Check Your Beneficiaries

Creating a will is a great way to be sure your wishes are carried out. But keep in mind, a will is not always the final word on your intentions. For example, say you have a life insurance policy through your employer. Years ago, you designated your spouse as your beneficiary. In the meantime, you got divorced and later remarried. Even though your will may designate your current spouse as the person who will inherit your assets, the life insurance policy may pay benefits to your previous spouse unless you update the beneficiary information.

In most cases beneficiary designations – on life insurance, financial accounts, etc. – take precedence over a will, so make sure both your will and your beneficiary designations are up to date and reflect precisely what you want to happen if you pass away.