Guides / Big steps
Beneficiaries and the paperwork that matters
Beneficiary forms can override a will.
Retirement accounts and life insurance usually pass to whoever is named on the beneficiary form, whatever a will says. Keeping them current matters, especially after a big life change.
Check
- 401(k)s and IRAs
- Life insurance, including through work
- Bank accounts with payable-on-death designations
- Who can make medical and financial decisions if one of you can't
General information, not legal advice. Coin Jar Club isn't paid by any bank, lender or app.