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“Quick. Who is the beneficiary on each of your accounts?”

If it took you more than a few seconds to recall all your accounts and their beneficiaries, perhaps some updating is in order. That’s because, as years go by, your life changes. Maybe you got married, or remarried. Or, maybe you drew up a will and figured that would take care of everything. Beneficiary designations are critical. Let me illustrate:



Document Don't #1 - Out-of-date beneficiary
1990
Charlie opens an employer-sponsored-plan account and designates his sister, Dorothy, beneficiary.
1993
Charlie marries Clara.
2003
Charlie and Clara draw up a will each leaving everything to the other. (Charlie forgets about his long-ago beneficiary designation.)
2004
Charlie dies unexpectedly. Dorothy, the sister, inherits all the money in Charlie’s employer-sponsored plan because beneficiary designations supercede instructions in a will. Clara, the wife, is none too happy.

Periodically check your beneficiary designations to make sure they are up-to-date and still in keeping with your wishes.

Beneficiary designations
Titles
Wills
Durable power of attorney


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Advisory services provided through ING Financial Advisers, LLC (member SIPC).
This information is not intended to be tax or legal advice. ING does not offer tax or legal advice. Consult your own legal or tax advisor regarding your specific situation.
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