This article was reprinted with permission from NerdWallet.It is possible that you don't own any cryptocurrency or other non-fungible tokens. You might not have a large Instagram following or own an online business. If you do most things online, there are likely to be digital assets that you control, license, or own. Failure to arrange for these assets when you are still alive can cause unneeded stress, unnecessary cost and heartache for your loved ones.Online video and photo collections could be lost forever. Electronic records that have monetary value such as frequent flyer miles and cryptocurrency could be blocked from heirs. Hacking could occur to email and social media accounts. If you don't make arrangements, even simple tasks like cancelling subscriptions or paying bills online can be made difficult.Related: What happens to the miles and points when someone dies.Abby Schneiderman, cofounder of Everplans (a website for creating end-of life plans and storing documents), says that there is no way someone could know how I pay my bills without accessing my online account. It may take you some time to access these accounts. But once you do, you'll realize that thousands of dollars have been spent on services that we don't use or need anymore.These are some things you can do to make it easier for the person doing this job.Online life does not leave any paper trailsThe person who was entrusted with the settlement of your estate after your death used to be your executor. They could have looked through your papers and looked at the bills in your mail. Sharon Hartung, author of two books for financial advisors, Your Digital Undertaker, and Digital Executor, but that is no longer the case.Hartung states that executors will not be able to locate digital assets because they are virtual. You will need to provide additional instructions about what you have created and how to access it to the executor.Google GOOGL, +0.37% and Facebook FFB, +2.19% allow you to name someone to manage your accounts in the event of death or incapacitation. Apple AAPL (-0.28%) recently announced plans for a similar function. However, this feature is not available to most online providers. Complicating matters further, almost all providers prohibit sharing passwords, Hartung says.MarketWatch: Should Seniors get Reverse Mortgages?Executors cannot usually demand access to your digital assets unless your living trust or will specifically authorize them to. Even then, terms of service agreements may restrict what executors can do to prevent them from fulfilling your wishes.According to estate planning experts, giving your executor login credentials is the best way to ensure they can fulfill your wishes.Create a digital asset inventoryA list is the first step to creating a plan for digital assets. A search for digital assets inventory will bring up several worksheets, including one by Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (or STEP), which allows you to list all your accounts, usernames and passwords.Include access to your devices. You can use two-factor authentication to verify your identity. Typically, your executor will need the passcode for unlocking your phone or any other device that has received the authentication code.A letter of instruction may be left to inform your executor about your wishes regarding assets, such as what to delete, archive, and what you wish to pass on to your heirs.You can also save your login credentials in a password manager like LastPass or 1Password. You can also use the notes section to describe how you would like your account handled. The master password could be given to your executor in the letter of instructions.Make sure your inventory is safe and up-to-dateSince passwords and sensitive information are public after your death, you don't want to include them in your will. Instead, keep the inventory and letter to instruction together with other estate planning documents in an accessible location such as with your attorney, or in your home safe. Let your executor know where it is. The information can also be uploaded to Everplans and LifeSite which allow you to grant access to trusted persons.Do not miss the latest Alzheimers risk! CoffeeMake sure to review the inventory at least once per year and make any necessary updates. It will make you feel more secure knowing that your loved ones are not locked out of your digital world.Schneiderman states that it is important to create a roadmap so there are no surprises or tears and that there is as little stress possible.NerdWallet: MoreLiz Weston is a writer for NerdWallet. Email: lweston@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @lizweston
