Secrets vs Documents in Australia: What Belongs in Your Ultra-Private Vault
Published 8 Oct 2025 • General information — Not legal advice
Secrets hold context—how your household runs, what matters to you, safe hints and short instructions. Documents are formal artefacts—wills, nominations, policies, deeds. Keep each where it belongs to reduce confusion later.
Quick answer (2-minute guide)
- Secrets: context, instructions, safe hints—not credentials.
- Documents: the official stuff (will, super nominations, policies, deeds, IDs) with scans and original-location notes.
- Golden rules: don’t contradict your will; don’t store full passwords; keep originals safe.
What goes where: a simple matrix
| Item | Store as | Reason | LifeVault tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Password hints | Secret | Context without exposing credentials | “Bank password = our wedding venue + postcode” |
| 2FA recovery codes | Document (secured) or offline | Highly sensitive | If stored, encrypt and limit access; prefer offline |
| Super nomination form | Document | Controls death benefit distribution | Upload scan + renewal date note |
| Safe combo hint | Secret | Enough to jog memory, not reveal outright | “Combo = Dad’s birth year + 2” |
| Insurance policy numbers | Document (+ quick note) | Executor needs official details | Add a “Read-me-first” capsule for the executor |
| Crypto seed phrase | Not in LifeVault | Single point of catastrophic risk | Use offline methods; store location hint only |
Privacy & security basics
- Device security: enable biometrics/PIN; set short auto-lock.
- Screenshots: sensitive screens may block screenshots.
- Metadata: be mindful of faces, addresses and EXIF in photos.
- Third-party data: don’t upload others’ info without consent.
Legal boundaries: wills, nominations, and “this note is not a will”
Use notes to explain intentions, not to change outcomes. Wills, binding super nominations and policy beneficiary designations control legally. Keep these current and aligned.
How LifeVault helps
- Secrets vs Documents: separate spaces reduce mix-ups.
- Executor readiness: store policy numbers and a concise “start here” capsule.
- Security: vault lock, SensitiveGate, and Android screenshot protection on sensitive screens.
Related: DIY will vs lawyer • Letter of Wishes • Listing assets in a will • Executor basics
Frequently asked questions
No. Use hints or store where the credentials are kept, not the credentials themselves.
Will, IDs, policies, deeds, titles, super nominations, share registries and official letters.
No. Use secrets for context only.
Use consistent names, add short notes on original locations and review annually.