The Love Letter Strategy

For the key points in the letter, read on.

Love Letter (to your spouse, partner, kids or grandchildren)

The love letter has been designed to help your family members by providing them with all of the pertinent information in a time of confusion and to help minimize the types of mistakes that can occur during a time of turmoil and could be costly to those left handling your personal affairs.

I know it is hard to discuss death with a loved one, so this will make it easier for you and your family.

A love letter should include:

1. A personal note about your life together.

2. In an effort to make the next few days / weeks / months easier on you and the girls, I've put together some information about me, for you to use when you are dealing with the things you will have to take care of:

• Full legal name.
• Social security number.
• Driver's license number.
• Divorce decree.
• Adoption papers.
• Employment and pertinent benefits. (Health, life and disability insurance).
• Long-term care policy information, including the schedule page, copy of the policy, and contact information for the insurance company.
• Annuities.
• What I want done with my jewelry and art.
• Location of my will, advance health care directives, financial power of attorney, and organ donor form.
• Credit card accounts.
• Passwords for computer and online accounts.
• Records of medicines and surgeries.
• Name and contact information for trusted advisors.
• Contact information for siblings, kids and best friends.
• Burial or cremation wishes: Pallbearers, music to be played, outfit to be worn, stories to be told and by whom.

Margie Barrie, an agent with ACSIA, has been writing the LTC Insider column since 2000. She is also the author of Selling LTCI Today: 46 ways to find more clients and close more sales, the national marketing coordinator for the LTCP Designation provided by the Washington-based America's Health Insurance Plans, and national vice president of the 3in4 Need More Association.