Your Will Says One Thing. Your Beneficiary Designations Say Another. Which One Wins?
Beneficiary designations override your will. If they're outdated, your estate plan doesn't work — no matter how much you paid your attorney. This checklist catches the gaps.
What You'll Learn in This Checklist
- The Beneficiary Designation Audit — how to verify every IRA, 401(k), and life insurance policy names the right person, with the right contingencies and per stirpes elections
- Trust vs. Will in Florida — when a revocable living trust actually saves your family from probate, and when a simple will is all you need
- SECURE Act 10-Year Rule — how the elimination of the stretch IRA forces most non-spouse heirs to empty inherited accounts in 10 years, stacking $100K+ on top of their salary each year
- Florida Homestead Protections — creditor protection, property tax exemptions, and the descent & devise rules that restrict how you can leave your home to someone other than your spouse
- Roth Legacy Strategy — how converting to Roth during your lifetime means your heirs inherit tax-free, even under the 10-year rule
Written by Rich Ison
Fiduciary Retirement Planner
Rich coordinates estate planning with tax strategy and income planning — because a trust that doesn't account for your IRA's tax treatment isn't actually protecting your family.
What Our Clients Say
“Client testimonial placeholder — awaiting real quotes from Rich's clients.”
— Client Name, Tampa Bay
“Client testimonial placeholder — awaiting real quotes from Rich's clients.”
— Client Name, Tampa Bay
This checklist is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Estate planning laws vary by state. Consult a qualified estate planning attorney for advice specific to your situation.
[Broker-Dealer/RIA Name] is a [Registered Investment Adviser / Broker-Dealer], FINRA/SIPC. [Representative Type] of [BD/RIA], Member FINRA/SIPC. Protective Wealth Advisors and [BD/RIA Name] are separate entities.
Securities and advisory services offered through [BD/RIA Name]. CRD# [Number]. Rich Ison is a registered representative and/or investment adviser representative. Insurance products offered through [Insurance Entity].
This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or advisory service. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Tax, legal, and estate planning information is general in nature. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
Check the background of your financial professional on www.adviserinfo.sec.gov or brokercheck.finra.org.