10 Things to Know About Beneficiary Designation

October 1, 2025

When people think about estate planning, they often focus on wills, trusts, and last wills and testaments. But one of the most powerful tools you already use, and might be overlooking, is beneficiary designation. These designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) accounts determine exactly who receives those assets, often outside the probate process.

The Department of Labor estimates that 15% to 40% of beneficiary designation forms contain errors that can delay or even prevent an inheritance from being received. Even worse, mistakes are common: a 2023 survey by MassMutual found that one in five Americans has never updated beneficiaries after significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

“Beneficiary designations are powerful legal documents that override what your will may say,” says Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance at Morningstar. “If you don’t review them regularly, you may unintentionally disinherit your loved ones.”

Here are ten essential things you should know about beneficiary designations.

1. Beneficiary designations often override your will

Assets with beneficiary designations usually pass outside probate and independently of your will. That means if your will leaves “everything to my children” but your life insurance still names an ex-spouse, the ex-spouse will likely inherit those funds.

2. Always name both primary and contingent beneficiaries

Without a contingent beneficiary, if the primary beneficiary predeceases you, the account may revert to your estate and go through probate. “Naming backups ensures your wishes are carried out even if life takes unexpected turns,” says David Frederick, Director of Client Success at First Bank Wealth Management.

3. Use precise, unambiguous language

Simple errors — misspelled names, missing dates of birth, or vague terms like “my children” — can delay distributions or spark disputes. Include full legal names and identifiers wherever possible.

4. Be careful naming minors or vulnerable beneficiaries

If you leave money directly to a minor, a court may appoint a guardian to manage the funds on their behalf. Likewise, naming a person with special needs may jeopardize their eligibility for government benefits. In these cases, a trust is often the safer route.

5. Update after significant life changes

Marriage, divorce, births, or deaths all require updates to your designations. A 2022 Fidelity report found that more than 30% of account holders had an ex-partner still listed as a beneficiary. “Life changes — and your beneficiary designations need to change along with it,” says Jina Etienne, CPA and estate planning educator.

6. Avoid naming your estate as a beneficiary

Although allowed in some settings, naming your estate as a beneficiary usually negates many of the advantages of beneficiary designation — primarily, probate avoidance. If the asset passes through your estate, it may be subject to probate, court costs, delays, and potential claims by creditors. It could also accelerate taxation in certain retirement accounts. For example, when an estate is the beneficiary of an IRA, required distributions must be completed within five years.

7. Understand tax implications

Beneficiary designations don’t just control who receives assets — they also shape how they receive them. Under the SECURE Act, most non-spouse beneficiaries must withdraw inherited retirement accounts within 10 years. That rule can create significant tax burdens if not carefully planned for. Trusts and other strategies can help distribute assets more tax-efficiently, but they need to be set up correctly.

8. Double-check execution and form requirements

Completing a beneficiary designation form isn’t just about writing a name — it’s a legally binding document, often requiring strict adherence to formatting, signatures, spousal consents, and deadlines. The Department of Labor report highlights that paper forms have “a 15 % to 40 % error rate” (e.g., incomplete, unsigned, ambiguous). Some plans also require spousal consent before naming another beneficiary. Always verify that the financial institution has accepted and recorded your form.

9. Coordinate across all accounts

Each account has its own beneficiary designation form. Be sure they all align with your overall estate plan. “I often see people update their will but forget to check their 401(k) or IRA,” says Megan Gorman, Founder of Chequers Financial Management. “The result can be uneven distributions that don’t match the person’s intentions.” Here are a few coordination tips:

• When changing a will or trust, revisit every beneficiary form to ensure alignment.
• Avoid naming different children or percentages on different accounts unless it’s intentional. Over time, account balances may diverge, leading to unintended disparities.
• If you plan to leave assets to a trust, confirm the trust is drafted correctly to qualify as a “see-through” trust under IRS rules.
• Do not assume default designations by financial institutions will honor your wishes — they often won’t.

10. Communicate your decisions

Even properly completed forms can cause confusion if no one knows they exist. Tell beneficiaries or your executor where to find documents and how to access accounts. “Don’t assume people will know where your papers are kept,” says Anthony Burke, Senior Director at MetLife. “Clear communication reduces stress and delays for your loved ones.” Additionally, including a cover memo or letter of explanation can help reduce delays or confusion among beneficiaries or administrators.

Beneficiary designations may look simple — just a name or two on a form — but their implications are anything but trivial. From accidentally leaving assets to an ex-spouse to triggering costly tax consequences, mistakes can easily undermine your best intentions.

Insure You Know

If you haven’t reviewed your designations lately, now is the time. At Insure You Know, we believe smart insurance and estate planning go hand in hand. Taking a few minutes today to update your beneficiaries can spare your family confusion, conflict, and financial hardship tomorrow.

How to Organize Insurance Documents for Easy Access and Safety

September 10, 2025

Insurance papers have a sneaky way of vanishing. One day they’re on the desk. The next, they’re wedged behind a stack of bills nobody has touched in months, or stuffed into a drawer labeled vaguely “Important Stuff.” Most people think, “I’ll deal with it later.” And then life happens. A fender-bender in the rain, a surprise hospital visit, or a leaky pipe turning the living room into a swamp. Suddenly finding the right document is like searching for buried treasure. Who remembers which folder holds the car insurance from two years ago? Or the health policy hidden behind envelopes untouched since last spring? That’s exactly why InsureYouKnow.org exists. It keeps everything safe, organized, and ready exactly when it’s needed.

