It has been said that what appears on the internet lasts forever. If you have ever tried unsuccessfully to delete a social media post, then you understand. Typically, people do not think about what needs to be done with their online accounts after their death. But in arranging your final affairs, you can determine which accounts will need to be closed and advise your survivors accordingly. Your family’s financial independence includes taking this kind of responsibility for your information and accounts now, and planning for your survivors’ future needs.

Taking Control: A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Your Online Accounts

Inventory Your Digital Assets

Just like creating a home inventory, start by listing all your online accounts. This may feel overwhelming (the average person has about 100 online accounts!), but it's a crucial first step.

Financial Accounts include:

• Bank Accounts: Checking, savings, money market, CDs
• Investment Accounts: Brokerage accounts, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, ETFs
• Retirement Accounts: TSP IRAs (Traditional, Roth, SEP, SIMPLE), 401(k)s, 403(b)s, pensions
• Education Savings Accounts: 529 plans
• Online Payment Services: PayPal, Venmo, etc.

Social Media: Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social platforms you use.

Communication: Don't forget email accounts, messaging apps, and any online subscriptions you have. For more information about managing your email, find out What Happens to Your Email Account When You Pass Away?. 

Cloud Storage: Note services like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, where you store documents or photos.

Other Accounts: Consider utilities, shopping accounts, loyalty programs, and any other online services you use.

Tip: A password manager is a great way to store your usernames and passwords securely. Make sure a trusted person knows how to access it. Look for password managers that offer a "legacy contact" feature, allowing a designated person access in the event of your death or incapacitation.

Decide What Happens to Each Account

Leaving your accounts idling once you’re gone could lead to a variety of unintended scenarios. For instance, a bad actor could take them over for nefarious reasons — or the accounts could remain endlessly in limbo, with memories such as photographs or important documents hidden away, inaccessible to your family members because they just don’t know they’re there, or how to get to them if they do. Here’s what to do instead:

Plan How to Close Your Accounts: Determine the accounts you will want to close and which, if any, should be memorialized or maintained.

Develop Your Plan: Write clear instructions for each account, including:

• Whether it should be closed or kept open
• Usernames and passwords (store these securely in your password manager
• Any specific actions to take (e.g., downloading photos from a social media account before deleting the account)

Tip: If you have multi-factor authentication enabled on any of your accounts, make sure your instructions include how to access the codes — often sent via text message to your smartphone or to your email address.

Inform Your Trusted Contacts

There are some other things you’ll need to share with those you leave behind. Start here:

Decide on a Digital Executor: Designate a trusted person (your "digital executor") to carry out your instructions regarding your digital accounts and assets. Give them access to your password manager and any other relevant documents.

Visit the AAFMAA Member Center: If you are an AAFMAA (American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association) Member you may want to consider putting your letters of instruction in the Digital Vault on the Member Center so that your survivors have access to this information.

Review the AAFMAA Military Survivor Checklist: Help your loved ones prepare for the steps they’ll need to take. As an AAFMAA Member, you’ll also want to tell them to reach out to our Member Benefits team at [email protected] for guidance on claiming the benefits you earned through service and through your AAFMAA Membership. 

Additional Considerations

Your online accounts don’t just need attention after you’re gone. Make sure you’re making the most of the tools and resources available to you today to ensure you’re tracking all of your online assets appropriately. Keep these in mind:

• Digital Estate Planning Services: Explore online services that can assist you with organizing and managing your digital assets.
• Legal Documents: Ensure your will and other estate planning documents address your digital assets and are up-to-date.
• Regular Updates: Revisit your digital estate plan annually or after major life changes to ensure it remains current. 

Get the Details You Need Now, with AAFMAA

Securing your digital legacy may seem daunting, but it's a crucial step in protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are carried out. By following this guide and seeking professional advice if needed, you can provide your loved ones with peace of mind and make the transition easier for them when the time comes. If you need our assistance with your AAFMAA accounts, contact us at 800-522-5221 or [email protected].