Husband emails wife a 'dead box' every year and shares here's why everyone needs to try it

Death, though horrifying, is the inevitable truth of life. While we can't control it, we can definitely choose how we prepare for it. Jeremy Schneider, who goes by @personalfinanceclub on Instagram, certainly understands this, and so he writes an email to his wife once every year, in case death comes searching for him anytime soon. The beautiful post received over 30k likes since it was shared on June 18, 2025.

Jeremy clearly doesn't want his beloved wife and family to struggle with anything, in case he dies anytime soon. So, annually, he writes an email to her, directing her to his "dead box" — a guide to access their monetary assets. "The email says, 'Hi honey! As a reminder, if I die," Jeremy shared, explaining how the email contains a letter, "partially heartfelt, mostly logistical," with instructions to find everything related to his financial investments, including contact information of lawyers and accountants. "I hope you get this email next year," his yearly email reads, as he continues to share how he doesn't wish to die, but if it happens, he at least doesn't want to leave his family confused, overwhelmed, and unprepared. "Everything is stored safely in my dead box," he adds at the end. The business idea is itself Jeremy's and he believes it could help many others couples as well.

Moving on, Jeremy attached a picture of what he counted to his dead box, and it showed pictures to use at his funeral party, documents related to his insurance and trust, "Net worth statement," backup codes, etc. While Jeremy was 100% transparent with his wife regarding his investments, an interesting report by CBS News, citing a survey by Bankrate, found that 42% of couples keep financial secrets from their partners or spouses, calling it "financial infidelity." Moreover, the report claimed that 19% have a secret savings account and 18% have a secret credit card that their partners have no clue about.

Meanwhile, the heartwarming post received a positive response on social media, with people admiring Jeremy for taking such a thoughtful step. For instance, a user who goes by @workhap on Instagram commented, "Oh, man, this is such a wonderful idea, but also bittersweet. We have to be prepared for it, though!" Likewise, @twistedgingerjewelry said, "This truly is such a gift to give to your loved ones, especially when the time comes, and the grief is too much. What a thoughtful idea. Thanks for sharing!"

Another user, @itstamgram, shared, "If I were a widow, I would get so much comfort just reading that email and Google Doc. Well done! Now let me put together emails so my husband knows where to find all documents, IDs, and his keys, socks, wallet, charger, and kids' belongings." On the other hand, @_roukye  on the platform wrote, "This is such a thoughtful thing to do for your family. Death is such a gift, a constant reminder of what life really is: fleeting! It helps to appreciate it rather than dismiss it out of fear. Well done, Jeremy!" Echoing the sentiments, @mr_and_mrs_cameron said, "We plan birthdays, holidays, even dinner — but not this. Deadbox is such a clever concept. What a great tool for love, for peace of mind, and for ensuring no one has to wonder 'what now?' when you’re gone. Thank you for normalizing preparation, not leaving it to heartbreak."

You can follow Jeremy Schneider (@personalfinanceclub) on Instagram for more financial-planning related content.