Top 5 Mistakes People Make With Their Digital Legacy (And How to Avoid Them)

Written By Jessie Luong

In today's connected world, our lives are increasingly digital. From online banking and email to photo storage and social media, much of what matters to us now lives on the internet. But what happens to all of it when we're gone?

Digital legacy planning ensures your loved ones can access, manage, and protect your online accounts and memories after you're no longer here. Unfortunately, most people overlook key parts of this process, which can leave families overwhelmed and important information lost forever.

Here are the top 5 mistakes people make with their digital legacy—and what you can do to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Not Making a List of Your Digital Accounts

Why it matters: If your family doesn’t know what digital accounts you have, they won’t know where to start. From banking to subscriptions, forgotten accounts can create financial and emotional stress.

Examples:

  • A monthly payment continues after death because no one knows about the account.

  • A lifetime of family photos on Google Drive or iCloud is never recovered.

How to avoid it: Create a comprehensive list of your digital accounts. Include:

  • Email accounts

  • Social media profiles

  • Online banking & investment accounts

  • Cloud storage

  • Shopping & subscription services

Keep this list stored securely and let a trusted person know how to access it.

Mistake 2: Failing to Store Passwords Securely

Why it matters: Even if your family knows what accounts exist, they’ll still be locked out without the right credentials. Password recovery can be impossible without access to your primary email.

How to avoid it:

  • Use a password manager (like 1Password, Bitwarden, or LastPass) to store and organize login info.

  • Set up emergency access or shared vaults with a trusted family member.

  • For non-tech users: maintain a secure, printed password list in a safe or lockbox.

Mistake 3: Assuming a Will Covers Your Digital Assets

Why it matters: Traditional wills and estate plans often don't address digital property. That means your accounts, files, and online identities may not be covered at all.

How to avoid it:

  • Work with an estate planner who understands digital legacy planning.

  • Create a separate Digital Estate Plan that outlines your wishes for each account (close, archive, transfer, memorialize, etc.).

  • Specify a "digital executor"—a person you trust to handle your online life.

Mistake 4: Forgetting to Back Up Important Digital Files

Why it matters: Data stored in only one place—like a phone, external drive, or cloud—can be lost permanently due to account deletion, hardware failure, or access issues.

How to avoid it:

  • Use the 3-2-1 backup method: 3 copies, 2 different formats, 1 stored offsite.

  • Back up sentimental files (like photos and letters) in multiple locations.

  • Label backups clearly and store login/access info alongside your digital plan.

Mistake 5: Not Telling Anyone About Your Digital Plan

Why it matters: Even the best plan is useless if no one knows it exists—or how to access it. During a crisis or after a loss, your family will already be overwhelmed. Give them clarity, not confusion.

How to avoid it:

  • Choose a trusted loved one to be your digital point person.

  • Walk them through your digital plan.

  • Store the information somewhere accessible—whether in a password manager, printed binder, or secure shared drive.

Final Thoughts

Your digital legacy is more than just logins—it’s your memories, your finances, and your story. Taking the time to plan now will spare your loved ones from stress, uncertainty, and loss later.

At Golden Age Estate, we help older adults and their families create secure, compassionate, step-by-step digital legacy plans. Want to get started?

Jessie Luong