Thinking about and actually forming an estate plan is not an easy task.  Most people will admit putting off the process because they do not want to think about death.  What many do not consider unless they have dealt with it first hand is that being a widow or executor is equally, if not more difficult, to deal with.  Not only are they forced to sift through many financial and legal documents, but also grieve while doing so.  

A simple document can assist in making the process far easier.  I have seen them called many things; a love letter, a letter of instructions, etc.  This could be the most appreciated letter you ever write.  Simply, it is a letter to your spouse, executor, and beneficiaries that includes, but is not limited to, a list of your estate planning documents and brief description, list of your assets  (including bank accounts, life insurance, retirements accounts, etc), and identify and provide contact information for your advisors (accountant, attorney, investment).   The amount of information you could include in this instructional letter is endless.  

Read more about what to consider putting in an instructional letter to your loved ones.