Estate Planning: How to Maintain Your List of Assets and Passwords

Creating an estate plan is a critical step—but your plan is only as effective as the information your trustee can access. If your trustee must spend hours—or even weeks—searching for bank accounts, investment details, or passwords, your carefully prepared documents are not as helpful.

Think of your estate plan as a map. If it doesn’t clearly point to what you own and how to reach it, your trustee is left guessing. That means delays, frustration, and avoidable expenses.

Keeping a clear, current list of your assets and digital access isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about giving your trustee the gift of time, clarity, and confidence. You’ll make their job easier, help your beneficiaries receive what you’ve intended, and reduce the emotional burden during a difficult time. 1. Create and Maintain a Master Asset List

Your trustee needs a full picture of what you own. Keep a simple, comprehensive list that includes:

• Bank accounts – account types, bank names, and last 4 digits

• Investment and retirement accounts – brokerages, IRAs, 401(k)s, crypto wallets

• Real estate – property addresses, mortgage or deed info

• Insurance policies – life, disability, long-term care

• Business interests – LLCs, partnerships, private equity

• High-value personal property – jewelry, collectibles, vehicles

• Debts or liabilities – loans, credit lines, mortgages

2. Securely Record Digital Access For many, most of your financial life is online. If your trustee can’t access your digital accounts, assets can be stuck in limbo for months. Maintain a secure log of:

• Passwords and usernames

• Email accounts linked to financial tools

• Two-factor authentication methods (e.g., mobile numbers, devices)

• Master password for your password manager (if used)

Using a password manager is a good option—it stores everything in one secure place. Just make sure your trustee knows how to access it when needed.

3. Update Regularly

• Review and update once a year (tie it to tax time or a birthday)

• Add or remove assets as needed

• Update login credentials whenever passwords or platforms change

• Keep track of any new digital accounts or mobile apps you’re using to manage money

• Set a recurring reminder to review your records and keep everything fresh.

4. How and When to Share with Your Trustee You don’t need to hand over access today—but your trustee should know where the information is stored and how to unlock it if something happens.

You have options:

• Provide sealed instructions with your estate plan documents

• Use a secure file or vault and give your trustee access credentials

• Store details in a fireproof safe, lockbox, or attorney’s office

At a minimum, your trustee should know:

• Where to find your asset list and passwords

• Who to contact for access (attorney, spouse, digital executor)

• When they are authorized to use the information (e.g., only upon incapacity or death)

5. Tools That Can Help

Consider using one or more of the following tools:

• Password managers 

• Online vaults 

• Secure spreadsheets or documents – protected with encryption and stored in the cloud

• Printed estate binders – if stored safely and updated regularly

Whatever method you choose, the key is consistency and access. Conclusion

A strong estate plan goes beyond legal documents. By maintaining a current list of your assets and access credentials, you make it easier for your trustee to act quickly, fulfill your wishes, and care for the people and causes that matter to you.

Please contact me with any questions.

About the Author

Kendra Hampton has nearly 20 years of legal experience. She manages her own estate planning practice and has helped hundreds of clients create and update their trust, will, and powers of attorney. Kendra is committed to educating clients on the importance of estate planning and crafting personalized planning strategies.