Hi GirdleyWorld!
I promise this won’t be as heavy as it sounds — it’s super useful!
The Green Box Exercise
Let’s get into it!
First off, I wish you the best of health.
Secondly, we’ll all die someday.
It will be hard for my loved ones when I think about the days after I go. And I recently learned something you can do to make that easier for them.
The Green Box Exercise
Here’s how it works:
Collect all the info your loved ones will need after you’re gone.
Put it in a box. (Preferably green.)
It’s a roadmap to find everything. It will save your family, lawyers, etc., from puzzling out a million loose ends.
Here’s what I put in mine:
Personal Stuff
A “START HERE” document that lists everything in the box
Letters to your spouse/children/parents
Any mementos and a list of to whom you’d like them given
A copy of your will
Copies of your power of attorney documents
Life Admin
Computer passwords (I keep this simple – it’s the master password for my password manager)
Copy of passport and birth certificate
Copy of credit cards
Details of life insurance (personal and company-owned)
Details of all other insurance
Medical/dental information
Business
Org chart(s) and contact information
Recommendation on who to trust and how
List of trusted advisors (lawyers, accountants, CPA, etc)
Assets
Personal financial statements
Details of any trusts
Copies of physical property titles (cars, houses, etc)
Personal portfolio information and access
Personal property valuations (jewelry, etc)
Rewards or points accounts (why waste those airline miles!)
Final To-Do Lists
List of personal and business people that should be notified
Any instructions not addressed in your will
Funeral/burial instructions
And finally, whatever else they might need.
—
A few thoughts
This isn’t an easy thing to do. Logistically, it’s a bunch of stuff to pull together.
But writing the letters to your family is a very grounding exercise. It makes you think about what matters in life.
—
For some of this stuff, your mileage may vary. I didn’t put much for funeral instructions. I figure, do what you want — I’ll be dead.
On the other hand, putting something down could take a difficult decision off your family’s plate.
—
This box has sensitive information in it.
You could put it in a safe or fireproof cabinet or a safety deposit box at your bank. The important thing is make sure your family knows where to find it.
One other note: don’t rush, but don’t wait.
It’s a big list. So I gave myself some time to put it all together. And if you don’t have a will, you should.
—
People have asked me why the box has to be green. I have an answer. What do YOU think?
—
Finally, a big thank you to my friend & coach Tom Cuthbert, who introduced me to this idea as part of Vistage. If you’re looking for a business coach, he’s amazing!
Not subscribed? Subscribe!
How can I help?
💡BUSINESS QUESTIONS? → Small Business Lectures
Join the open Q&A at any of my free lectures on all things small business. RSVP for upcoming events or get old recordings right here.
🌎HIRING PROBLEMS? → Hire with Near
My Argentinian cofounder was so impressive I started a business with him. Fortune 500-level talent, at prices small businesses can afford.
💸 BUYING A BUSINESS? → Acquisitions Anonymous
My 2/week podcast where 4 experts break down businesses for sale. Learn to read between the lines with hundreds of bite-sized episodes.
⛷️HOLDCO OWNER? → HoldCo Conference 2026
Where multiple business owners meet, learn, scale and grow — at the stunning Sundance Resort in Utah, Feb 9-12, 2026.