Life Goes On

Author Deborah Wilkinson-Gray knows from first-hand experience how hard it is to focus on important matters when you are grieving, but even in the midst of your deepest sorrow, funeral and associated costs need to be paid, mortgage payments and bills keep coming in, subscriptions are ongoing and the world does not stop turning. 

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The solution outlined in Where’s the Password? is to create a Personal Information Log that your family and relevant others can access after your passing to make things less complicated. It can be as simple as an Excel spreadsheet, which can be saved in a protected file, on to a USB or even in the Cloud. Into your log should go all the information necessary for dealing with banks, lawyers, accountants and other authorities, such as the IRD who need to be aware of your passing. Buy your copy NOW.

Our Virtual Lives Won't Just Delete Themselves When We Die

Drawing on Deborah’s extensive professional experience in private and public sector organisations, the coverage of procedural matters in Where's the Password? is thorough. It begins with advice on how to go about compiling the information you need, followed by a step-by-step guide on what to include in your Personal Information Log.

Digital estate planning ranges from the contact details of your health providers and insurers, to your banking and financial details, property, vehicles and other assets, information that your lawyer and accountant will need, and much more. Even small day-to-day matters that few people think about like passport and driver's licence numbers and club and travel rewards memberships are included. Where's the Password? also talks about organising your virtual property and assets such as photos, documents and accounts and making arrangements for what should happen to that online property after your death.

Why Should You Create A Digital Estate Plan?

It’s safe to say that today most of us manage our finances, business, and personal lives online, but very few of us have organised or centralised those accounts. This can make managing and distributing assets after death difficult, and can lead to confusion for family members, denial of access, and even an inability to locate the accounts or information in the first place.

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Making sure ahead of time that your loved ones can access those accounts eases their burden. Whether you want those accounts closed, or if you want your loved ones to have access to them, you’ve got to prepare ahead of time. You need to make plans for your digital assets just like your physical assets.

You also need to safeguard your identity after you’ve passed away. If your various accounts are not closed down, identity thieves can use your details to steal your good name and credit rating.

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An Afterlife Manual Can Be Invaluable 

Once you have completed your Personal Information Log you can relax knowing that it has been taken care of and people will be able to find the information they need. It is the one of the best things you can do for the people in your life. 

Setting down the information is not hard, but it is vital that you do it. There is a surprising difference between what you assume your significant others may know about your affairs, and what they actually do.

As part of her mission, Deborah is a frequent speaker to various community focused organisations, such as Lions, Rotary, Rebus, Probus, and Retirement Villages. Deborah Wilkinson-Gray’s own tragedy highlighted the importance of digital estate planning and her informal style encourages you to ask questions and think about your own personal affairs. Call 021 997462 or email deb_wilkinson@xtra.co.nz to book Deborah to talk to your group.  Where’s the Password? is suitable for all age groups

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If you do nothing else, do this! – Leticia Cavallaro

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Getting your affairs in order lifts a weight off your shoulders and theirs. I can help with digital estate planning and organising a personal information log. Call 021 997462.