Relationships shape our lives—yet in a world where so much of who we are exists online, many of us overlook a powerful truth: our digital lives are part of our relationships, too. From photos and social media accounts to online banking and personal notes, the way we handle our digital presence matters—not only while we’re here, but long after.

Arecent article on Rethinking65 points out a growing need: preparing for your “digital afterlife.” It’s not just about closing accounts or passing on passwords—it’s about protecting loved ones, preserving memories, and shaping the narrative of your life for the people who matter most.

Why Digital Planning is About Relationships

Think about the emotional weight our online presence carries. A spouse finding old photos of a honeymoon, children discovering heartfelt letters in an email account, or friends seeking closure from social media pages. Without guidance, what’s left behind can be overwhelming—or even lost.

Planning your digital legacy is a gift to those you love. It minimizes confusion, prevents conflict, and offers clarity during times when clarity is most needed. Just as we plan estates and wills, we must now also plan for our digital footprints—because our online lives are deeply intertwined with our personal connections.

Key Questions to Start the Conversation

If you want to approach this proactively—and brilliantly—begin with meaningful conversations:

• What memories matter most? Which photos, messages, or creative works do you want saved and shared?
• Who should have access? Identify who can manage or close accounts, and ensure they have what they need.
• What do you want to leave behind? A farewell note? Instructions for charitable donations? A digital archive of your passions?
• How does this reflect your values? Consider how your digital presence can continue to inspire or comfort loved ones.

Tools to Help

Fortunately, there are platforms designed for this new dimension of legacy planning:

• Everplans – Create secure digital archives for personal, financial, and end-of-life documents.
• GoodTrust – Manage digital assets, from online banking to social media accounts, with clear instructions for heirs.
• Legacy Locker – Safely store and pass along digital account credentials to trusted contacts.
• Cake – Guides for end-of-life planning, including digital legacies and memorial preferences.

The Age Brilliantly Mindset: Start Early, Live Intentionally

Addressing digital afterlife planning isn’t about dwelling on the end—it’s about living more intentionally today. By clarifying what you want to share, what you want preserved, and what you want protected, you deepen trust and connection with the people who matter most.

This mindset is part of a broader truth: as our lives evolve—through career shifts, new relationships, caregiving roles, or retirement—our digital and emotional worlds need to evolve, too. Planning now allows us to focus on what truly matters: building meaningful experiences and relationships that last far beyond any single chapter.

How have you thought about your digital legacy? Would you want loved ones to have access to certain memories—or keep some things private? Share your thoughts and learn from others in theAge Brilliantly Forum—because these conversations shape how we live and how we’re remembered.