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Electronic Arts Families: Why a Letter of Instruction Can Simplify Estate Planning

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'Electronic Arts 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.

'Electronic Arts 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 Electronic Arts 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 Electronic Arts 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 Electronic Arts 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 Electronic Arts 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 Electronic Arts 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 Electronic Arts 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 Electronic Arts 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 401k plan offered by Electronic Arts?

The 401k plan at Electronic Arts is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, helping them build a nest egg for retirement.

Does Electronic Arts match employee contributions to the 401k plan?

Yes, Electronic Arts offers a matching contribution to the 401k plan, which helps enhance employees' retirement savings.

How can employees enroll in the 401k plan at Electronic Arts?

Employees can enroll in the Electronic Arts 401k plan by accessing the benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided.

What is the vesting schedule for Electronic Arts' 401k matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Electronic Arts' matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule, allowing employees to earn full ownership of the match over a period of time.

Can employees change their contribution percentage to the 401k plan at Electronic Arts?

Yes, employees at Electronic Arts can change their contribution percentage at any time through the benefits portal.

What investment options are available in the Electronic Arts 401k plan?

The Electronic Arts 401k plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

Is there a loan provision in the Electronic Arts 401k plan?

Yes, Electronic Arts allows employees to take loans against their 401k savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401k plan if I leave Electronic Arts?

If you leave Electronic Arts, you can choose to roll over your 401k balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Electronic Arts plan if permitted.

Are there any fees associated with the Electronic Arts 401k plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Electronic Arts 401k plan, which are typically disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can employees access their 401k account information at Electronic Arts?

Employees can access their 401k account information at Electronic Arts anytime through the online benefits portal.

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

Electronic Arts (EA) offers a comprehensive 401(k) plan for its employees. The plan allows employees to start contributing from their date of hire. If employees do not take action within 30 days of becoming eligible, they are automatically enrolled with a 6% pre-tax deferral rate. Contributions are invested in a Vanguard Target Date Fund based on the employee's age (Schwab). EA matches 50% of the first 6% of eligible pay that employees contribute each pay period, with these contributions immediately vested. EA may also contribute an additional match at the end of the year depending on the company's performance. Employees can withdraw from their account at age 59½, upon experiencing a qualified hardship, or after terminating employment

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Electronic Arts announced a significant restructuring plan affecting approximately 6% of its global workforce. The company cited a need to streamline operations and focus on key growth areas as reasons for these cuts. This decision comes in the context of broader industry trends where gaming companies are adjusting to fluctuating market demands and technological changes. It is crucial for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about these changes due to the current economic environment, where job security and investment stability are of heightened concern.

Stock Options & RSUs: EA provides stock options and RSUs as part of its compensation package. Stock options allow employees to purchase EA stock at a set price, while RSUs represent a promise to issue EA stock at a future date. Availability: Offered to executives, senior management, and high-performing employees based on performance and tenure.

Electronic Arts (EA) offers a comprehensive set of health benefits that emphasize affordability and support for chronic care management, particularly as healthcare costs have risen in recent years. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, EA’s benefits have focused on maintaining affordable premiums for employees despite rising costs due to inflation and increased utilization of expensive therapies like gene treatments and GLP-1 drugs for conditions such as diabetes and obesity (EA Investor Relations) (Healthcare Finance News). Key healthcare-related terms and acronyms frequently associated with EA's benefits include Centers of Excellence (COE) for specialized care, GLP-1 drugs for diabetes management, and behavioral health expansions via supplemental Behavioral Healthcare Provider Networks to enhance mental health access (Healthcare Finance News) (MedCity News). EA has also focused on chronic condition management through navigation services, which help employees manage complex health conditions more efficiently

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Electronic Arts employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Electronic Arts at 209 Redwood Shores Pkwy Redwood City, CA 94065; or by calling them at (650) 628-1500.

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