An often-neglected area in the world of benefit plan administration is the beneficiary designation form. Many participants complete their beneficiary designations incorrectly because they don’t read ...

A variety of financial accounts, including retirement plans and life insurance, allow individuals to designate beneficiaries. Whoever is named on a beneficiary designation form will receive those ...

Benefit administrators, 401(k) vendors, recordkeepers and benefits professionals regularly recommend that participants in qualified retirement plans periodically review and update their beneficiary ...

Most individuals own assets that will pass upon the death of that individual pursuant to a beneficiary designation. In fact, in many instances, these types of assets make up a large portion of an ...

Clarity is paramount if you want your wishes to be fulfilled Investopedia contributors come from a range of backgrounds, and over 25 years there have been thousands of expert writers and editors who ...

When you think of estate planning, most people think about getting their wills and trusts in order. But for many investors, their IRA or 401(k) beneficiary designation form will control the ...

Note: This article is part of Morningstar's 2018 Guide to IRAs special report. A version of this article appeared Oct. 10, 2014. In a previous article, I waded into the treacherous terrain of ...

Choosing a primary beneficiary - and contingent beneficiaries - is the only way to ensure that your funds are allocated according to your wishes. The per capita designation is usually the default ...

Changing the beneficiary of a 401(k) plan can involve specific requirements, particularly when it comes to spousal consent. In many cases, to protect your spouse's financial interests, you need ...

Investopedia contributors come from a range of backgrounds, and over 25 years there have been thousands of expert writers and editors who have contributed. David Kindness is a Certified Public ...