April Quarterly Newsletter

Highlights of this Special Edition Newsletter:

What Is a Next of Kin Box?

Key Components
Benefits

Supporting Our Community: Kalamazoo Concert Band

Focus on What We Can Control

What Investors Can Control
What Investors Cannot Control

LVM Staff Anniversaries!

What Is a Next of Kin Box?

In working with clients, we’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be when a spouse

or loved one passes away or becomes seriously ill—especially when critical information is

missing or scattered. In contrast, families who have had access to organized documentation

and clear instructions often report feeling significantly less stress and more confidence

navigating the practical steps that follow. A Next of Kin Box can be one of the most valuable

tools in these situations, offering clarity and structure during an otherwise uncertain and

emotionally difficult time.

A Next of Kin Box (NOK Box, thenokbox.com) is an organized, centralized collection of

essential documents, directives, and information intended to assist loved ones in efficiently

managing the legal and practical matters that arise after someone passes away. It serves as a

proactive estate planning tool that simplifies the administrative burden for next of kin during

an emotionally difficult time.

The NOK Box is designed to house a wide range of important materials that cover all aspects

of end-of-life and post-death affairs. Its primary purpose is to ensure that surviving family

members or executors have immediate access to the information and instructions they need

to make informed decisions, comply with legal requirements, and fulfill final wishes without

unnecessary delay or confusion.

Key Components of a Next of Kin Box

1. Protected Document Bag

A plastic, zip-top bag for storing irreplaceable or hard-to-access documents, such as:

• Birth and marriage certificates

• Social Security cards

• Divorce papers

• A list of usernames and passwords

• Contact information for key individuals

• Personal letters or final messages (optional)

2. Key Bag

A separate zip-top bag for collecting and labeling household and property-related keys,

such as:

• House, car, and safe keys

• Storage units or mailboxes

3. Categorized File System

Typically, the NOK Box includes labeled folders for up to 15 core areas of personal, legal,

and financial information. These may include:

• Primary residence and property

• Vehicles and transportation

• Banking and financial accounts

• Insurance policies

• Investments

• Debts and liabilities

• Income and employment

• Personal assets

• Family, pets, and personal belongings

• Education and military service

• Health records and medical directives

• Online accounts and digital presence

• Legal documents and tax records

• Wills, trusts, and funeral preferences

Each folder typically contains a checklist—on one side, instructions for what the individual

should include; on the other, guidance for the next of kin on how to use the information.

Benefits

• Reduces stress and confusion for family members during a difficult time

• Speeds up legal and administrative processes

• Ensures that end-of-life wishes are clearly documented and accessible

• Minimizes the risk of missed obligations or overlooked assets

Creating a Next of Kin Box is a meaningful step toward thoughtful estate planning. It provides clarity, reduces administrative burden, and allows loved ones to focus on honoring a legacy rather than untangling paperwork.

Supporting Our Community: Kalamazoo Concert Band

LVM is a proud supporter of the KALAMAZOO CONCERT BAND’s 2024-2025 season, and we encourage you to attend their FREE season finale. Introducing Leo Egen, winner of the annual Youth Solo Competition held on April 12, 2025. Featuring special guest soloist Timothy Stoddard, tenor.

A Night at the Opera

Saturday, April 26, 2025 · 7:30 pm

Chenery Auditorium

714 S. Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo

Learn more about the Kalamazoo Concert Band at kalamazooconcertband.org.

Focus on What We Can Control

What Investors Can Control

Portfolio Alignment: Ensuring your portfolio matches your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. This includes asset allocation, diversification, savings rate, and discipline during strong and weak markets.

Emergency Preparedness: Maintaining sufficient cash and reserves for unforeseen events. Personal Priorities: Spending quality time with friends, family, and loved ones.

Health and Well-being: Taking care of your physical and mental health.

What Investors Cannot Control

Macroeconomic Policies: Federal Reserve interest rate decisions and monetary policy.

Inflation Trends: The rate of inflation over short- and long-term periods. Global Events: Wars, natural disasters, or black swan events that disrupt markets.

Market Returns: The performance of stock and bond markets.

Government Policies: Federal deficits, spending priorities, and tax policies.

Please share this timely information with friends and family.

LVM Wealth Advisors Tyler and Jordan discuss this and more on their podcast. Listen here.