We live more of our lives online than ever before, banking, emails, photos, subscriptions, cloud storage, social media, and important personal documents.

But what happens to all of that when someone dies or loses capacity?

And just as importantly, how do we protect ourselves while we’re still here?

In Episode 8 of The Leaving Plan Podcast, I sit down with my friend and IT security expert James Derbyshire from Harmonic Security to explore the growing importance of the “digital executor”, a role that is quickly becoming just as essential as the traditional executor of a Will.

Together, we cover both sides of the digital world: protection while living, and preparation for what’s left behind.

We discuss:

• Common domestic cyber scams and how to spot them early
• How scammers target people financially and emotionally
• Scams that specifically target bereavement and vulnerable moments
• Why digital security is now a core part of estate planning
• How to organise your digital life for family members and executors
• Finding and securing important documents, photos, accounts, and passwords

This episode is a reminder that estate planning is no longer just about physical possessions, it now includes your digital footprint, online identity, and everything stored in the cloud.

Planning ahead in this space isn’t just practical, it’s protective. It helps prevent fraud, reduces confusion, and ensures your loved ones can access what they need without unnecessary stress at an already difficult time.

A huge thank you to James for sharing his expertise, insight, and real-world knowledge of cyber security and digital risk in such a clear and practical way.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions around death, bereavement, cyber scams, financial fraud, and vulnerability following loss. Please listen with care if you are currently experiencing grief or a difficult time.

#TheLeavingPlan #DigitalLegacy #DigitalExecutor #CyberSecurity #OnlineScams #EstatePlanning #Wills #LifeAdmin #DataProtection #Grief #Bereavement #Podcast #PlanningAhead #DigitalOrganisation

House Clearance After Bereavement or Moving Into Care
Guest: Janet Stevens

A practical, supportive guide for anyone facing house clearance after loss or later-life transitions.

Clearing a loved one’s home can feel overwhelming, emotional, and logistically complex. In this episode, I am joined by Janet Stevens, who shares expert, compassionate advice on how to approach house clearance after bereavement, or when someone moves into care.

With over 20 years’ experience in antiques and supporting families, Janet explains where to start, how to avoid overwhelm, and what really matters when sorting a lifetime of belongings.

We talk about how to handle paperwork, valuables, probate, and family dynamics, plus practical tips on donating, selling, and responsibly clearing items.

This episode offers reassurance, clarity, and simple steps to help you feel more in control during a difficult time.

 Key Topics

• Where to start when clearing a house
• Avoiding overwhelm and decision fatigue
• Handling paperwork, utilities, and insurance
• What to keep, donate, sell, or recycle
• Managing family dynamics and disputes
• Thoughtful ways to rehome belongings

Connect with Janet Stevens for further tips, advice and supportive posts

Website: www.janetstevens.net
Instagram: @_janetstevens_

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of bereavement, death, and end-of-life planning. If you are experiencing grief or a difficult time, we are truly sorry. Our intention is to offer support, clarity, and reassurance.  I hope that listening may help you prepare, and approach sensitive conversations with confidence.

For more information, please look at Lloyd and Fiona's website which are full of information and advice:
http://www.thetripgroup.com
http://www.rowlandbrothersinternational.com

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion of bereavement, death, and end-of-life planning. If you are experiencing grief or a difficult time, I am truly sorry. Our intention is to offer support, clarity, and reassurance. Listening may help you prepare, travel safely, and approach sensitive conversations with confidence and clarity.

Anthony clearly explains what a Lasting Power of Attorney is, why you need one, and how to go about putting it in place. We explore how an LPA ensures your voice is heard at a time when you may not be able to speak for yourself, and how it signals to doctors, financial institutions, and authorities exactly who you trust to make decisions about your health and welfare, as well as your property and finances.

We also discuss why, although we hope you’ll never need to use it, having an LPA in place can bring enormous peace of mind, both for you and for the people you love, and why it should be a core part of your Leaving Plan.

For more help on this subject, and will writing, please check out their website http://www.willwriters.com

⚠️ Content note:
As always, please be aware that if you are currently experiencing grief or going through a difficult situation, this episode may contain triggers. We talk openly about death, loss, and grief while navigating this important administrative structure.

My intention is never to cause upset or distress, but to help people feel more confident having these conversations rather than avoiding them out of fear, and discomfort.

My hope is that this episode helps bring clarity, focus, and encouragement, and most importantly,  inspires you to add this vital document to your own Leaving Plan.

Next Month’s Guests:-

Next month, I’ll be joined by Fiona Greenwood of Rowland Brothers International and Lloyd Figgins from TRIP Group.

It’s a fascinating discussion about staying safe while travelling globally, and about having those difficult but essential conversations pre travel, with loved ones around a Plan B, just in case support is ever needed, or the worst happens. The episode will be released on the last Friday of the month.

As always, this conversation focuses on the admin of death planning. If you are currently experiencing bereavement or living with a terminal illness, you have my deepest condolences. My intention is never to cause upset or distress, but to help people feel more confident having these conversations rather than avoiding them out of fear, embarrassment, or discomfort.

If you do listen, and I truly hope you do, there’s a moment towards the end where Nick talks about natural burials - You’ll hear birdsong in the background, and nowhere else in the episode. It made me smile, so I wanted to share that with you.  Because even though we have a very positive conversation, a few tears were shed as I was editing it.

I hope my conversation with Nick and Jacqui helps encourage those important, sometimes difficult conversations with friends and family. And please remember: there are so many fresh, beautiful, and meaningful options available now, far removed from the old Victorian model of funeral parlours and services.

To find out more about White Rose Modern Funerals, visit

http://www.whiterosemodernfunerals.co.uk 

their website is full of genuinely helpful information and guidance.

Takeaways

• Understanding the probate process is crucial for executors
• Professional assistance and guidance can ease the executor's responsibilities

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding Probate
• 06:24 Managing the Deceased's Property
• 13:07 Asset Search and Valuation
• 19:21 Valuable Items and Professional Assistance
• 26:01 Executor's Responsibilities and Documentation
• 31:16 Contesting the Will and Legal Implications