Beneficiary designations · Legal documents · Survivor financial plan · Annual review
| Account | Institution | Primary Beneficiary | Contingent | Last Updated |
|---|
| SS Survivor Benefit | Courtney receives Scott's benefit (if higher) — max at age 60+ |
| IRA Inheritance | Spouse inherits as own IRA — no RMD forced, treat as own |
| ACA Change | HH size -1 (or file single). Cliff drops ~$21k. Plan for bracket shift. |
| Income Change | Loses one SS benefit (~$36k/yr). Portfolio must cover gap. |
| Filing Status | Single after year of death. Higher rates on same income. |
| Emergency Fund | Maintain 6-month cash reserve accessible within 48 hours |
| SS Survivor Benefit | Scott receives Courtney's benefit (if higher) — max at age 60+ |
| IRA Inheritance | Scott inherits as own IRA — no forced RMD |
| ACA Change | HH3 → HH2. Another ~$21k cliff reduction. Budget healthcare. |
| Kids' Trust | Confirm trust or UTMA accounts funded and guardianship documented |
| Beneficiary Cascade | All assets should cascade: spouse → children (via trust until 25) |
| Power of Attorney | Scott needs updated POA and healthcare directive immediately |