And a revocable trust is how you ensure a seamless transition of your assets when you do die. But having these key documents in place is how you take control of what happens to you if you become ill. If ever there was a year that did all the explaining for why you need an advance directive, health care proxy and durable power of attorney for finances, 2020 is it. Start the new year knowing your loved ones will be financially okay no matter what the future brings seems like an incredibly powerful gift for them. It’s easy to buy online, and inexpensive. If there is anyone in your life who is financially dependent on you -a partner, kids, grandkids, siblings, parents, nieces, nephews-you are nuts to not have a term life insurance policy. If you somehow have gotten this far in the pandemic without focusing on life insurance, I have one question for you: Are you crazy? C’mon. The price of not updating: the wrong person inherits the asset. If there have been any births/deaths/marriages in your life, you just might need and want to update your beneficiaries. Ideally, you should check this annually, but if you’re honest, I know it may be some years since you did this easy maintenance check. But all your other accounts, including IRAs, require you to name a beneficiary. If you’re married, your 401(k) beneficiary will be your spouse (unless he/she gives written permission for someone else to be the beneficiary). An annual “rebalancing” check is smart.Ĭonfirm all your beneficiaries. No worries, you can move money from one asset (stocks) into another (bonds/cash) without any tax bill as long as the money is inside an IRA or 401(k). If you haven’t paid attention for a few years, you may find that your mix is now 80%/20%. For example, let’s say your goal is to have 70% in stocks and 30% in bonds/cash. Whatever your asset allocation goal is, you need to check your retirement portfolios at least once a year to make sure you’re still on track. Make sure you have the right mix of stocks and bonds/cash. Here’s my checklist of financial tasks to tackle right now. You?īut before we embark on what I know we all hope will be a healthier and happier year ahead, right now is a great time to make sure your finances are in the best shape for the coming year. I cannot wait to turn the page from 2020.
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