The devastating fires in California have once again highlighted the importance of preparedness. Beyond emergency kits and evacuation plans, there is another critical yet often overlooked aspect of readiness: the secure storage and accessibility of your most important documents. At Winthrop Wealth, we’ve seen firsthand how having a digital strategy for document preservation can provide peace of mind and practical support in life’s most challenging moments.

The Case for Digital Storage 

Imagine losing access to your critical financial records, medical directives, or property deeds due to a natural disaster or unforeseen emergency. Paper copies are susceptible to damage, loss, or theft. Digitally storing your documents offers a more secure, accessible, and reliable solution, helping to ensure you’re prepared no matter what happens. 

What Should You Digitize? Some essential documents to consider storing digitally include: 

• Wills and trusts 

• Financial statements 

• Medical directives and insurance policies 

• Property deeds and vehicle titles 

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates 

• Tax records 

• Passwords and account information 

Prioritize Security: Encrypted Storage 

At Winthrop Wealth, we suggest using encrypted storage solutions to safeguard your digital documents. Encryption helps ensure that your sensitive information remains secure and accessible only to authorized individuals. Whether you opt for a cloud-based service, choose a platform you feel is trustworthy and regularly updated for security patches. 

Preparing for the Unexpected: Beneficial Access 

Life can be unpredictable. Whether due to incapacitation or another unforeseen event, we believe it’s essential to have a plan in place for others to access your important documents when you’re unable to. Tools like LastPass and similar digital legacy platforms allow you to designate trusted individuals who can request access to your files. These systems operate on a request-for-approval basis with a built-in time lock. If you don’t respond within your preferred timeframe, the designated individual gains access to the documents. This helps ensure both security and preparedness, giving you control while allowing for critical access when necessary. 

Family Access: A Collaborative Approach 

At Winthrop Wealth, we encourage our clients maintain a secure digital archive of their essential documents. But we don’t stop there. We encourage clients to inform their family members about the existence of these archives. While Winthrop Wealth is not a digital storage provider, we seek to assist our clients by providing copies of documents on file with us to properly authorized family members or third parties upon request.  Please discuss setting up appropriate permissions with us ahead of time. 

File Sharing for Family Organization 

For documents shared among family members—such as medical records, property titles, or family agreements—secure digital platforms can simplify communication and collaboration. By centralizing these documents in a secure location, you can ensure that everyone who needs access has it by controlling permissions without compromising privacy. 

Plan Ahead 

The tragic losses caused by fires in California serve as a stark reminder that preparation is not just prudent—it’s essential. Setting up a digital legacy isn’t just about convenience; it’s about ensuring you and your loved ones have what you need when you need it most. By taking steps to digitize and secure your important documents, you’re not only protecting your assets but also providing peace of mind to those who matter most. 

At Winthrop Wealth, we’re here to guide our clients through this process and are committed to helping you prepare for life’s uncertainties.  We encourage you to discuss with us ahead of time before a crisis to realize the importance of your digital legacy.