Strategies

Stopping Social Security Payments After Death

Social Security payments stop the month after the month in which a beneficiary dies, even if death occurs on the very last day of...

Notifying Social Security of a Death

To notify Social Security of a death, survivors or the funeral home must call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213.

How Many Death Certificates Do You Need

Most families need between 5 and 10 original death certificates, though some situations require significantly more.

At Least 31% of Widows Discover Pension Benefits Were Reduced or Eliminated After Their Spouse’s Death

Nearly one in three widows loses pension income after their spouse's death due to overlooked payout decisions made years earlier.

The Death Certificate Process

A death certificate is an official legal document issued by a state or local government that records a person's death and establishes the facts...

How to Access a Deceased Person’s Accounts

Accessing a deceased person's accounts requires obtaining legal authority through probate or estate administration, then notifying financial institutions...

Digital Assets in Your Will

Digital assets in your will are the online accounts, cryptocurrency, photos, documents, and other valuable property you own in digital form—and they need...

Cryptocurrency and Estate Planning

Cryptocurrency ownership has exploded across the United States, with approximately 70.4 million Americans now holding digital assets as of 2026.

The Social Media Estate Plan

A social media estate plan is the formal process of documenting what should happen to your digital accounts, data, and online presence after you...

Password Management for Seniors

Password management for seniors is essential because older adults face unique cybersecurity challenges: they often manage multiple accounts across...

The Digital Estate Plan

A digital estate plan is a comprehensive record of your online accounts, digital assets, and instructions for accessing them after you die or become...

What to Shred What to Keep

When you're entering retirement, knowing what financial documents to keep and what to safely discard becomes critical to protecting your pension, managing...

Where to Keep Important Documents

The safest places to keep important documents depend on balancing accessibility with security—and that balance looks different depending on what you're...

Having the Money Talk with Family

Having the money talk with family is essential because it prevents financial chaos after you're gone and helps your loved ones understand your retirement...

What Your Kids Need to Know About Your Accounts

Your kids need to understand that their financial accounts—whether traditional savings accounts, new Trump Accounts, or investments held in their name—are...

Why Your Will Doesn’t Override Beneficiary Forms

Your will won't override beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, or transfer-on-death accounts.

The Beneficiary Form Mistake That Costs Families

The beneficiary form mistake that costs families is simple: an outdated or missing designation on retirement accounts, life insurance, and investment...

How Often Should I Update Beneficiaries

You should update your beneficiaries at least once per year, and immediately whenever a major life change occurs.

Can I Change My Beneficiary

Yes, in most cases you can change your beneficiary on retirement accounts and pension plans. The process is usually straightforward and comes at no...

What If I Forgot to Name a Beneficiary

If you forgot to name a beneficiary on your retirement account or pension, your money doesn't disappear—but it goes through a slower and more...

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