LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS

A letter of instructions is an informal document that benefits both you and your survivors by providing specific, detailed information necessary for making your funeral arrangements and

settling your affairs according to your wishes. It should not, however, be regardedas a substitute for your will, but rather as a supplement to your will. Like all estateplanning documents, it should be reviewed and updated periodically.

First Things To Do

1. Make arrangements with the funeral home. (See the �Cemetery and Funeral� section, page 2.)2. Notify the following relatives and acquaintances:

_________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: __________________

3. For care of pet(s) call:Name: ___________________________________________ Telephone: __________________Name: ___________________________________________ Telephone: __________________

4. Call lawyer: _______________________________________ Telephone: __________________5. Notify employer (if applicable).

Name: ____________________________________________ Telephone: __________________6. Provide the following newspapers with obituary information. (See �Obituary Information,� page 2.)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Request at least 10 copies of the death certificate. (Usually, the funeral director will obtain them.)8. Process insurance policies. (See �Life Insurance� section, page 7.)9. Contact the Social Security office. (See �Social Security� section, page 8.)

10. Notify the bank that holds the home mortgage. (See the �Home� section, page 10.)11. Notify the following organizations:

_________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone: __________________

Cemetery and Funeral

Funeral Home1. Name of Funeral Home: _______________________________Telephone: _______________________2. Address: __________________________________________________________________________3. Prearrangements have been made: q Yes q No

If yes, documentation is located: ________________________________________________________

Information for the Funeral DirectorThis list should be brought to the funeral home, along with the cemetery deed, if possible.

1. Full name: __________________________________________________________________________2. Residence: ________________________________________________ Since: ____________________3. Marital status: _______________________________ Spouse�s name:____________________________4. Date of birth: _______________________________ Birthplace: _______________________________5. Father�s name: _______________________________ Birthplace: _______________________________6. Mother�s maiden name: ________________________ Birthplace: _______________________________7. Length of residence in state: ____________________ In United States: __________________________8. Military record: ________________________________________________________________________9. Social Security number: ________________________

10. Life insurance:(Bring policy if proceeds will be used for funeral expenses. See �Life Insurance� section, page 7.)Insurer: ____________________________________Policy Number: ______________________________

Cemetery Plot1. Location: _________________________________________2. Date purchased: ____________________________________3. Deed number: _____________________________________4. Location of deed: __________________________________5. Other information (e.g., perpetual care, headstone): __________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Obituary Information1. School(s): ________________________________ Dates: __________ Degree(s): __________

________________________________ __________ __________________________________________ __________ __________

2. Employment: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Length of time at current residence: _________________________________________________________4. Special honors/awards: ________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________5. Community activities: _________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________6. Professional memberships: _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________7. Other memberships: __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________8. Volunteer activities: __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________9. Other information: ___________________________________________________________________

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Funeral Preferences

1. The following service(s):q Funeral (before disposition) Church: ________________________________________________q Memorial (after disposition) Place: ______________________________________________q Graveside Cemetary: ____________________________________________q Mortuary Name: _______________________________________________q Other: _________________________________________________________________________

2. Service preferences:Eulogy: q Yes q NoOmit flowers: q Yes q NoReadings: ____________________________________________________________________________Music: ______________________________________________________________________________Other Preferences: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Simple arrangements:q No embalmingq No public viewingq The least expensive burial or cremation containerq Immediate disposition

4. Remains should be:q Interred Cemetary: ____________________________________________________q Cremated and the ashesq Scattered Place: _______________________________________________________q Buried Place: _______________________________________________________

q Donated: Arrangements made on ________________ with ________________________________Documentation located: ____________________________________________________________

q Disposed of as follows: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Memorial gift to: ______________________________________________________________________

6. Autopsy if doctor or family requests: q Yes q No

7. Donate these organs: __________________________________________________________________Location of organ donor card: ___________________________________________________________

Special Wishes________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Checking Account(s)Attach a separate summary if needed.

