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Devon Energy Families: Why a Letter of Instruction Can Simplify Estate Planning

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Devon Energy: Devon Energy Corporation partners with Aetna as its healthcare provider. Aetna offers a range of health plans and services to support the wellness needs of Devon Energy employees and their families. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As healthcare costs continue to rise, Devon Energy could see significant increases in employee healthcare expenses in 2026, attributed in part to anticipated premium hikes associated with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With some states preparing for rate increases of up to 66% and the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, employees may face out-of-pocket premium escalations of over 75%. The confluence of rising medical costs and changes in healthcare policy may necessitate adjustments in how both employers and employees plan for their health coverage, prompting a careful re-evaluation of benefit strategies in the coming year. Click here to learn more

'Devon Energy employees can bring more clarity to their estate plans by using a well-organized letter of instruction, which is a practical way to help families navigate important decisions with greater confidence.' — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Devon Energy employees can create a smoother transition for their families by using a clear letter of instruction, which can be an effective way to support loved ones during estate administration.' — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

Why a letter of instruction can support your estate plan.
What to include in a letter of instruction.
How Devon Energy employees can use a letter of instruction to help streamline estate administration.

Important Lessons

Estate planning documents like a will and a revocable trust are important, but they might not give your family all the information they need to handle your affairs when you pass away, especially for Devon Energy employees with complex benefits.

In addition to an estate plan, a letter of instruction can offer your loved ones more information about your assets and personal preferences.

A letter of instruction can contain additional details, such as burial plans and the placement of essential documents, but it should not conflict with your estate planning documents.

Your loved ones might not know who to call, where to find your assets, or how to recognize reputable creditors if something were to happen to you today. By providing clear, supplemental guidance, a letter of instruction can help reduce the stress and work involved in the estate administration process.

A Letter of Instruction: What Is It?

A letter of instruction is an informal document outlining your assets and last wishes, sent to an executor, personal representative, or family members. It adds helpful information not included in legally binding estate planning documents like a will or revocable trust. For Devon Energy employees managing multiple retirement and savings plans, a letter of instruction can help simplify administration for family members, even though it is not legally required.

Since this letter is informal, it can be updated without consulting an attorney as circumstances change over time. It can contain supplementary information that supports your estate plan, but it should not contradict anything in your legal estate planning documentation.

How to Compose an Instructional Letter

Funeral Plans

You might provide information about your preferred funeral or burial type, funeral home, clergy member, music, speakers, or tribute. You can also include details about pre-paid or pre-arranged funeral or burial plans and where related paperwork is located. Some people also provide biographical details—something Devon Energy retirees can include for clarity.

Crucial Records

You can note the location of your Social Security card, recent bank account statements, deeds, titles, mortgage documents, important records, and estate planning documents. Some individuals also indicate where to find recent tax returns, which may help identify assets or income sources. If these documents are stored in a lockbox or vault, providing access instructions may be helpful.

Contact Details for Financial Representatives

The names and contact information for bankers, tax preparers, lawyers, insurance agents, real estate agents, and financial advisors can be included in the letter. These professionals can assist with background information, asset identification, account transfers, and final tax filings.

Details of the Assets

You can list your assets’ locations, titling, identifying details, and current values. This may include real estate, stock certificates, savings bonds, annuities, time shares, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, company interests, safe deposit boxes, life insurance, and personal belongings with monetary or sentimental value.

Computer Files and Online Accounts

You may wish to list your digital files and accounts and designate a successor in your estate planning documents to manage them, since state and federal laws may limit access without written approval. For Devon Energy retirees who store retirement and benefits information online, this documentation may help reduce challenges.

Details of Debt

You can include information regarding your debts, such as account numbers, balances, statements, and lender contact details.

Beneficiary Details

The beneficiaries listed in your estate plan, along with their contact details, may be included in the letter. This makes it easier for an executor to locate and communicate with those who will receive assets—an important step for families with Devon Energy retirement accounts.

Pets

You can specify who you want to care for your pets and any specific instructions if your estate documents do not mention them. You may also include your veterinarian’s contact information.

Distribution List for Personal Property

Some states allow individuals to draft a separate document listing specific items of tangible personal property and their intended recipients, as long as the will references the list. Even in states where this is not legally binding, a letter of instruction can still guide your executor and help minimize disagreements.

Private Notes and Clarification of Goals

Some people include private notes or explanations for their decisions regarding inheritance or financial principles. Although not legally binding, these notes can help prevent misunderstandings.

What Does a Letter of Instruction Not Need to Include?

A letter of instruction should not repeat information already found in your estate planning documents. It is intended to provide additional details only.

It also should not be used to make changes to legally enforceable estate documents. Informal updates are not binding and may create conflicts.

Where to Store Your Instruction Letter

You can keep a copy of the letter with your estate planning papers, provide one to your lawyer, or place it somewhere your family is likely to look first. You can also share a copy with your executor and discuss it with them if you feel comfortable. Updating the letter each year is useful as assets and personal information change—particularly for Devon Energy employees with evolving retirement benefits.

Do You Need Guidance?

The Retirement Group can help you prepare for retirement if you are updating or creating your estate plan and want assistance organizing your family’s financial information. Call us at (800) 900-5867 .

