Most consumers are familiar with the beneficiary designation form they complete when opening an IRA or 401(k). The form designates who receives the asset, if the account owner dies. However, these forms can create confusion, unintended bequests and family turmoil, if not adequately monitored.
Planning for the end of your life can be intimidating. When you are a farmer, your business is not only your livelihood and your passion, but, often, it is also intermingled with your family life. For that reason, estate planning — arranging for the management of your assets once you die — is especially important for aging farmers.
An immature or troubled child could try to misuse your money or goad you into handing over assets you might need later. Complicated family dynamics, or just your desire for privacy, may make you hesitant to open up.
When a member of your family dies, you could be left to pick up the financial pieces. Finding all the information you need can be challenging.
Will COVID-19 make long-term care even more expensive?
Has a loved one named you their financial power of attorney? Are you ready to take on all the responsibilities that entails? Hopefully, you won’t be called into action anytime soon, but with the coronavirus pandemic continuing, it’s something to think about.
One of the biggest threats to your financial security isn’t the markets, interest rates or even your job security. It is a lack of preparation, particularly for unexpected events, that usually leaves investors reeling when markets swoon. If you haven’t protected yourself from the potential downsides in life, after all, then it’s difficult to maneuver when the unforeseen strikes.
If you have children or are expecting one, you may also want to take the three big estate planning steps that we did.
Utilization of a testamentary trust for the surviving spouse is an excellent idea, whether the survivor is the husband or wife.
Has it been awhile since you reviewed your estate planning strategy? If so, it may require some updating, based on recent changes to laws impacting your tax and retirement planning.
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