FAQs

Hello.

FAQs
General FAQ
Your Year FAQ
Your Life FAQ
Your Wishes FAQ
Your Money FAQ

What now?
log in
buy Your Nutshell
buy as a gift
tell someone else
join our mailing list

what's in YOUR Nutshell?
how to use Your Nutshell
about us
FREE STUFF

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How much does it cost?

Each of the 4 nutshell services can be secured for £10 per year, although if you buy all 4 at once you can get a discounted price of £30.

What will you do to ensure my personal details are kept private?

Security is crucial to our entire service. All your personal details will be kept solely by Your Nutshell and will not be forwarded on to any third party unless you request that we do so (e.g. sharing photos and entries).

What happens if I become unable to manage the account myself?

It is important to let those people you want to have access (solicitor, spouse, those with a power of attorney or executor) know by providing them with their own secure authorisation to your Nutshell account. Should the unforeseen happen they can use this to access and carry out your wishes.

How secure is your sign on process?

We have studied a variety of secure sign on processes and have adopted one used by a number of UK banks which is both secure and user friendly. As well as your password (which you should of course never disclose to any third party) you are asked for another piece of information. This is drawn randomly from the answers you entered upon registration (e.g. 'What is your memorable name?'). If someone tries to gain unauthorised access, your account is locked, and only unlocked after 24 hours when an email notification is sent to you.

How do I know my information will be kept safe and secure?

Our members' security and privacy are critically important issues for us. Your Nutshell automatically encrypts the information in transit from your computer to ours using the Secure Sockets Layer protocol (SSL). This ensures that the information can only be read by authorised individuals who have access to the encryption key. Then, once your information reaches us it is stored on our dedicated servers which employ maximum security. We also employ a firewall, power backup system and 24-hour monitoring to ensure your information is safe.

What steps do you take to ensure no misuse of data by employees?

We researched the best "bank level" security measures and implemented these on our site. In addition only a handful of employees have access to the data in the normal course of their duties ( they are Directors of the company) and even then the data itself is encrypted.

Can I log in and log out as many times as I like?

Absolutely! The whole idea of having this service online is that you add to your diary, notes, wishes, thoughts, financial information etc., as and when you want. We want you to be able to pick up immediately from where you left off.

What is Your Nutshell all about?

The concept of your Nutshell is very simple.

Choose which areas interest you, and membership allows you to store your personal and private information securely where only you can access it.

But if you choose to share any of your site - private messages, holiday snaps - you can invite people by email to see what you want, for as long as you want.

record your diary
create a family 'newsletter'
store your memories and pictures
leave a living will
leave messages
put your finances in order
work on your household budget
list your receipts and serial numbers
record your account and policy details

All in the nutshell that only you, or someone you choose - maybe family, executor or friend - can access.

Totally secure, totally yours. Peace of mind .. in a nutshell!

How do I pay for the service?

Payment can be made via credit card or debit card via Paypal and a variety of other secure payment methods to allow you choice.

What if I change my email?

As this is your login into your account any changes must be updated. This is available through Your Account information once you're logged in.

How do you increase the size of the text?

Not all browsers are the same. However, as a general rule, the easiest way to increase the text is to hold down the Ctrl key (usually bottom left on your keyboard) and then hit either the + to increase or - button to decrease the size of the text. (The + and - buttons are normally to the right of the number 0 on the top line of your keyboard.)

On a Mac, this is usually achieved by holding down the 'apple' key to the left of the space bar, and + or - buttons.

How easy is it to upload video, picture, audio and documents?

Really easy. Once you've added or amended an entry and clicked "save & finish", an “add media” button will appear. Click this and you should see a pop-up window appear with simple instructions. Click on the browse button and navigate to locate the file you wish to upload on your computer. Then click begin upload! It’s as simple as that. You see roughly how long the upload will take and a progressive bar showing progress. If a file is too big, you should be told straight away and if you still want to upload it, you’ll need to reduce its size (by shrinking, compressing or splitting dependant upon what type of file it is). When it’s finished it will invite you to either upload another file (up to a maximum of 8 files per section) or you can click “<close this window” to return to the section you were adding the media to. You should then see it’s been added with a thumbnail above the media button for every file you’ve loaded. Just click on this thumbnail image to view that particular media item.

