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 savings-bonds template opens pre-filled with its steps and suggested items.
The savings-bonds template opens pre-filled with its steps and suggested items.

The first step locates the paper bonds and/or the TreasuryDirect account. The Treasury matches owners by SSN, so identity verification is next. The final step names the exact federal forms (FS Form 5336 for small estates, or FS Form 1522) filed with a certified death certificate at treasurydirect.gov. 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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