Retirement and Beneficiary Planning Resources

You've worked hard to build your retirement savings. Whether you have an IRA, 401(k), Roth IRA, pension, life insurance policy, or other investment accounts, these assets often represent years of dedication and careful planning. But having retirement savings is only part of the picture. Making sure those assets pass to the right people, in the right way, is just as important.

Many people are surprised to learn that retirement accounts and life insurance policies don't usually pass according to their Will or Trust. Instead, they often transfer based on the beneficiary designation on file with the financial institution. An outdated beneficiary form or a simple oversight can lead to unintended consequences for the people you love.

That's why we've created this collection of educational resources.

Our Retirement & Beneficiary Planning Resource Center is designed to help North Carolina individuals and families better understand how beneficiary designations fit into a comprehensive estate plan. Whether you're preparing for retirement, reviewing your estate plan after a major life event, or simply trying to avoid common mistakes, you'll find practical information written in plain English.

Protect Your Retirement Savings and Make Sure They Go to the People You Love

Start Exploring

Browse the resources below to learn more about protecting your retirement accounts and ensuring your wishes are carried out. Whether you're just getting started or updating an existing estate plan, we're here to help you make confident, informed decisions for yourself and your family.

Not sure if your beneficiary designations still reflect your wishes?

Our free Retirement Account Beneficiary Review Checklist helps North Carolina families review the seven most important retirement and financial accounts, avoid common mistakes, and make sure their estate plan and beneficiary designations work together to protect the people they love.