Keeping up with passwords and usernames in an increasingly electronic world
can be overwhelming at best. For many people even bank statements are now delivered
neatly to electronic inboxes, but have you ever stopped to think who else may need
access to all those usernames and passwords? If something were to happen to you, do
your loved ones know how to access your accounts electronically? While the mechanics
of estate planning are best left to a legal professional, preparing a list of account access
information can give both you and your loved ones piece of mind in times of emergency.

When determining what information to include you should consider who would
manage your affairs if you were unable to do so. For example, if you pay your bills
electronically, does someone know how to access the accounts? Would you like your
loved ones to have access to your email? Next, discuss the list with your loved one; they
may have additional suggestions for information to include. After you have determined
what information to include you should consider how you would like to store the
information.

When making a list of account access information it is important to keep security
in mind. There are various “In Case of Emergency” (I.C.E.) workbooks and resources
available for those who prefer to keep a hard copy of the information. Such books should
be filled out completely and kept in a safe or other secure location. Loved ones should be
informed of the book’s contents and location so that it is easily accessible in times of
emergency. Another option is to keep private information on an encrypted USB flash
drive. Password protected drives can be paired with password protected PDF documents
to give an extra layer of security. As with hardcopies of the materials, it is best to keep
the drive in a safe or other secure location. Finally, there are websites where companies
will electronically store such information for you, though some charge a monthly fee.
(This last solution may be especially helpful if you are someone who has trouble keeping
track of your usernames and passwords for your own use.)

Planning for an emergency is rarely at the top of any to do list, but ensuring that
your loved ones have the ability to manage your affairs in case of a short term illness or
other emergency can save time and ease stress. Creating a list of electronic usernames
and passwords is just one way to ensure that your loved ones have time to focus on what
counts.

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