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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Ecolab: The primary healthcare provider for Ecolab is UnitedHealthcare, which offers various insurance plans to employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, healthcare costs are projected to surge significantly due to a confluence of factors, with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace premiums expected to rise by 18% on average. Notably, the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies could lead to out-of-pocket costs for many consumers soaring by over 75%. This unprecedented hike is attributed to higher medical costs, aggressive pricing strategies from major insurers, and the financial pressures stemming from record profits in the insurance sector, ultimately making healthcare less accessible for numerous individuals and families. Click here to learn more
'Ecolab 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.
'Ecolab 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:
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Why a letter of instruction can support your estate plan.
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What to include in a letter of instruction.
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How Ecolab 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 Ecolab 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 Ecolab 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 Ecolab 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 Ecolab 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 Ecolab 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 Ecolab 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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- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
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- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
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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 Ecolab 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Ecolab 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out, helping them build a financial cushion for retirement.
How can Ecolab employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Ecolab employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the enrollment portal through the company's employee benefits website or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What is the employer match for Ecolab's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Ecolab offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
At what age can Ecolab employees start participating in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Ecolab employees can typically start participating in the 401(k) Savings Plan as soon as they meet the eligibility requirements, usually upon hire or after a specified waiting period.
What types of contributions can Ecolab employees make to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Ecolab employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and, in some cases, catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.
How does Ecolab's 401(k) Savings Plan help with retirement planning?
Ecolab's 401(k) Savings Plan helps employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary, benefit from employer matching contributions, and take advantage of tax-deferred growth.
Can Ecolab employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Ecolab employees can change their contribution percentage at any time throughout the year, subject to plan rules and limits.
What investment options are available in Ecolab's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Ecolab's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.
Is there a vesting schedule for Ecolab's employer match in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Ecolab has a vesting schedule for the employer match in the 401(k) Savings Plan, which determines how much of the employer contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.
How can Ecolab employees access their 401(k) Savings Plan account information?
Ecolab employees can access their 401(k) Savings Plan account information online through the designated retirement plan portal or by contacting the plan administrator for assistance.
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