1. Bank name and address: __________________________________________________Name(s) on account: _____________________________________________________Account number: ________________________________________________________Type of account: ________________________________________________________Location of passbook (or certificate receipt): ___________________________________Special instructions: ______________________________________________________

2. Bank name and address: __________________________________________________Name(s) on account: _____________________________________________________Account number: ________________________________________________________Type of account: ________________________________________________________Location of passbook (or certificate receipt): ___________________________________Special instructions: ______________________________________________________

Savings Account(s)1. Bank name and address: __________________________________________________

Name(s) on account: _____________________________________________________Account number: ________________________________________________________Location of passbook (or certificate receipt): ___________________________________Special instructions: ______________________________________________________

2. Bank name and address: ___________________________________________________Name(s) on account: _____________________________________________________Account number: ________________________________________________________Location of passbook (or certificate receipt):___________________________________Special instructions: ______________________________________________________

Loans OutstandingProvide the following information for each loan other than mortgages:

1. Bank name and address: __________________________________________________2. Name on loan: _________________________________________________________4. Monthly payment: _______________________________________________________5. Account number: ________________________________________________________6. Location of papers and payment book (if any):_________________________________7. Collateral (if any): _______________________________________________________8. Is there life insurance on the loan: qYes q No

Debts Owed to the Estate1. Debtor: ______________________________________________________________2. Description:___________________________________________________________3. Terms: _______________________________________________________________4. Balance: $ _____________________________________________________________5. Location of documents: __________________________________________________6. Comments on loan status/discharge: _________________________________________

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Banking and Finance

Credit Cards

Bank Credit CardsAll credit cards in the deceased�s name should be canceled or converted to the survivor�s name. Provide thefollowing information for each card.

1. Bank: ______________________________________________ Telephone:_______________________Address: ___________________________________________________________________________Name on card: _______________________________________________________________________Account number: _____________________________________________________________________Location of card: _____________________________________________________________________

2. Bank: ______________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________Address: ____________________________________________________________________________Name on card: _______________________________________________________________________Account number: _____________________________________________________________________Location of card: _____________________________________________________________________

Store Credit Cards1. Store: _____________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________Name on card: ________________________________________________________________________Account number: _____________________________________________________________________Location of card: ______________________________________________________________________

2. Store: _____________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________Address: _____________________________________________________________________________Name on card: ________________________________________________________________________Account number: ______________________________________________________________________Location of card: ______________________________________________________________________

3. Store: _____________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________Address: _____________________________________________________________________________Name on card: ________________________________________________________________________Account number: ______________________________________________________________________Location of card: ______________________________________________________________________

Other Credit Cards1. Card name: __________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________Name on card: ________________________________________________________________________Account number: ______________________________________________________________________Location of card: ______________________________________________________________________

2. Card name: __________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________Address: _____________________________________________________________________________Name on card: ________________________________________________________________________Account number: ______________________________________________________________________Location of card: ______________________________________________________________________

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Investments

Provide the following information. (If necessary, attach a separate sheet.)

Stocks

Bonds, CDs, and Other Interest-Earning Securities

Mutual Funds

Other InvestmentsFor each investment, list the amount invested, to whom it is issued, the maturity date, and other applicable data,and the location of certificates and other vital papers.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Company: ______________________________Name on certificate(s): ____________________Number of shares: _______________________Certificate number(s): _____________________Purchase price and date: ___________________Location of certificates: ___________________

1. Company: ______________________________Name on certificate(s): _____________________Number of shares: _______________________Certificate number(s): ______________________Purchase price and date: ____________________Location of certificates: ____________________

2. Company: ______________________________Name on certificate(s): _____________________Number of shares: ______________________Certificate number(s): _____________________Purchase price and date: ___________________Location of certificates: ___________________

4. Company: ______________________________Name on certificate(s): ____________________Number of shares: _______________________Certificate number(s): _____________________Purchase price and date: ___________________Location of certificates: ___________________

1. Issuer: _________________________________Issued to: _______________________________Face amount: $___________________________Bond number: ___________________________Purchase price and date: ____________________Maturity date: ____________________________Location of certificate: _____________________

2. Issuer: __________________________________Issued to: _______________________________Face amount: $___________________________Bond number: ___________________________Purchase price and date: ____________________Maturity date: ____________________________Location of certificate: _____________________

2. Company: _______________________________Name on account:__________________________Account number: __________________________Number of shares or units: __________________Location of statements, certificates: _________________________________________________

3. Company: ______________________________Name on account: _______________________Account number: _________________________Number of shares or units: _________________Location of statements, certificates: __________________________________________________

1. Company: _______________________________Name on account: ________________________Account number: ________________________Number of shares or units: _________________Location of statements, certificates: _________________________________________________

4. Company: ______________________________Name on account: _________________________Account number: ________________________Number of shares or units: __________________Location of statements, certificates: ___________________________________________________

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Insurance

Life Insurance

To collect benefits, a copy of the death certificate must be sent to each insurance company. Provide the followinginformation for each policy.

