Can Loved Ones Access Your Accounts After You're Gone?

More and more people are using the Internet to pay bills, access banking accounts and store countless digital files. According to a survey by Pew Internet & American Life Project, about 63 million adults in the U.S. were banking online last year – and the number keeps growing. However, online users are warned to keep their user names and passwords protected at all times because of the threat of identity theft. Although this is good advice, what happens if something happens to you and your family needs to access
your accounts?

You Shouldn't Take It with You
Without your online passwords, your family may not be able to get important or cherished digital files if you become incapacitated or pass away.

• Computers and laptops
• Bank accounts
• Online bill payments
• ATM cards and credit cards
• Brokerage accounts
• Retail accounts, such as eBay or Amazon.com
• E-mail accounts
• Home and computer security systems
• Cell phone passwords

Update your list regularly so all your passwords and user names are current. Also, write down answers to common security questions, such as your mother's maiden name, the street you were raised on and the name of your first pet.

Keep It Safe
Estate planners advise making three copies of your list. Keep one copy in your home safe, a copy with an estate planner or trusted relative and one in your Equitable Bank safe deposit box. You'll have the peace of mind that your passwords will be kept safe now and will be there for your family later. For more information about renting a safe deposit box, call 414-476-6434 or visit your local branch.

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