Plan ahead with simple steps and manage your digital legacy

We arrange our estate with a will, sort important documents into folders and discuss our wishes with the family. But what happens to our digital life after we die?

In times when online banking, social media profiles and cloud storage make up a large part of our everyday lives, we often leave behind digital chaos without preparation. This can become an additional burden for your loved ones at an already difficult time. Digital preparedness means dealing with your own end of life, taking responsibility and showing care. In this article, you will learn how to take simple steps to manage your digital estate and relieve your loved ones of a major burden.

Why digital provision is important

Your digital life encompasses many areas:

• Online bankingandpayment services
  
• Social media profilessuch as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok
  
• Cloud storage with photos, documents and memories
  
• Email accounts
  
• Apps and subscriptions
  

Without clear rules, your loved ones often don't know how to access or manage these accounts. This can lead to uncertainty, delays and even the loss of important data.

How to manage your digital estate - step by step

1. Create an overview of your digital accounts and passwords

Without a complete list, your loved ones will not know which accounts you have and how they can access them. Therefore, create a secure list of all important online accounts and the associated usernames and passwords. The best way to do this is to use a password manager or an encrypted file that you store in a secure location. Inform a trusted person where this overview can be found.

2. Decide what to do with your social media profiles

Social media profiles contain personal memories and contacts that should be managed. Many platforms now offer options for so-called estate contact or memorializing a profile. Check the platforms' legacy options (e.g. memorial status on Facebook) and decide whether your profiles should be deleted, moved to a memorial status or continued. Record your wishes in writing and pass them on to the person you trust.

3. Save important digital documents and memories

Photos, videos and documents are often of great emotional value and should be preserved. Store valuable photos, videos and documents in cloud services or on external storage media. Make sure that the people you trust know how to access them. Regularly check whether the files are up-to-date and complete. This way, your memories are preserved and easy to find.

4. Appoint a digital executor

A responsible person can manage your digital affairs and implement your wishes in the event of an emergency. Choose someone you trust and who is familiar with digital issues. Discuss your wishes and pass on all the necessary information. Record the appointment in writing, ideally as part of your will or power of attorney.

5. Also plan practical aspects such as the funeral and other precautionary measures

Organizational details relieve the burden on your loved ones and prevent uncertainty. Collect all relevant documents (funeral planning, payments already made, contracts, etc.). If you have already organized or paid for the funeral, inform your relatives of this. Add personal wishes to the documents (e.g. music, location, procedure). This information should also be digitally accessible and well documented.

6. Regularly update your digital provision

Digital accounts and passwords change frequently. An outdated overview can cause more confusion than help. Check your list and documents at least once a year, update passwords and account information and inform your trusted person of any changes.

7. Check the legal framework

Laws and platform guidelines can influence what happens to your digital estate. Find out about the legal options in Switzerland. If necessary, seek professional advice to adapt your will or powers of attorney accordingly.

Checklist for your digital estate planning

• Create an overview of all online accounts and passwords
• Write down wishes for social media profiles
• Secure important digital documents and memories
• Appoint and inform a digital executor
• Document funeral information and other arrangements
• Update your digital estate plan regularly
• Check the legal framework

Conclusion

With your digital provision, you not only create order in your digital life, but also take a huge burden off the shoulders of your loved ones. Take the opportunity to regulate your digital estate and ensure clarity and security - simply, securely and practically.