Expected Death Benefits

1. From employer (if applicable):Person to contact: ___________________________________ Telephone: ______________♦ Life insurance: $ __________

♦ Profit sharing: $ __________

♦ Pension plan: $ __________

♦ Accident insurance $ __________

♦ Other benefits: __________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________Documentation located: ______________________________________________________

2. From insurance companies (total amount): $_________3. From Social Security (lump sum plus monthly benefits): $_________4. From the Veterans Administration (amount): $_________5. From other sources: __________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

1. Policy Number: __________________________Amount: $______________________________Location of policy: __________________________Whose life is insured: ______________________Insurer�s name and address: __________________________________________________________Kind of policy: ___________________________Beneficiaries: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Issue date: ______________________________How paid out: ___________________________Other options on payout: ___________________Other special facts: __________________________

3. For $ ___________________ in veteran�s insurance,call the local Veterans Administration office.Telephone: _______________________________

2. Policy Number: __________________________Amount: $______________________________Location of policy: __________________________Whose life is insured: ______________________Insurer�s name and address: _________________________________________________________Kind of policy: ___________________________Beneficiaries: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Issue date: ________________________________How paid out: ___________________________Other options on payout: ___________________Other special facts: ___________________

Homeowner�s/Renter�s1. Coverage: ______________________________________________________2. Insurer�s name and address: ________________________________________

______________________________________________________________3. Policy number: __________________________________________________4. Location of policy: _______________________________________________5. Term (when to renew): ______________________________________________6. Agent: _______________________________ Telephone: _________________

Automobile1. Coverage: ______________________________________________________2. Insurer�s name and address: ________________________________________

______________________________________________________________3. Policy number: __________________________________________________4. Location of policy: _______________________________________________5. Term (when to renew): _____________________________________________6. Agent: _______________________________ Telephone: _________________

Medical1. Coverage: ______________________________________________________2. Insurer�s name and address: ________________________________________3. Policy number: __________________________________________________4. Location of policy: _______________________________________________5. Through employer or other group: _____________________________________6. Agent: _______________________________ Telephone: _________________

Other Insurance (e.g., Personal or Professional Liability)1. Insurer�s name and address: ________________________________________2. Policy number: __________________________________________________3. Beneficiary: ____________________________________________________4. Coverage: ______________________________________________________5. Location of policy: _______________________________________________6. Agent : ______________________________ Telephone: ________________

Social Security

1. Name: _____________________________________________________________________2. Social Security Number: __________________________________________________________3. Location of Social Security card: ____________________________________________________4. File a claim immediately to avoid possibility of losing any benefit checks. Call the Social Security

Administration (SSA) office for an appointment and follow SSA�s instructions as to what to bring.SSA telephone: _________________________________________________________________

5. Expect a lump sum of about $ ____________, plus continuing benefits for children under age 18,or for full-time students until age 22. A spouse may receive benefits until children reach age 18,between ages 50 and 60 if disabled, or if over age 60.

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Location of Personal Papers1. Last will and testament: ___________________________________________________________

Prepared by (attorney or firm): ___________________________Telephone: _________________2. Birth certificate: _________________________________________________________________3. Communion, confirmation certificates: _______________________________________________4. School diplomas: ________________________________________________________________5. Marriage certificates: _____________________________________________________________6. Military records: ________________________________________________________________7. Naturalization papers: ____________________________________________________________8. Other (e.g., adoption, divorce): _____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Safe-Deposit Box1

1. Bank name and address: __________________________________________________________2. In whose name: _________________________________________________________________3. Location of key: ________________________________________________________________4. Box number: ___________________________________________________________________5. List of contents (if extensive, attach separate inventory): _________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Post Office Box1. Address: _______________________________________________________________________2. Owner(s): ______________________________________________________________________3. Box number: ___________________________________________________________________4. Location of key or combination: ____________________________________________________

Income Tax Returns1. Location of all previous returns (federal, state, local): ____________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________2. Tax preparer�s name: _________________________________ Telephone: _________________3. Location of estimated tax files (check to see if any estimated quarterly taxes are due): ___________

______________________________________________________________________________

Doctor�s Names and Addresses:1. Doctor�s name(s): ___________________________________ Telephone: _________________

__________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ __________________________

2. Dentist�s name: ______________________________________ Telephone: _________________

1Note: In the event of death of a safe-deposit box owner, state law may require the bank to seal the deceased�sbox as soon as notified of the death, even if the box is jointly owned.

