Don’t Leave Your Family Guessing — Secure Your Digital Assets Today Your Online Life Needs an Offline Plan
When most people think about estate planning, they picture wills, trusts, and dividing up physical assets like homes and bank accounts. But what about your digital life? From your Gmail account to your cryptocurrency wallet, and even your small-business website, your online presence needs just as much protection. Without the proper legal setup, your loved ones could end up locked out of everything. Different Types of Digital Assets It’s more than just email and social media. Digital assets include:
Some hold financial value. Others are deeply sentimental. Either way, someone needs legal access once you’re no longer here to manage them. Common Mistakes to Avoid One of the biggest misconceptions we see is the assumption that a spouse or family member can simply step in and access your accounts when you’re gone. Unfortunately, most digital platforms don’t work that way. Companies are bound by strict privacy policies, and without legal authority spelled out in your estate plan, your loved ones could be locked out regardless of how long you’ve been married or how close you are. Another common misstep is sharing passwords with family members or jotting them down on paper. While that may seem like a helpful workaround, it can create serious security risks and often violates the terms of service of major platforms. Passwords change over time,
and once they’re lost or outdated, there’s little anyone can do without formal access.
The truth is that even the best intentions can fall short if your digital assets aren’t included in your estate plan. How to Start Protecting Your Digital Assets Begin with a simple inventory of all your accounts, from email to subscriptions. Set up legacy contacts wherever possible, and work with an estate planning attorney to include clear instructions in your legal documents. Storing key account information securely with your attorney or in a trusted password manager ensures your executor can carry out your wishes smoothly. At Merlino & Gonzalez, we help you build an estate plan that covers both the traditional and digital parts of your life. Contact us today to protect your legacy, online and offline.
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Cloud-stored family photos
Online banking and investment accounts
Cryptocurrency wallets Domain names and blogs Subscription services
Personal writings or artwork saved online Business tools like customer databases and e-commerce platforms
Maple Bourbon Smash Cocktail MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
INSPIRED BY WHATMOLLYMADE.COM
INGREDIENTS Spiced Maple Simple Syrup • 1/2 cup water • 1/2 cup maple syrup • 2–3 cinnamon sticks • 1–2 star anise •
DIRECTIONS 1.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add simple syrup ingredients and
bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium- low and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, strain out spices, and let cool (this makes enough for multiple cocktails; store in the fridge). 2. In a cocktail shaker, add orange wheel, rosemary, lemon juice, and orange juice. Using a muddler or spoon, muddle together and add 2 tbsp of the spiced maple syrup. Pour in bourbon and orange bitters, and shake well to combine.
1-inch piece fresh ginger
Maple Bourbon Smash • 1 orange wheel •
1 sprig fresh rosemary, plus extra for serving 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp fresh orange juice 2 tbsp spiced maple simple syrup
Take a Break
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2 oz bourbon
3.
In a glass, add ice and strain bourbon mixture over ice, topping with ginger beer or soda water. Garnish with rosemary.
5 drops orange bitters Ginger beer or soda water
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