When someone dies, even seemingly simple assets like bank accounts can become complicated fast. Whether those funds can get ...

When you die, if you haven't listed a joint owner or beneficiary for your savings account, your bank will typically freeze ...

When someone dies, their bank accounts do not always have to go through probate before the money becomes accessible. Many ...

Dear Liz: You recently wrote about the drawbacks of payable on death accounts, including that the funds go directly to the beneficiaries before the estate’s expenses are paid. Aren’t all 401(k)s ...

Dear Liz: Is naming a beneficiary for a nonretirement, “payable on death” account as effective as putting the account in a living trust? It seems easier than doing all the paperwork each time I open ...

Bank accounts with named beneficiaries (called “payable-on-death” or POD designations) transfer directly to those people — no court involvement, no waiting. The beneficiary just needs a death ...

Losing a loved one is never easy. Along with the emotional weight, there are often financial questions that need quick answers. One of the most common sources of confusion is what happens to a ...