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Estate Planning Documents

Home ImprovementsTotal amount: $______________________Provide the following information for each improvement:

1Contact the local tax assessor for documentation needed or for more information.

b. Improvement: ______________________Cost: $____________________________Date: ____________________________Location of bills/receipts: ______________________________________________

c. Improvement: _____________________Cost: $___________________________Date: ____________________________Location of bills/receipts: ______________________________________________

d. Improvement: _____________________Cost: $____________________________Date: _____________________________Location of bills/receipts: ______________________________________________

a. Improvement: _____________________Cost: $___________________________Date: ____________________________Location of bills/receipts: ______________________________________________

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House, Condominium, or Co-op1

Ownership Information1. Form of ownership: ______________________________________________________________2. In whose name: _________________________________________________________________3. Address: _______________________________________________________________________4. Lot: __________________ Block: _____________ On map called: _____________________5. Lawyer at closing: ____________________________ Telephone: ________________________6. Location of statement of closing, policy of title insurance, deed, land survey, and the like:

______________________________________________________________________________

7. Mortgagea. Held by: ____________________________________________b. Amount of original mortgage: $__________________________c. Date taken out: ______________________________________d. Amount owned now: $_________________________________e. Method of payment: __________________________________f. Location of book, if any (or payment statements): ____________

__________________________________________________g. Is there life insurance on mortgage: q Yes q No

If yes, policy number: _________________________________Location of policy: ____________________________________Annual amount: $_____________________________________

8. House taxes:___________________________________________a. Amount: $___________________________________________b. Location of receipts: __________________________________

9. Cost of house: $________________________________________a. Initial buying price: $__________________________________b. Purchase closing fee: $_________________________________c. Other costs (e.g. real estate agent, local taxes): ____________________________________________________________________

10. If renting, is there a lease? q Yes q Noa. Lease location: _______________________________________b. Expiration date: ______________________________________

Utilities

Gas Company: ______________________ Account #: ___________ Telephone: ________________Electric Company: ___________________ Account #: ___________ Telephone: ________________Telephone Company: _________________ Account #: ___________ Telephone: ________________Cable Company: ____________________ Account #: ___________ Telephone: ________________Internet Provider: ___________________ Account #: ___________ Telephone: ________________

PeriodicalsNewspapers__________________________________ Account #: ___________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________ Account #: ___________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________ Account #: ___________ Telephone: _________________

Magazines__________________________________ Account #: ___________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________ Account #: ___________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________ Account #: ___________ Telephone: _________________

Other Accounts to Cancel__________________________________ Account #: ___________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________ Account #: ___________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________ Account #: ___________ Telephone: _________________

Household Contents

Location of inventory: __________________________________________________________________Location of appraisals: __________________________________________________________________

Important Warranties and Receipts

Item: ____________________________________ Location: __________________________________Item: ____________________________________ Location: __________________________________Item: ____________________________________ Location: __________________________________Item: ____________________________________ Location: __________________________________Item: ____________________________________ Location: __________________________________

Automobiles

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Provide the following information for each car:1. Year, make, and model: ___________________________________2. Body type: _____________________________________________3. Cylinders: ______________________________________________4. Color: _________________________________________________5. Identification number: ____________________________________6. Title in name(s) of: _______________________________________

(Title to automobiles held in the deceased�s name must be changed.)7. Location of papers (e.g., title, registration): _____________________

_______________________________________________________

Mementos and Personal Effects

The following mementos and personal effects should be given to the persons(s) named below:

Item Person

___________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________

Notes______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date: __________________________

Published by:Financial Planning Information, Inc.Riverbend Office Park9 Galen Street, Suite 250Watertown, MA 02472

Copyright ©1999 by Jonathan D. Pond

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