Estate Planning in the Digital Age
Make a Big Impact With a Future Gift
Most of us are living life online. We manage bank accounts, read the news, browse social media and shop for just about everything.
With all those accounts come numerous usernames, PINs and passwords. They can be tough to remember and even tougher to change!
It isn't easy for us to keep track of our own online accounts, so imagine how difficult it would be for a loved one to access them in case of an emergency. These accounts make up your “digital estate,” and they are a critical part of your overall estate plan.
3 Steps to Securing Your Digital Estate
In three steps, you can ensure your digital estate is protected and your loved ones know how to access your information in case of an emergency.
- Create a list of your digital assets and passwords. Using an online management program with encryption or storing them on a flash drive are good options for keeping your information secure.
- Find a safe place to store this list. Your will may become public record when filed, so don't include this sensitive information there. Instead, keep it in a location (such as a fireproof lockbox in your home) that is accessible by your executor or a trusted loved one.
- Make a plan. Determine what you want to happen with each account and outline the details with your executor or loved one. State laws differ when it comes to handling digital estates, so an estate planning attorney may be of help in this step.
What's Your Legacy?
You can create a lasting legacy at WQED by including us in your future plans. Contact Jui Joshi, Director of Development, at jjoshi@wqed.org or (412) 622-1386 to learn more.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.