Most of us have more accounts than we could list from memory. Between banking, social media, utilities, and the apps we open without thinking, the logins add up fast. If someone ever needed to step in and help, remembering all of them on the spot would be close to impossible.
That’s where a little organizing goes a long way. You don’t have to save every password you own. You do want to capture the ones a spouse, adult child, or trusted person would look for if they needed to reach your accounts or keep your household running.
Here’s a simple way to work through it. Move through your life one category at a time and let each section jog your memory. Whether you save the password in Paige, or give your loved ones access to them some other way, it’s important to make sure someone can step in if needed. Save what applies to you, skip what doesn’t, and come back to add more whenever something new comes to mind.
Start With the Keys That Open Everything
A handful of logins unlock access to almost everything else, so they’re worth saving first.
- Your phone passcode
- Your computer or laptop login
- Your primary email account
- Your password manager, if you use one (1Password, LastPass, and similar)
Your email is often the master key. Most accounts reset through your inbox, so access there can mean access to nearly everything connected to it.
Money and Finances
Think about where your money moves, sits, and gets paid out.
- Online banking
- Credit card portals
- Retirement and investment platforms (Fidelity, Vanguard, and the like)
- Payment apps such as PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle
- Any crypto wallets, including recovery phrases
If you keep a safe deposit box or home safe, note where the key or combination lives too.
A note on financial accounts: Some banks and financial institutions don’t allow account sharing or third-party logins under their terms. Saving this information still helps. It tells your family the account exists and where to find it. When someone needs to act on your behalf, that access usually runs through a legal channel, such as a power of attorney while you’re living or an executor later on. If you’re unsure what your institution allows, a quick call to ask is worth it.
The Accounts That Keep Your Home Running
Picture the bills and services that keep the lights on and the house working.
- Electric, gas, and water providers
- Internet, cable, or phone service (Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, and others)
- Home security systems (ADT, Ring)
- Smart locks, garage codes, and thermostats (Nest, Ecobee)
These are easy to overlook because they run in the background. They also cause the most friction when no one else can log in.
Devices and Your Home Network
Beyond your phone and computer, a few other pieces of tech usually need access.
- Your Wi-Fi network name and password
- Tablets and smartwatches
- Router login, if you have it handy
Cloud Storage and Photos
This is where documents, files, and years of family photos often live.
- iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox
- Photo storage or backup services
For many families, these accounts hold memories worth preserving long after any single document.
Everyday Subscriptions
You don’t need every login here, but a few help your family stop charges or keep useful services active.
- Streaming and shopping accounts (Netflix, Amazon)
- App stores (Apple, Google Play)
- Pharmacy or telehealth logins
Social Media and Legacy Settings
Your online presence is part of your story, and several platforms let you plan for it.
- Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and any others you use
- Some platforms let you name a legacy or memorialization contact in advance, so it’s worth checking those settings
Deciding how you’d want these handled gives your family clear direction later.
If It Applies to You
A few categories only matter in certain situations. Scan these and save what fits.
- Business access: bank accounts, accounting software, client portals
- Rental or property portals: landlord tools, Airbnb, Vrbo
- Pet services: microchip registry, GPS trackers like Fi or Whistle
A Living List, Not a One-Time Task
You don’t have to finish this in one sitting. Save the accounts that come to mind now, then add to your list in Paige as you think of more. The goal is a record you can return to and update as your accounts change. Setting a calendar reminder to update these once per year can be really helpful.
A little effort here means the people who may one day step in can find what they need without guessing or starting from scratch.
