How to Create a Plan for Your Digital Legacy in Tennessee
Creating a plan for your digital legacy is essential in today's technology-driven world, especially in Tennessee where more and more of our lives are shared online. A digital legacy encompasses your online presence, including social media accounts, email, digital assets, and other important online information. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a plan for your digital legacy in Tennessee.
1. Inventory Your Digital Assets
The first step in planning your digital legacy is to make a comprehensive list of your digital assets. This includes:
- Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
- Email accounts (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.)
- Online banking and investment accounts
- Cloud storage services (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
- Digital photos and videos
- Cryptocurrencies and digital wallets
Documenting these assets helps ensure nothing is overlooked when the time comes to manage your digital legacy.
2. Determine Your Wishes
Once you have a clear inventory of your digital assets, consider what you want to happen to each one after your passing. Ask yourself questions like:
- Should my social media accounts be memorialized, deleted, or managed by someone?
- What should happen to my digital photos and videos?
- How should my financial accounts be handled?
Writing down your wishes will serve as a guide for your family and friends after you're gone.
3. Choose a Digital Executor
In Tennessee, it is recommended to designate someone as your digital executor. This person will be responsible for managing your digital assets according to your wishes. When choosing a digital executor, consider someone who is tech-savvy and trustworthy. Discuss your plans and ensure they are comfortable with the responsibilities involved.
4. Create a Digital Estate Plan Document
Compile all your wishes, the inventory of your assets, and the information about your digital executor into a formal document. This digital estate plan should include:
- Your inventory of digital assets
- Your established wishes for each asset
- Contact information for your digital executor
- Any necessary login information or access details
Consider using secure document storage solutions to keep this information safe, such as encrypted cloud services or password managers.
5. Communicate Your Plan
Ensure your family and digital executor are aware of your digital estate plan. Have conversations about your wishes and provide them with access to your plan, including where they can find your digital documents. Open communication minimizes confusion and ensures your legacy is honored.
6. Review and Update Regularly
Life changes, and so do our digital assets. It's essential to review and update your digital legacy plan regularly, especially when you create new accounts or change your wishes. Schedule annual reviews to assess your digital legacy plan and make necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
Creating a digital legacy plan in Tennessee is a proactive and thoughtful step that allows you to manage your online presence even after you’re gone. By following these steps, you can ensure that your wishes are followed, and your digital life is handled according to your desires, giving peace of mind to both you and your loved ones.