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Parker, Craig. “How to Write a Letter of Instruction: A Step-by-Step Guide.” Trust & Will, n.d.,
https://trustandwill.com/learn/how-to-write-a-letter-of-instruction . Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

2. AARP Education & Outreach. “State Your Intentions With a Letter of Instruction.” AARP, 9 Nov. 2022,
https://www.aarp.org/money/retirement/letter-of-instruction/ . Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

3. Kuffel, Hunter. “Writing a Letter of Instruction for Your Estate Plan.” SmartAsset, 12 Oct. 2025,
https://smartasset.com/estate-planning/letter-of-instruction . Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

4. McDonald Jacobs. “Letter of Instruction in Estate Planning.” McDonald Jacobs: Portland, Oregon Accountants & Business Consultants, n.d.,
https://www.mcdonaldjacobs.cpa/letter-of-instruction-in-estate-planning/ . Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

What is the primary purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at Devon Energy?

The primary purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at Devon Energy is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.

How can employees at Devon Energy enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees at Devon Energy can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by logging into the employee portal and completing the online enrollment process during the designated enrollment period.

What types of contributions can employees make to the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees at Devon Energy can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and, if eligible, catch-up contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan.

Does Devon Energy offer any matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Devon Energy offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which is designed to encourage employees to save for retirement.

What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

The vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan typically follows a graded vesting schedule, meaning employees gradually earn ownership of the company's contributions over time.

Are there any fees associated with the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.

Can employees at Devon Energy take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance?

Yes, employees at Devon Energy may be able to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to diversify their retirement savings.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees at Devon Energy can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What is the minimum age requirement to participate in the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

The minimum age requirement to participate in the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan is typically 21 years old, but employees should refer to the plan documents for specific details.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Devon Energy Pension Plan Devon Energy does not specifically offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan but provides retirement benefits through their 401(k) plan, which includes additional company contributions. The company contributes a percentage of the employee's eligible compensation to their 401(k) account each quarter, regardless of whether the employee contributes. This contribution is designed to supplement the employees' savings, ensuring they have a robust retirement fund. Devon Energy 401(k) Plan The Devon Energy 401(k) Incentive Savings Plan allows employees to contribute 1% to 50% of their eligible pay on a pre-tax basis, Roth after-tax basis, or a combination of both, up to the IRS limits. Employees aged 50 or older can make additional catch-up contributions. Devon Energy matches 100% of the employee contributions up to 6%, based on years of service, making it a significant part of the retirement savings strategy for employees.

Devon Energy announced the layoff of approximately 300 employees, representing around 9% of its workforce, as part of a broader effort to reduce general and administrative costs by $150 million to $200 million by 2024. This restructuring follows a challenging period for the energy sector, despite recent increases in oil prices. The layoffs are part of a strategy to streamline operations, focus on core assets, and enhance the company's financial stability. Additionally, Devon Energy has continued its disciplined cash-return business model, focusing on generating free cash flow and returning capital to shareholders. They have also announced preliminary plans for 2024, including the continuation of their fixed-plus-variable dividend strategy, which has been a key component of their financial approach since their merger with WPX Energy.

Stock Options and RSUs: Devon Energy offers a combination of stock options and RSUs to its employees under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP). This plan has been in place and was amended as of 2024. Employees eligible for these awards typically include executive officers, directors, and other key employees within the company. The awards are designed to vest over a period, usually tied to continued employment and performance metrics. RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) at Devon Energy are granted as part of the LTIP and typically vest over a multi-year period. The RSUs represent a promise to deliver shares of Devon Energy stock to employees upon meeting specific vesting conditions. For example, RSUs granted in 2022, 2023, and 2024 usually vest after three years, encouraging employees to stay with the company long-term. These RSUs do not require employees to purchase the shares; instead, they are given shares once the units vest.

Devon Energy offers a comprehensive set of health benefits to its employees, focusing on ensuring both physical and mental well-being. For the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, the company's health benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, all starting from the first day of employment for regular full-time, part-time employees, and interns. Healthcare-Related Terms and Acronyms: PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Employees can choose between PPO and Premier plans, with differences in deductible amounts and coverage percentages for services like preventive care and major services. UBreathe Program: A tobacco cessation program that helps employees avoid a tobacco surcharge on their medical insurance if they meet specific requirements. VSP (Vision Service Plan): Administers the vision coverage, offering annual exams and allowances for lenses and frames. Recent Employee Healthcare News: Devon Energy has placed significant emphasis on wellness through various programs and facilities. For example, "The Well," a wellness center at their Oklahoma City headquarters, provides access to state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group classes, and wellness resources. The company also offers a near-site primary care clinic, "The Doc," which provides advanced medical care, behavioral health services, and physical therapy. Additionally, Devon Energy's commitment to employee wellness is evident in their support for flexible spending accounts and comprehensive dental and vision coverage options, designed to cater to a wide range of employee needs

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Devon Energy employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Devon Energy at 333 W Sheridan Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73102; or by calling them at (405) 235-3611.

https://www.devonenergy.com/careers/compensation-benefits https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1ryvduc8 https://contracts.justia.com/companies/devon-energy-393/contract/1292725/ https://www.energyjobshop.com/news/devon-energy-lay-off-300-employees/ https://2956401.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2956401/SLC/Updated%20Guides%208.30.23/SLC_2023_2024_OE_Benefit_Guide_Group_A_Kaiser_FINAL_UPDATED.pdf https://participant.empower-retirement.com/participant/ https://www.pentegra.com/ https://dart.deloitte.com/USDART/ https://www.investopedia.com/