Insurance estate planning

Do you consult other professionals Seldom is one person an expert in everything. Expect an advisor to consult with a CPA, insurance specialist, investment advisor, estate attorney, and a tax attorney in developing a comprehensive plan. 

Designation of Beneficiary. Life insurance proceeds, U.S. savings bonds, and balances in employer retirement plans, Individual Retirement Accounts, or Keogh accounts pass directly to named beneficiaries. The asset is not subject to probate but is included in the estate for tax purposes. Also, bank accounts can have a pay-on-death person named to receive the proceeds of the accounts after your death. 

Death. Life insurance is an important part of an overall financial plan, but see it for what it is. Don t get led into buying life insurance as an investment. Sales commissions and administrative costs run high. In retirement, minimize coverage since you will have other assets to cover living costs for survivors. Look into converting existing whole life policies to paid-up insurance. If you have a policy that pays dividends, consider having the dividend applied to the premium. One insurance feature that is attractive to retired couples is the second-to-die policy. This policy provides cash to help with estate taxes and thus eliminates the need to sell other assets when the estate passes to children. 

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