Closing the
Digital Chapter.
Our lives are increasingly online. Managing the social media, email accounts, and subscriptions of a loved one is a vital final step in settling their legacy.
Practical Steps for NZ Families
When someone passes away, their digital presence remains. If not managed, this can lead to identity theft, painful 'Birthday Notifications,' and drained bank accounts.
1. The Master List
Scan the deceased's phone and computer for a password manager or physical list. Check for 'Legacy Contacts' already set up in Apple ID or Facebook settings.
2. Social Media Pivot
Decide whether to 'Memorialize' or 'Delete' social accounts. Facebook and Instagram have specific forms. Avoid 'Logging In' as someone else to avoid security locks.
3. Subscription Audit
Review bank statements for recurring charges (Netflix, Spotify, NZ Herald, Gyms). Cancel these immediately to preserve the estate's cash flow.
Stop the
'Subscription Drain'
In New Zealand, the average estate can lose up to **$300 per month** in unnecessary subscriptions that keep charging until a bank account is frozen or the service is cancelled.
- Sky TV & Streaming Services
- Gym Memberships
- Cloud Storage (iCloud, Dropbox)
- Software/SaaS (Office 365)
Download the Checklist
A step-by-step PDF for closing every type of NZ online account.