A Guide for Retirement Plan Beneficiaries

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Many people set up their wills and designate their heirs. But what about any retirement accounts? These are different from a will and should be addressed separately.

Naming a beneficiary for a retirement account is simple but is often overlooked. This is especially true of younger or single individuals. How do you name a beneficiary, and what are the different types?

Beneficiary Designation Different for Retirement Accounts

The beneficiary designation for your retirement accounts has nothing to do with the beneficiaries in your will. Your retirement account beneficiary designations control who receives your 401(k), individual retirement account (IRA), and any other retirement assets.