Top 3 Digital Assets Families Forget About and How to Protect Them

When it comes to estate planning, most people think about homes, bank accounts, and retirement funds. But in today’s world, some of your most valuable assets don’t live in a safe deposit box — they live online. Your digital assets hold memories, financial value, and access to your daily life. Without proper planning, these can be lost, locked, and cause stress for your loved ones. Here are three digital assets you should secure today to make sure your family has what they need tomorrow.

Personal Photos and Videos

For many families, the most cherished possessions aren’t jewely or heirlooms-they’re the photos and videos that capture a lifetime of memories. Often these memories are stored on phones that require passcodes, in social media accounts that only one person has access to, or in the cloud with an unknown login.

How to protect them:

• Backing up photos and videos to multiple locations
• Share albums securely with trusted family members
• Document account information in a safe, accessible place so memories aren’t lost forever

Passwords and Login Credentials

Think about how much of your life is password-protected: email, banking, streaming, shopping, utilities, even medical portals. Without your login credentials, your family may struggle to access important accounts or even close them down.

How to protect them:

• Use a password manager that allows you to share access with a trusted contact
• Keep a list of critical accounts and store it securely
• Organize this information in a legacy planning tool, like the Legacy Lab app, so your loved ones can access it when needed

Online Accounts and Subscriptions

From Netflix to Dropbox, Spotify to Amazon Prime, most people have more online accounts than they realize. Without a record, these accounts can continue to charge fees, create confusion, or keep loved ones from accessing valuable information stored within them.

How to protect them:

• Make an inventory of your online accounts, subscriptions and memberships
• Note what should be canceled, transferred, or memorialized (such a social media)
• Keep instructions clear for your family so they aren’t left guessing

Why Digital Assets Matter

Digital assets may not seem as “serious” as real estate or savings accounts, but they’re often the things families miss most after someone passes away. Memories, stories, and even access to essential services are all tied to the digital world. By taking steps now to document and share your digital life, you give your loved ones peace of mind and prevent unnecessary stress later.

Final Thoughts

Estate planning isn’t just about money- it’s about making sure your family has what they need to carry forward your story. Protecting your digital assets is one of the simplest, most impactful steps you can take.

Start small: back up your photos, create a list of key accounts, and record your passwords in a secure place. Your future self and your family will thank you.