Is Your Estate Protected In This Digital Age?

The number of Americans with estate planning documents has declined since 2022.  More than 50% of respondents in a 2025 Study said they don’t have a will at all.  The AARP’s Sean Voskuhl said as the world becomes more digital, it’s important to protect yourself there too.

“To help people draw up a will to protect themselves and their assets, AARP created the “ultimate guide to estate planning” to help people take the right steps to protect themselves," Voskuhl said.  "According to a recent AARP survey, more than 93% of adults 50-plus say it’s important to them to have an updated will that explains who they want to receive their assets after death, but only 51% have a legal will in place.”

Don't Put Off To Tomorrow What You Can Do Today

A lot of it boils down to procrastination, Voskuhl noted.  They don’t know how to start, don’t think there’s enough assets, or they just don’t want to think about it.

He said life changes happen as the years go by, and even if you do have a plan in place, it’s good to review those plans every few years.

“Prepare a digital inventory of all your online accounts," Voskuhl said.  "Provide a road map, including answers to secret questions to retrieve usernames and passwords. Update and backup your digital inventory regularly onto a thumb drive you can include with your documents. It’s also important to update your Power of Attorney and Will to include digital assets.”

Take Small Steps

A lot goes into estate planning, either digitally or offline.  Voskuhl said there are three things you'll want to keep in mind:

• Develop and maintain a succession plan for ownership and management of your farm
• Plan for retirement plan accounts and life insurance needs of the farm as a closely held business
• And go through premarital agreements and protection of interests of your farm

In an effort to help with the estate planning process, AARP offers a Personal Estate Planning Kit.  Click Here to learn more.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com