The audit that catches the six-figure mistake.

Named beneficiaries override your will. An ex-spouse on a $500,000 life insurance policy still gets the money even if your will leaves everything to your kids. Most families have at least one outdated designation. This 5-minute audit catches it.

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401(k) / 403(b) plans

Common mistake: Ex-spouse still listed after a divorce. The plan administrator follows the form, not the divorce decree.

Traditional and Roth IRAs

Common mistake: Missing contingent beneficiary. If primary predeceases you, account goes to estate and probates.

Life insurance policies (group + individual)

Common mistake: Group life through employer auto-defaults to spouse or estate. Update each one explicitly.

Annuities

Common mistake: Beneficiary set when annuity was purchased years ago, never refreshed after life events.

Brokerage accounts (TOD)

Common mistake: Most brokerage accounts allow Transfer-on-Death registration but it is not the default. Set it explicitly.

Bank accounts (POD)

Common mistake: Payable-on-Death registration is free at most banks. Most people never ask.

529 college savings plans

Common mistake: Successor owner defaults to estate. Name a successor on each 529 separately.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Common mistake: HSAs pass to a spouse tax-free but to anyone else become fully taxable in year of death.

Real estate (TOD deeds)

Common mistake: About half of US states allow Transfer-on-Death deeds. Where available, they avoid probate. Most homeowners do not know.

Vehicles (TOD titles)

Common mistake: Several states allow TOD on vehicle titles. Free at the DMV.

Cryptocurrency wallets

Common mistake: Self-custodied crypto is invisible to your executor. Most exchanges now allow named beneficiaries.

US Savings Bonds and Treasuries

Common mistake: Direct registration with named beneficiary is required. Otherwise probate.

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Important legal notice

Plan Your Passing is not a law firm. The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, medical, or professional advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this site or using any tool on it. Estate, probate, tax, and inheritance laws differ by country, state, province, county, and individual circumstance, and they change over time. You are solely responsible for confirming the laws that apply to you. Always consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before making any legal, financial, or tax decision regarding wills, trusts, beneficiaries, probate, real estate transfers, gifts, or end-of-life directives. The author, operators, and affiliates of this site disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on its contents.