because people increasingly have multiple bank accounts as well as other digital assets. It is therefore recommended to take a broad view of “financial assets.” Cryptocurrencies are a good example: does anyone else know about them? There may also be digital balances stored in online platforms or games. Decide who should have access to these assets and share with trusted persons the names of those who assist you, such as a financial advisor, tax consultant, or accountant.

Check 5: does my next of kin know my final wishes?

How you want to leave this world is something you will need to discuss with your loved ones at some point. Not only emotionally, but also financially. Perhaps you wish to leave a final (video) message or donate money to a charity. Here too: discuss it in time so as to have it documented.

Check 6: have all my email addresses been documented?

There are often several, both personal and work-related. It is helpful if someone else is aware of them and knows what should happen to them. Employers will usually delete work email accounts after death, but with personal email accounts, someone will need to handle this for you. So who will take care of this once you have listed your email addresses? Assigning someone responsible is our recommendation.

Check 7: what should happen to all my photos, videos, and memories?

Memories are what your loved ones will value most. But where are all these digital photos and videos stored? Often they are spread across multiple cloud services. Also think about what you want to happen to them. The nice thing about this check? While doing it, you will often experience many “oh yes” moments. Doing this together is therefore a good idea.

Check 8: what about all my monthly subscriptions?

You may be surprised how many recurring payments are automatically deducted from your bank account. Gather all your bank statements. This is already useful, as you may find subscriptions you want to cancel immediately. Paid apps such as Spotify, Netflix, Disney+, and video services also count. For your loved ones, it saves a lot of time if they know which subscriptions you have, their terms, and how to contact the providers.

Check 9: who are my key contacts, and do others know them?

Who should be informed if something happens to you? That is why it is important to create a list of your key contacts and share it with someone. It prevents confusion and unnecessary searching afterwards. It is also valuable during your lifetime: you may sometimes forget someone important. In short, go through all the names that matter to you or have mattered in your life.

Check 10: can my spouse or (business) partner access my company data?

This check is essential if you are self-employed (a freelancer). All login and other business-related details must be shared in time. For example, where can someone find your latest invoices and payments? In short, entrepreneurs have many credentials and data that must be accessible to ensure continuity.

Check 11: is everything legally correct?

If you have specific wishes regarding your legacy, this does not automatically mean they can be carried out. In many countries, for example, a medical directive is only valid if it can be proven that it was made while the person was of sound mind. This often means such directives need to be updated regularly. If in doubt, seek advice from professionals such as notaries and inheritance law advisors.

Check 12: is all information up to date?

Also review the accuracy of all your information. Anything outdated may create additional challenges for your loved ones. Think of it as version control for your personal data: the more versions exist, the less clear it becomes which one is correct. Periodic cleanup is the key recommendation here.

Check 13: do my loved ones know where important documents are stored?

More and more documents exist only digitally: insurance policies, pension information, mortgage documents, medical records, or scanned identity documents. These are often spread across cloud storage, laptops, external drives, USB sticks, or apps. It is important that someone knows where to find these documents and which ones are essential. Centralize them in one secure location (see also check 15).

Check 14: have I decided which data or accounts should be deleted?

Not everything needs to be kept. Some accounts, messages, photos, or files are private and you may prefer they are deleted. Also consider old accounts you may have forgotten or data that continues to circulate online. Making these decisions in advance prevents others from having to decide for you.

Check 15: can all information be safely shared with the person you trust?

Creating a checklist is one thing, but ultimately, it is about ensuring others can access your information when needed. Therefore, record where everything is stored, who has access, and under what conditions (never, now, or later).

Reduce check stress? That is possible by creating a Life After Me trial account. It benefits both you and your loved ones right away.