Understanding the difference between per stirpes and per capita can determine whether your grandchildren receive an inheritance or are unintentionally left out.

A spousal beneficiary rollover is a transfer of assets to a surviving spouse from a deceased spouse's retirement accounts. It ...

A beneficiary designation is a document — usually a simple form — that tells a financial institution or insurance company who ...

When you purchase life insurance, the real goal is to make sure your loved ones are financially protected after you’re gone. Choosing your primary beneficiary — the person who will receive the ...

Thomas J. Brock is a CFA and CPA with more than 20 years of experience in various areas including investing, insurance portfolio management, finance and accounting, personal investment and financial ...

If an IRA is inherited through an estate, the distribution rules for the estate apply, even if the IRA is later transferred to a person. Distribution rules depend on whether the IRA owner died before ...

When it comes to financial planning, many people assume that once they’ve named beneficiaries on their accounts, they’re set for life. But if life changes, it may be time to change your beneficiary ...

Because, when the couple was dating in the 1980s, Mr. Rolison had listed Ms. Sjostedt as the sole beneficiary of his retirement account, and then never updated the form to designate a new beneficiary, ...

A beneficiary is someone who receives a financial asset that was once owned by someone else. Choosing beneficiaries helps ensure that your assets go to the right people once you pass on. It’s a good ...

Does a beneficiary to an estate have to sign a receipt before receiving their share of cash and in-kind stocks? I asked for a clarifying change to the receipt sent by the law firm. That was six months ...