Have you ever wondered what happens to your online accounts once you pass away? It's a little morbid, I admit, but something we do need to think about. With social networking, online billing, email, and online shopping, we have multiple online accounts. When we pass, there's a good chance all of our user names and passwords will go with us to the grave.

I never thought about it until I heard a technology story on this topic on NPR's All Things Considered. Privacy policies are very important; they protect us. But, once we are gone and a loved one is legitimately trying to access our accounts, they are a roadblock. What happens if your significant other did not remind you of his or her password?

The NPR story featured a company called Legacy Locker. It allows the person or persons you designate to obtain your passwords. You create an account indicating not only your user names and passwords, but also the people whom you want to get the information. In the event of a death, a customer's verifier must report the death to Legacy Locker. Customers choose two such people who would be able to confirm your death and have access to the appropriate documentation. Once your death is confirmed, the service notifies the beneficiaries of the information. In effect, you have control over who gets to see your emails and financial accounts.

Legacy Locker has a limited free plan, but if you want to include more than 3 accounts or more than one beneficiary, you will have to pay for the service. If you think it's worth it, or if you're intrigued, take a look at the company's website.