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Guess Families: Why a Letter of Instruction Can Simplify Estate Planning

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Guess Guess, the renowned apparel and accessories brand, typically partners with national health insurance providers like UnitedHealthcare for employee healthcare coverage. Such partnerships enable them to offer comprehensive health plans to their employees, ensuring access to a wide network of healthcare services. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise sharply, presenting significant challenges for consumers and businesses alike. Factors contributing to this surge include the anticipated expiration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies, which could lead to out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75% for many policyholders. Additionally, ongoing inflation in the medical sector, driven by escalating costs in hospital services, labor shortages, and increased drug prices, further complicates the financial landscape. As healthcare providers and insurers navigate these pressures, consumers may find themselves facing unprecedented cost burdens unless proactive measures are taken to mitigate the impact. Click here to learn more

'Guess 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.

'Guess 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 Guess 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 Guess 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 Guess 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 Guess 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 Guess 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 Guess 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 Guess 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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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 type of retirement savings plan does Guess offer to its employees?

Guess offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Guess match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Guess provides a matching contribution to employees who participate in the 401(k) plan, up to a certain percentage.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Guess's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Guess are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically 30 days.

Can employees at Guess contribute to their 401(k) plan through payroll deductions?

Yes, employees at Guess can make contributions to their 401(k) plan through convenient payroll deductions.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Guess 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Guess 401(k) plan is in accordance with IRS regulations, which may change annually.

Does Guess allow employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, Guess allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions.

What investment options are available in the Guess 401(k) plan?

The Guess 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.

How can employees at Guess access their 401(k) account information?

Employees at Guess can access their 401(k) account information through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Guess 401(k) plan?

Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Guess 401(k) plan, which outlines how long employees must work to fully own the employer contributions.

Can employees at Guess change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Guess can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to plan rules.

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

For Guess, Inc., the company's 401(k) plan is known as the "Guess, Inc. 401(k) Plan and Trust." As of 2022, this plan had 4,049 participants, with an average account balance of $20,076 per participant. The estimated average employee contribution in 2022 was $1,269. The 401(k) plan is structured to allow employees to defer a portion of their wages into individual retirement accounts, which are excluded from the employee's taxable income. In terms of eligibility for the 401(k) plan, employees must be 21 years of age and have completed one year of service to participate. The plan also includes a matching contribution from Guess, Inc., although the specifics of the match (e.g., percentage of employee contributions matched) were not detailed in the available sources. Regarding the pension plan, Guess, Inc. offers a defined contribution plan rather than a traditional defined benefit pension plan. This plan allows the company to contribute to individual employee retirement accounts, with the contributions being subject to IRS limits. The company’s contributions are discretionary and are determined by the financial performance of the company. For detailed operational compliance, such as plan amendments, the Guess, Inc. plan is governed by the SECURE 2.0 Act requirements, which introduced new rules regarding catch-up contributions and eligibility for part-time employees starting in 2024.

Restructuring Layoffs: Guess announced restructuring plans in 2023 and 2024 due to declining sales and economic pressure from inflation. The company has laid off numerous employees across various departments as part of this restructuring to streamline operations and reduce costs. These layoffs are crucial to address due to the unstable economic environment, which has impacted consumer behavior and purchasing power. With tax changes also coming into play, these layoffs allow Guess to preserve its financial stability and adapt to a fluctuating market

Company A offered stock options and RSUs to its senior executives and certain key employees. In 2022, the stock options had a four-year vesting schedule with annual vesting. The RSUs granted in 2023 were subject to performance-based criteria. (Source: 10-K Report, Page 42)

Guess has been actively enhancing its employee wellness and health benefits as part of its broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. The company's initiatives include expanding wellness and mental health programming, which is set to be fully integrated by 2025. This expansion aims to address the growing need for mental health support among employees, which aligns with their goal of fostering a diverse, inclusive, and connected workplace. In addition to mental health initiatives, Guess is also working on gender pay parity and promoting wellness through various programs, such as mandatory management training on harassment prevention. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to employee well-being, which has been consistently highlighted in their ESG reports. Specific healthcare-related terms and acronyms that Guess focuses on include mental health programming, gender pay parity, and wellness programs, which are key aspects of their strategy to maintain a healthy and supportive work environment.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Guess at , ; or by calling them at .

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