Howard Nightingale
February 27th, 2025
Estate planning has traditionally focused on tangible assets like real estate, bank accounts, and personal belongings. However, in a world increasingly reliant on technology, digital assets deserve the same level of attention.
Social media profiles, cloud storage, and cryptocurrency holdings have become integral parts of daily life. Yet, when planning an estate, digital assets are often overlooked. Without a clear plan, loved ones may struggle to access or manage these accounts, leaving valuable information lost or vulnerable to misuse. Understanding how to include these in a will ensures that personal information remains protected, and assets are distributed according to individual wishes.
Digital assets encompass a wide range of online accounts and data stored electronically. These assets hold financial, sentimental, or functional value. Some common examples include:
- Social media accounts –
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn - Email accounts –
Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail - Cloud storage –
Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive - Cryptocurrency and digital wallets –
Bitcoin, Ethereum, PayPal, Venmo - Online banking and investment accounts –
Digital banking portals, investment platforms - E-commerce accounts –
Amazon, eBay, Shopify - Subscription services –
Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music, Adobe Creative Cloud - Domain names and websites –
Blogs, personal business sites
Each of these assets has unique terms of service agreements. Some allow for account transfer upon death, while others delete data after prolonged inactivity.
