Ensuring access to a loved one’s information if the unthinkable happens

A recent letter to Barefoot Investor guru Scott Pape and his response really struck a chord with the Ethinvest team when we discovered few of us had set up our phones and computers to ensure our loved ones can access our information, photos, accounts and diaries should the worst happen. We hope he won’t mind us sharing it with you so you and those you know can follow this excellent “how to” advice.

Hi Scott,

Our 26-year-old son James died of an accidental drug overdose last September. We don’t know his iPhone passcode or Apple ID, and no one -- not the police, Telstra or Apple -- can help us access his iCloud. On top of our grief, it feels insane. We’ve been warned about scammers offering to hack it. But the truth is we’ll never access his photos, messages, emails or crypto accounts. We could try guessing the passcode, but after 10 failed attempts we’d be locked out for good. We know nothing can be done for us now. However, if sharing this stops even one family from going through the same thing, then maybe something good can come of it. Tell someone your passwords! - Bill and Trish

Hello Bill and Trish,

I’m so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine just how infuriating this must be for you both.

So let’s try and get some meaning for you out of a horrible situation – something that honours your son James’ legacy.

To do that, I’m going to switch things up and speak directly to you, the reader. Yes, you.

I want you to stop for a moment and put yourself in the story:

You’re the one who’s gone.

Imagine your partner, your kids, your parents … in the same situation as Bill and Trish. They want to hold on to one last message. One last photo. One final part of you. But they can’t. Because you never told anyone your passcodes.

Now pull out your phone. Go on, this won’t take a minute. Do it now.

If you have an iPhone go to:

Settings → Apple ID → Sign-In & Security → Legacy Contact, and nominate a trusted loved one.

Or, if you have a Google Account, go to:

Data & Privacy → More Options → Make a Plan for Your Digital Legacy

Let’s honour James by doing something simple that could spare your loved ones this pain.

-Scott