Pass It On
Pass it On
I was so proud of my self for updating my will, POA forms, Living Will, etc – in other words being organized for my family after I’ve left for that big “after party in the sky”. Tom knew where all the important papers were kept, even knew the lock box combination (not that I think he’ll remember it). Then I read the article in this months CSA Senior Spirit. “Passing on Your Passwords as Part of Your Estate.
YIKES! Passwords! There are so many of them AND I hadn’t considered their importance to those people I may be leaving behind.
How many of you pay bills on line, either through your local utilities web sites or auto debit from you checking or credit card account? Bills could either go unpaid if you log in to pay them each month, or continue after they no longer need to be paid if automatically deducted from an account until it’s closed.
Reward points from a credit card or loyalty rewards site? Financial accounts? Geneology records? Social media sites?
All of these are password protected.
What is the best way to leave this information behind for the person who may need it?
There are several ways to ensure your survivors will be able to access your accounts and websites.
- Write them down or create an online document. Make sure the person who will be in charge of your affairs if you become incapacitated or die, knows where these are kept and how to access them – whether in the file cabinet or in your computer. Your POA or executor needs this information.
- ONLINE password staorage in web browser – Safari, Google Chrome and Firefox have password management systems that track saved passwords with the corresponding website.
- Other online websites created for this purpose such as Passpack.com and PasswordBox ( this is not an endorsement- just informational)
- Leave in a safety deposit box, on file with your attorney, POA, or in a lock box or locked file cabinet.
I’m old fashioned. I’ll make a hand written list and keep it in my lock box with my will and other important papers. I’m wary of keeping this information in my computer. If my computer should be hacked or corrupted with a virus. I don’t want the information in the wrong hands or not be available to the person I’m leaving it for. Paranoid? Maybe , but I’ll feel more secure with a paper copy. Most likely my concerns are not valid .
The choice is yours. The important take away message today is DO IT ! PASS IT ON. Make a list of your accounts with passwords and let the person who will handle your affairs should you become incapacitated (or worse) know where it is located.
Think about it.