After writing the “once and done” post last week, it is important to mention one area that is frequently overlooked, your beneficiary choices. Time and time again we encounter the stories of someone who has named a person years back who is not longer their choice today. This oversight can lead to unfortunate consequences.
Why is it important to name a beneficiary? A beneficiary is who receives control of the asset upon your death. Beneficiaries are commonly named for financial, retirement and life insurance accounts you carry at home and work.
Have you reviewed your accounts recently? Here is a list of common accounts to review: Retirement accounts such as company pension, 401K, SEP, QRP, 403B, IRA accounts; Life Insurance accounts such as Term, Whole, IUL accounts; Investment, checking and savings accounts; Real Estate; Annuities; and Business investments.
Consider changes you may have made in your life/career. New jobs/careers and changes in marital/family status are two common times that “trigger” an opportunity to review who you have named as a beneficiary. Organizing your accounts to include beneficiary designations is a helpful way to keep track of “who’s on first and what’s on second!”
Now, how about planning to communicate your decisions, choices and designations is up to you. Investing some time upfront, will prevent confusion and unintended consequences later.
The Benjamin Franklin axiom that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is as true today as it was when Franklin made the quote!
When you are ready for assistance to ensure you, your family members, employees and company are ready for anything life hands them, we are ready for you. Advanced planning at home and work serves people in measurable and profound ways.
The Living Planner supports proactive resources and quality one-on-one comprehensive individual/family and business planning. Here’s to smooth days ahead!
Contact us to learn more about how we work with individuals, business owners and employees via Email or online @ The Living Planner