Why should I use your Nutshell rather than just putting my thoughts on paper and storing them safely?

Online not only gives you remote access when you have those moments of inspiration, but gives you peace of mind that your private information will not be mislaid, lost, or accidentally found.

Can I buy more than one of any nutshell type - such as a second 'your life in a nutshell'?

Yes - in fact we recommend it! Especially if you are thinking of starting a membership for a new baby or young child. You can make the entries yourself, recording the little things that happen in their life - first steps, achievements, whatever - until they are old enough to take on the content for themselves. You will also be able to have this presented as a book to give them as a fantastic, unique gift if you wish.

You will need to set up an email address for them, and then complete a new member, until such time as they want to re-register with their own personal access details.

Why can't I upload a file from my phone or camera?

Technology is always changing. We're working hard to keep up, but there will always be certain file types that just don't work with the website for some reason. Files are compressing as they upload and sometimes it's just one too many transformation happening at once for the system to handle.

Please let us know what types of files you're trying unsuccessfully to upload and we'll see what we can do to help. It may be that you need to open your files on your PC and convert to another format. We'll do our best to make sure as many file types as possible upload easily.

What if I have any other questions that are not answered here?

Please use the feedback form. Any questions will normally be answered within one working day.

What happens if I forget my password?

If you forget your password, click “send you your password hint”. We will then send you by email the “hint” you recorded when you opened your nutshell account. If this still doesn’t help you to remember then you’ll have to contact us by phone on 08452722382 for us to reset your password and send you email confirmation. If you try 3 times using the wrong password (or answer to one of your security questions) you will be locked out for 24 hours. However, after 24 hours you can try again, using your password hint if necessary. Like most Banks, we do not use “automated password reset processes”, as they are too insecure. If someone has got access to your email they cannot gain access to Your Nutshell by simply requesting a password is resent to your email address, we need to confirm your identity positively, and that your email address is safe for you, before we will ever reset your password. We will never send your security number or password information by email.

How does 'sharing' work

Sharing has been made simple, but you need to consider why and how you are going to share your content. Each service (Year, Life, Wishes and Money) has a different purpose for you, so it is natural that how, why and even when you want to share content will vary. However the sharing function should be able to cope with any of these, and we have listed what those might be here to help you:

1. Within year for instance, you might simply want to share details, photos and videos of a special family event. It would make sense to name a chapter for this event, add as many entries and media (photos etc) as you like and then simply in the "add, edit, organise" area click "share". You then add the email addresses of the people you want to share with, and indicate for how long, add a short message and then click "start sharing" - it's as simple as that!

2. In the wishes section you might want your solicitor or executor to know exactly what you want to happen in the event of your death or incapacity and there is a separate FAQ which gives an example of how you might give a separate set of instructions to them via the "share facility".

3. Finally, no matter which service you take (e.g. Life - for your life's story or Money - to keep your important financial information safe and secure) one of the reasons you did this was to have peace of mind. Knowing that after you've gone this information would be passed on safely to those you wanted to have it. In these circumstances, you should simply indicate in your short message attached to the instruction to share (addressed to your solicitor, executor or other trusted party) that upon your death your want access to be given to X (making sure you list X's full contact details).

How do I know that my loved ones will know I have all my information in my own Nutshell account?

If you have a Will it would make sense to make reference to it there. You could indicate that additional wishes and messages (i.e. not those you would normally formally put in a will) can be found in Your Nutshell listing, and who has the secure access password (e.g. your spouse, solicitor or executor.) For services like Your Life in a Nutshell you might be sharing with your children or friends already so they’ll know you have a Your Nutshell account, but for more sensitive information that you might only want accessed under certain circumstances then lodging a simple instruction as to how and when they should be accessed makes sense. There is a separate FAQ dealing with a suggested wording when sending such instructions to your personal representative via the “share Your Nutshell” function. Remember to set the “share until” date well into the future (e.g. 50 years or so) so it doesn’t run out too soon, and to frequently update your content where life events dictate changes might be required. (e.g. to message left or wishes you want fulfilled).

When sharing with my solicitor or executor, how should I prepare to give extra instructions?

