- 1: Outline Your Wants, Wishes, and Wills
- 2: Create an Estate Plan
- 3: Review Your Beneficiary Designations
- 4: Put Your Finances in Order
- 5: Outline Your End-of-Life Wishes
- 6: Sign a Power of Attorney
- 7: Prepare Guidelines for Your Guardians
- 8: Write A Letter of Instruction
- 9: Talk to Your Loved Ones About Your Wants, Wishes, and Wills
- 10: Review Your Wants, Wishes, and Wills
From the author of
8: Write A Letter of Instruction
The death of a loved one is devastating. It’s emotionally draining. But it’s also demanding and overwhelming. Where do your loved ones begin?
Point them in the right direction by leaving them a detailed letter of instruction. Your letter of instruction should include funeral wishes and any prepaid funeral arrangements; contact information for lawyers, accountants, and financial advisors; obituary suggestions; location of life insurance policies and other original documents; whereabouts of your safe deposit box and key, if you have one; and all other important information.
The more details you provide, the easier it will be for your loved ones.
