In a recent MarketWatch article, a relatively new annuity product idea is discussed in terms of replacing pension income in retirement. I believe we will see this product more and more in the coming years and it may even be added as an option within 401(k) plans.
I come across a lot of averages and rules of thumb in the financial planning profession. While they can be helpful at times, they can also be dangerously wrong. As a non-financial example, the average depth of the Chesapeake Bay is 21 feet. That’s interesting information, but hardly useful if you are going to navigate a large vessel through its waters.
One of the largest obstacles financial advisors have is explaining what we do and how it benefits clients. Most of the advice that is delivered is intangible, making it difficult to quantify the value of that advice. Several recent studies, which attempt to provide more definition around this, have been summarized by Michael Kitces into the following one page summary.
After discussing the basics of beneficiary designations and then how to avoid common mistakes, we now turn to a less familiar form of beneficiary designation: the transfer on death (TOD) deed for real estate and vehicles.
This article is the second in a series about beneficiary designations. Our first article discussed the different types of beneficiary designations and provided basic information in regard to how they operate. This explains common beneficiary designation mistakes and how to avoid them.
Alongside wills and trusts, beneficiary designations play a critical role in a complete estate plan. By simply filling out a beneficiary designation form, individuals can bypass probate and designate who will receive a specific asset upon their death.