Opening the template pre-fills a title, a suggested urgency, the ordered steps below, and a row of suggestion chips for the items this playbook usually needs. Nothing is sent anywhere until you save — and every item you attach is encrypted on your device first.

Step 1: The investment-brokerage template opens pre-filled with its steps and suggested items.
The investment-brokerage template opens pre-filled with its steps and suggested items.

After the death certificate, the first step identifies each account and how it's titled. Identity and beneficiary/heir status are verified, then they open an estate or inherited account as the firm directs and transfer holdings in-kind — asking about the cost-basis step-up. A spousal claimant provides relationship proof. Each step names the exact item your beneficiary needs at that moment.

Step 2: The pre-built steps, ordered so your beneficiary can follow them top to bottom.
The pre-built steps, ordered so your beneficiary can follow them top to bottom.

The instructions are just a numbered list you can edit. To add a step, click into the list and type a new numbered line; delete or reword any line the same way. Here we add one more reminder.

Step 3: Alter the steps by typing a new numbered line into the instructions.
Alter the steps by typing a new numbered line into the instructions.

Add a credential — a login your beneficiary will need. Click "+ new item", choose Credential, and fill the name, username, and password. It's encrypted on your device and attached to the playbook in one step.

Step 4: Add a credential: a login, encrypted on your device and attached to the playbook.
Add a credential: a login, encrypted on your device and attached to the playbook.

Add a file — a statement, a certificate, a scanned document. Choose File, give it a name, and pick the file from your device. Files are encrypted with their own key in your browser before upload; we never see the contents. Click "Create & attach" and it joins the playbook.

Step 5: Add a file: choose File, name it, and pick the document — encrypted before it leaves your device.
Add a file: choose File, name it, and pick the document — encrypted before it leaves your device.

Add a contact — the person or organisation your beneficiary should reach. Choose Contact and fill the organisation, person, and phone (or import a .vcf). They get exactly who to call, not a guess.

Step 6: Add a contact: who your beneficiary should call, ready to dial.
Add a contact: who your beneficiary should call, ready to dial.

Add a message — a short note in your own words. Choose Message, give it a name, and write what you want them to read at this step. It's delivered alongside the playbook when your switch fires.

Step 7: Add a message: a personal note, delivered with the playbook.
Add a message: a personal note, delivered with the playbook.
Step 8: The finished playbook: your steps plus the items your beneficiary will need.
The finished playbook: your steps plus the items your beneficiary will need.

Finally, here's what your beneficiary actually receives. When your switch fires they get a secure link, enter the passphrase you gave them, and see this playbook exactly as you wrote it — your steps, and an "Items you'll need" list with each attached item as a tap-to-reveal control. Nothing is decrypted until they need it, and never on our servers.

Step 9: What your beneficiary sees on delivery: your playbook and its items, ready to reveal.
What your beneficiary sees on delivery: your playbook and its items, ready to reveal.

Ready to set up your own?

Everything in this guide takes a few minutes in Deadman Secrets. Your secrets are encrypted on your device and delivered only when your switch fires.

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