While many people try to avoid thinking about death or medical emergencies, being prepared can be a gift to loved ones.Having a will and power of attorney helps, but experts say there’s more to consider.Consumer Reports suggests creating a digital estate plan to organize online accounts, bills paid electronically, important documents in cloud storage, and even photos on a phone.The first step is to put together an “in case of emergency” document. Write down the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of important people in your life. Include the locations of key documents, such as birth certificates, passports, and Social Security cards. “This document should also have your bank accounts, investments, and recurring bills. Put down when they’re due and how you pay them. Be sure to mention if anything is autopay,” said Brian Vines of Consumer Reports. The second step is to share your passwords. Someone will need your login information to pay bills and manage accounts. For those who don’t want to share passwords directly, give password hints or use a password manager instead.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <> Subscribe to WMUR’s YouTube channel <<
MANCHESTER, N.H. —
While many people try to avoid thinking about death or medical emergencies, being prepared can be a gift to loved ones.
Having a will and power of attorney helps, but experts say there’s more to consider.
Consumer Reports suggests creating a digital estate plan to organize online accounts, bills paid electronically, important documents in cloud storage, and even photos on a phone.
The first step is to put together an “in case of emergency” document. Write down the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of important people in your life. Include the locations of key documents, such as birth certificates, passports, and Social Security cards.
“This document should also have your bank accounts, investments, and recurring bills. Put down when they’re due and how you pay them. Be sure to mention if anything is autopay,” said Brian Vines of Consumer Reports.
The second step is to share your passwords. Someone will need your login information to pay bills and manage accounts.
For those who don’t want to share passwords directly, give password hints or use a password manager instead.
>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<
Consumer Reports recommends 1Password, which offers a $60-a-year family plan that covers up to five people and allows access to shared folders.
The third step is to designate a legacy contact for online accounts.
“A few tech companies let you grant control to someone else. There’s Google’s Inactive Account Manager, Facebook Legacy Contact, and Apple’s Legacy Contact to name a few,” Vines said.
Next, add your digital assets to your traditional will to keep everything together in one place and easy for family or close friends to find.
Finally, have an emergency planning meeting with loved ones. Tell them your wishes and where they can find this information.
Providing easy access to online accounts can make a painful time less stressful, and having everything in order can give you peace of mind.