It would make sense to have a brief conversation with your solicitor, executor or any other 3rd party you want to implement your instructions in case of your death or incapacity to tell them to expect an invitation to set up secure access via email shortly. Via the “share” function you can then provide them with access to the areas of Your Nutshell they need to fulfil your instructions. For example, you might provide your solicitor with access to “Your Wishes in a Nutshell” and ask that they distribute the messages you left and provide access to your executor or other named party(ies) - (say your husband, wife or children) to understand and implement your other wishes. Similarly, one of the reasons you use “Your Money in a Nutshell” is to take the strain off your near relatives in knowing exactly what and where all the assets and commitments are and who to deal with in such circumstances. So leaving instructions on who should access this information is equally important. There is another FAQ giving an “example” message.

Is there an example message I should write when sharing sections of Your Nutshell with my solicitor, executor or other personal representative?

(see also the FAQ on preparing for giving extra instructions) An example might be:

“Further to our conversation, this invitation will provide you with a link to establish secure access to vital areas of my “Your Nutshell” account. I have already given access to my wife and children to the “Your Life in a Nutshell” and the funeral wishes, organ donation and illness or incapacity section of “Your Wishes in a Nutshell” sections of my Your Nutshell account.

However, in the event of my death I would like you to implement the following in relation to the other sections of my Your Nutshell account I have shared with you today:

Distribute my “Messages” to those people I have indicated
Make sure my wife knows (i.e. still has secure access to and understands) the wishes I have left in the sections “memorials” and “funeral wishes”
That in addition to the formal provisions in my will which is deposited with you, my wife and children are aware of my wishes as set out in my “possessions” section.
That if the circumstances dictate, then you contact the person I have asked to look after our pet Cat “x” under the “pets” section.
Finally, reassure my wife that she need not worry about dealing with the financial implications just yet, as you and our executor know where everything is via the details in my “Your Money in a Nutshell” account, and that they can all be notified in due course. (She also has access, but reassurance at this time might be very helpful).”

Obviously it is best to have a discussion first and tailor a message to your own personal circumstances, but hopefully this gives you a few ideas as to how you might cover this off with your solicitor, executor or someone else you have entrusted as being your personal representative.

Is there a Glossary of Terms?

Yes. click on glossary here and you will get a full list.

Why am I having problems downloading media files?

You may experience problems downloading media files, for a number of possible reasons.

If you are unable to ‘right-click’ (on an AppleMac you need to 'control-click' for the same effect), you may still be able to download some media file types in different ways. Images - if you reduce the width of your browser so you can see part of your desktop around the edges of the web page, you can drag an image off the edge of the page, and this should copy it onto your desktop. You can then file it, or view it in your normal preview or graphics programmes. Documents - by clicking on the ‘view this document’ button, you will start an automatic download, which may freeze or slow your screen while it happens. Don’t panic! Once the file has downloaded and the website returns to normal you should be able to open the file by double-clicking its icon on the desktop, or by opening from your download menu. Sound and video files - unfortunately some browsers and operating systems do not allow the downloading of sound or video, although you should be able to view or hear files through the website by clicking ‘play’.

If you still have problems, and are very keen to download a file from a nutshell you have been invited to enter, we can only suggest you ask whoever gave you access whether they would email you the original.

If you have queries about downloading files, please contact us by email and we will help if we can. However, please note; there is a limit to how much we may be able to help. These files are uploaded by our members, and we cannot access them on your behalf.

Why is the information video not playing smoothly?

Keeping up-to-date with technology is pretty hard in this fast-moving world, while new programmes are constantly being written and created. We do our best to keep up! But occasionally it happens that some browsers on certain types of computer may be incompatible with the majority.

We're sorry we can't guarantee that every aspect of the website will work with absolutely every age and type of computer; we've done everything we can to be as compatible as possible.

If you'd like email us via the Contact Us page, with details about a particular problem you have encountered and your computer type and platform (eg Windows 2000, Macintosh OSX10.2.8 etc), we will see whether we can help in any way.

Is there a limit to the size of file I can upload?

Yes it's 100 Mb. That’s because even with broadband, upload speeds are variable and a larger file could take a very long time to upload. However, you should get a warning if you try to load one bigger than this limit. If it’s a video, for instance, try splitting it up into 2 or more shorter videos. Remember you can add up to 8 files within any one section entry.