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# Digital Assets
- URL: https://www.canbychronicle.com/digital-assets/
- Published: 2026-07-08T22:19:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-07T18:43:39.000Z
- Description: When most people think about estate planning, they picture the traditional essentials: wills, trusts, retirement accounts, property and life insurance. The conversation usually centers on who gets what and how assets transfer.
- Author: The Canby Chronicle
- Tags: Columns

### Leave your loved ones answers,  
not password problems

  
By Kassin Hopkins

When most people think about estate planning, they picture the  
traditional essentials: wills, trusts, retirement accounts, property and  
life insurance. The conversation usually centers on who gets what and how assets transfer.  
  
But there’s one piece many people overlook: digital assets.  
A huge portion of life now exists behind passwords. Bank  
accounts, investments, bills, tax documents, family photos,  
subscriptions, emails, and even businesses often live entirely  
online. Yet many people have no plan for how loved ones would  
access any of it if something happened.  
  
Think about how much of daily life depends on digital access.  
Most people can’t pay bills, view statements, or contact clients  
without logging in somewhere. Now imagine a spouse or family  
member trying to step into that world during a crisis, while  
grieving and overwhelmed. They may know accounts exist, but  
not where. They may have legal authority to help, but still be  
locked out. That’s the reality of modern estate planning.  
  
Digital Assets Are More Valuable Than People Realize  
Being a spouse, executor, or power of attorney doesn’t  
automatically grant access to digital accounts. Many platforms  
have privacy protections and terms of service that restrict  
access without prior authorization or specific planning.  
  
When people hear “digital assets,” they often think of  
cryptocurrency. But digital estate planning is much broader. It  
can include family photos stored in the cloud, an online business,  
MONEY MATTERS CORNERSTONE WEALTH MANAGEMENT  
airline rewards points, email accounts tied to financial logins, recurring subscriptions, or a phone no one can unlock. These may not seem significant, but in a crisis, disorganization can create months of frustration.  
  
The Goal Isn’t to Be Morbid  
This isn’t really about death. It’s about making life easier for  
the people you care about. Digital estate planning is simply  
organization with foresight. It’s the modern version of making  
sure someone knows where important documents are stored,  
except now the “safe” is your phone, email and dozens of  
accounts protected by two-factor authentication.  
  
So What Should People Actually Do?  
The good news is it doesn’t require a major legal overhaul. A secure  
password manager is a strong first step. It creates one encrypted  
place to organize logins and can offer emergency access features.  
It’s also wise to create a secure inventory of important accounts,  
such as financial institutions, investment platforms, email  
accounts, cloud storage, subscriptions, and business accounts.  
Families don’t need perfection. They just need direction.  
  
Tech Companies Are Starting to Adapt  
Major tech companies have recognized this issue. Google offers  
Inactive Account Manager, and Apple allows users to set up Legacy  
Contacts for cloud data access after death. These tools are becoming  
increasingly important because digital instructions set directly  
through platforms can help guide access when the time comes.  
  
Modern Financial Planning Includes Digital Planning  
Financial planning has evolved. It’s no longer just about assets.  
Access itself is now part of the plan and one of the most thoughtful  
things you can do for your family isn’t about returns or tax  
strategies. It’s reducing confusion. Because in difficult moments,  
clarity is one of the most valuable things you can leave behind.

Learn more at Cornerstone Wealth Management:   
www.thecwmgroup.com  
503.266.7431  
486 NW 2nd Ave., Canby, OR 97013