How to Have ‘The Talk’ About Digital Estate Planning with Loved Ones

Nobody likes talking about estate planning but ignoring it doesn’t make the problem go away. Digital estate planning? That’s an even bigger blind spot for most people. But just like traditional estate planning, it’s important. Digital assets hold memories, financial value, and personal information that could be lost or misused if left unmanaged. Starting the conversation now can save your loved ones a lot of stress down the road.

Why This Conversation Matters

Think about everything tied to your online life - photos, emails, social media accounts, financial records, and subscriptions. If something happened to you, would your family know what to do? Without a plan, accounts could stay open indefinitely, be vulnerable to hackers, or lead to unnecessary costs.

It’s easy to assume loved ones will just ‘figure it out.’ But what happens when they can’t? Locked-out email accounts, endless password resets, and bills piling up on auto-pay, these are real headaches that can be avoided with a little planning.

When to Bring It Up

There’s no perfect time to start this discussion, but certain moments make it easier:

• After updating a will or traditional estate plan

• When discussing financial matters with family

• If a loved one is struggling to access an account after someone has passed

• When technology comes up naturally, maybe after a frustrating password reset or a big data breach in the news

Rushing into the topic or making it feel like an emergency can make people defensive. Approach it with patience and a practical mindset.

How to Start the Conversation

Many people avoid estate planning discussions because they’re uncomfortable thinking about loss. The key is to keep it simple and focus on protecting important digital accounts and memories. Try opening with something like:

• “I was reading about digital estate planning and realized I haven’t made a plan for my online accounts. Have you thought about what happens to yours?”

• “I just set up a plan for my passwords and online accounts in case something happens. Do you want help organizing yours?”

• “Do you know what happens to social media or email accounts when someone passes away? I didn’t, but I looked into it and found some important steps.”

If they seem interested, share what you’ve learned. If they resist, don’t push. Some people need time to process the idea.

What to Cover

Once they’re open to the discussion, focus on the basics:

1. Important Accounts – Identify key digital assets like email, social media, banking, and subscriptions.

2. Access Information – Decide how login details should be stored (password manager, stored securely in a password manager, or a designated digital executor).

3. What Happens to Accounts – Choose whether accounts should be memorialized, deleted, or transferred.

4. Who Will Handle It – Assign a trusted person to manage digital assets and make sure they know what to do.

Making It Simple

If a full digital estate plan sounds overwhelming, start small. Encourage loved ones to list their most important accounts and decide what they want done with them. Even basic steps like saving passwords securely and choosing a digital executor can make a big difference.

Keep the Conversation Going

This isn’t a one-time discussion. Digital lives change, new accounts, security updates, and technology shifts mean plans need updating. Encourage your family to check in on their digital estate plan every year, just like they would with financial planning.

By having this conversation now, you’re making things easier for your loved ones in the future. It’s not about focusing on worst-case scenarios, it’s about being prepared and protecting the memories and assets that matter most.

Take Action Today

Digital estate planning is one of the most overlooked aspects of protecting your legacy. Have you had this conversation yet? Don’t wait for the ‘right time’ to start this conversation -

take the next step now. If you need guidance, my book provides a step-by-step approach to digital estate planning. Or, if you'd prefer a personalized plan, book a consultation with me today.