Michael Milazzo photo

Michael A. Milazzo, CLU, ChFC

Registered Principal

 

The Meridian Financial Company

3350 Club Villas Dr SE, Unit #1303

Southport, NC 28461

 

Phone:  631-979-4223

Fax:      910-854-0002

 

Email: meridian@ae.cadaretgrant.com

Website: www.merfinco.com

September/October 2024

Understanding Beneficiary Designations

Couple of seniors reading a contract or health care proxy or living will

Your will is an important document for passing assets to loved ones when you die, but it doesn’t apply to everything. Life insurance proceeds, retirement accounts, annuities and similar accounts pass through beneficiary designations and are not governed by your will.


Review Your Selections
You chose a beneficiary when you initially set up your accounts. But things can change. Divorce, death of a beneficiary or even a change in your intentions can affect your selections. Revisit your designations periodically to ensure they’re up to date.


Check Old Accounts
Forgetting about 401(k) or other retirement accounts held with former employers can result in outdated beneficiary designations. Remember to include these accounts in your review.


Avoid Mistakes
Take special circumstances into account when you’re naming beneficiaries. Minors will not be able to claim assets until they turn 18 or 21 (depending on the etate). Individuals with special needs can lose valuable government benefits if they receive an inheritance directly. Setting up a trust to receive the assets may help in both situations.


Keep in mind that godparents are not the same as legal guardians but could be a good choice to serve as trustees.


Integrate with Estate Planning
Your financial professional can help you review your beneficiary designations as an integral part of your estate plan.


SUBSCRIBE

Enter your Name and Email address to get
the newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Please include name of person that directed you to my online newsletter so I can thank them personally.


CONTACT US

Enter your Name, Email Address and a short message. We'll respond to you as soon as possible.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co, Inc, a Registered Investment Advisor and Member FINRA/SIPC. The Meridian Financial Company and Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. are separate entities. I am registered to sell Securities in the following States: NY, NJ, PA, NC, FL, ID.
The Meridian Financial Company and LTM Marketing Specialists LLC are unrelated companies. This publication was prepared for the publication’s provider by LTM Client Marketing, an unrelated third party. Articles are not written or produced by the named representative.

The information and opinions contained in this web site are obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The publishers assume no responsibility for errors and omissions or for any damages resulting from the use of the published information. This web site is published with the understanding that it does not render legal, accounting, financial, or other professional advice. Whole or partial reproduction of this web site is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.