Ask HN: How you pass legacy to others?

#1

Post by jojwong » Sun, May 31, 2026, 4:49 AM UTC

Have you ever thought about what happens if you suddenly stop breathing? How will your family know where your important information is stored?

I just create this website and would like to know if you will use or not, and why. please advise, thank you. [https://heirlooms.app/]

Re: Ask HN: How you pass legacy to others?

#2

Post by al_borland » Sun, May 31, 2026, 6:30 AM UTC

I wouldn’t use it, simply because I would need to make a bet on this website existing for the rest of my life. Statistically, that’s unlikely.

Re: Ask HN: How you pass legacy to others?

#3

Post by jojwong » Sun, May 31, 2026, 6:56 AM UTC

al_borland wrote: post #2

I wouldn’t use it, simply because I would need to make a bet on this website existing for the rest of my life. Statistically, that’s unlikely.

thank you for feedback. but if this can be download or still able to revise even website accidentally shut down? please share with me how will you use it, i want to solve problems.

Re: Ask HN: How you pass legacy to others?

#4

Post by efsher_azoy2 » Sun, May 31, 2026, 7:38 AM UTC

Idea is great, however I probably have trust issues :)

As a tech person, I would probably create encrypted file on my family cloud drive with instructions, to be sure that I own the data and I know what happened there. On another hand, it requires some efforts (and also instructions for the family how it can be decrypted - the hardest part :D )

Re: Ask HN: How you pass legacy to others?

#5

Post by jojwong » Sun, May 31, 2026, 8:36 AM UTC

efsher_azoy2 wrote: post #4

Idea is great, however I probably have trust issues :) As a tech person, I would probably create encrypted file on my family cloud drive with instructions, to be sure that I own the data and I know what happened there. On another hand, it requires some efforts (and also instructions for the family how it can be decrypted - the hardest part :D )

thank you for "+1" :) I did decrypted part already and working very well, if forgot password, then all data need to start again since we dont storage anything from user since this is secret of everyone. possible you can give it a try and give some more feedbacks? please.

Re: Ask HN: How you pass legacy to others?

#6

Post by fiftyacorn » Sun, May 31, 2026, 8:50 AM UTC

I do a yearly update of all important account details and passwords on a shared keepass. Then sit down annually to review it all.

Outside this i have encrypted drives and shared passwords on this

Also review wills and power of attorney every few years

Re: Ask HN: How you pass legacy to others?

#7

Post by codingdave » Sun, May 31, 2026, 10:23 AM UTC

There is no way I'd use a web site for this, partially because there is no guarantee the site will still be here in 2 years, much less 20+ years. But more importantly, I can store that info in any document online. I don't need a new web site for it. I can (and do) also store it with the attorney who holds my will. And my older family members have a printout in a file cabinet at their home where I know where to look.

Overall, this is not a tech problem. You are trying to use a web site to replace a communication gap with your family.

Re: Ask HN: How you pass legacy to others?

#8

Post by jojwong » Sun, May 31, 2026, 11:32 AM UTC

codingdave wrote: post #7

There is no way I'd use a web site for this, partially because there is no guarantee the site will still be here in 2 years, much less 20+ years. But more importantly, I can store that info in any document online. I don't need a new web site for it. I can (and do) also store it with the attorney who holds my will. And my older family members have a printout in a file cabinet at their home where I know where to look.…

Hello, thank you for sharing. Printout is one of good way for sure, but means need to keep updating and print the new one. may I ask if they are handwriting or e-docs? Actually it is not communication problem with family, it is have too many information need to keep. Possible you can give it a try and maybe can give some feedbacks for me to improve? thank you.

Re: Ask HN: How you pass legacy to others?

#9

Post by jojwong » Sun, May 31, 2026, 11:33 AM UTC

fiftyacorn wrote: post #6

I do a yearly update of all important account details and passwords on a shared keepass. Then sit down annually to review it all. Outside this i have encrypted drives and shared passwords on this Also review wills and power of attorney every few years

This sounds great and maybe my website wont give you too much help, but maybe you can try to use it and have new ideas about what to keep as well? thank you for comment and share experience!

Re: Ask HN: How you pass legacy to others?

#10

Post by osigurdson » Sun, May 31, 2026, 7:09 PM UTC

al_borland wrote: post #2

I wouldn’t use it, simply because I would need to make a bet on this website existing for the rest of my life. Statistically, that’s unlikely.

Back in the crypto days I was somewhat intrigued by Arweave's permanent storage idea. It seems like it is still around (I've never used it personally though).