Quick Access When Stress Hits

Emergencies never arrive at convenient times. Picture this: rainy night, minor car accident, and the insurance card is nowhere. People start digging through drawers, piles of mail, or folders labeled vaguely, hoping to locate it. Classic mistake. With a secure online vault, all documents are accessible in seconds. No panicking. No frantic calls. Just calm access. That little sense of relief feels huge when stress is already sky-high.

Filing Claims Without Losing Your Mind

Claims are tricky. Forms, receipts, proof of loss. Lose even one, and hours of frustration appear out of nowhere. Even a tiny missing receipt can ruin the whole process. Digital organization keeps everything in one spot. Users can grab exactly what they need without running around like headless chickens. It’s like laying out all the puzzle pieces before trying to finish the picture. No guessing, no stress, no muttering under your breath.

Keeping Policies Up-to-Date

Insurance policies aren’t static. A new car, updated health coverage, or moving across town can change everything. Digital storage allows instant updates. Platforms like InsureYouKnow.org even send reminders for renewals or payments. It’s like having a tiny assistant who never forgets anything. Honestly, who wouldn’t want that?

Sharing Documents Safely

Sometimes family members, partners, or legal representatives need access to documents. But full access isn’t always safe. A secure vault allows selective sharing. Only authorized people see what they need. Sensitive information stays private. Confusion is avoided. One less thing to stress over when life is hectic. Trust me, that matters more than it seems.

Protecting Against Loss or Damage

Paper is fragile. Documents can be lost, stolen, or damaged by floods, fires, or even small accidents like spilling coffee on a stack of papers. Digital storage prevents all that. Even if life throws a mess your way, records remain safe. A few minutes of setup now can prevent hours of headache later. Classic mistake avoided.

How InsureYouKnow.org Helps

Binders, filing cabinets, or random computer folders are full of human errors. InsureYouKnow.org provides a secure online vault for insurance policies, banking info, retirement accounts, legal papers, and more. Everything is encrypted, password-protected, and easy to locate.

Getting started is simple:

• Sign up for an account.
• Upload all important documents.
• Set reminders for updates or renewals.
• Share selected documents only with trusted people.

Final Thoughts

Insurance isn’t just about paying premiums. It’s about being prepared. Disorganized documents increase stress and slow claims when time is critical. Organizing digitally saves time, reduces frustration, and ensures accessibility. Spending just a few minutes today uploading documents to InsureYouKnow.org can prevent hours of stress tomorrow. Small step, big peace of mind.

Digital Pet Records: Organize and Store Pet Documents Securely

September 3, 2025

Pet emergencies rarely arrive at the right time. A dog limps after a jump. A cat suddenly won’t breathe easily. Owners grab at folders, glove compartments, even the folded vaccination slip that’s been stuck under a fridge magnet for months, only to realize the insurance info or medical history is still missing.

The vet keeps asking questions. What shots were given? What allergies are known? Too much time slips away.

That’s why keeping pet records, health notes, policy papers, and vet numbers saved in one secure digital spot makes such a difference. Instead of chaos, the details are ready in seconds. And that can mean faster decisions and better care when pets need it most.

Why Digital Pet Records Matter

In a real emergency, minutes feel heavy. A vet may ask about past shots or allergies, but the papers are often buried, tucked in a kitchen drawer under receipts or lost in an old email. With digital pet records, the answers are ready in seconds, and treatment doesn’t have to wait.

The same holds true when care is handed off. A sitter, a family member, even a boarding kennel can check pet medical files online instead of relying on rushed notes over the phone.

The truth is, organized records bring peace of mind. Storing pet papers safely in one place removes clutter and helps ensure steady care, whether at home, traveling, or in an emergency room late at night.

What to Include in Your Digital Pet Emergency Kit

When something goes wrong, the last thing anyone wants is to dig through drawers for missing papers. A simple digital kit avoids that headache.

The basics come first: vaccination records and health notes. Vets usually ask for them before doing anything else.

If the pet has coverage, add the insurance policy number and provider. It saves phone calls later. Keep proof of ownership too, like microchip info, adoption papers, or even a vet’s ID slip.

An emergency contact list matters just as much. The family vet, a backup clinic, a sitter, and one relative who can step in should all be easy to reach.

Then there are the little things. Care notes about food, medicine, or allergies may sound small, but they help anyone give consistent care. Storing these pet papers online in one safe place means less panic and faster help when every minute counts.

How to Securely Store Pet Documents Using InsureYouKnow

InsureYouKnow makes it simple to keep pet papers in order. Snap a photo of a vaccine slip or scan an insurance form, then upload it with a clear label like “Bella – Shots” or “Max – Insurance.” No more shuffling through drawers when the vet is waiting.

The files stay safe with encryption, so medical notes and policy numbers are private but easy to reach. Reminders can be set for shots or policy renewals, which means nothing gets overlooked.

Sharing is easy too. A sitter, boarding place, or vet can be given access to just the records they need, making care smoother and less stressful.

With everything in one place, digital pet records stay organized, secure, and ready when pets need it most.

Organizing and Managing Pet Info

Saving files is just the start. How they’re organized matters. Clear labels like “Vaccination,” “Insurance,” or “Ownership” make documents easy to find.

Adding details like the pet’s name, birthdate, or microchip number helps avoid mix-ups, especially with multiple pets.

Updates are important too. After checkups, insurance renewals, or when a new pet joins, taking a few minutes to update records keeps digital pet documents accurate and ready when needed.

Emergency Scenarios Where This Helps

Imagine the dog collapses during an evening walk. Heart racing, the family grabs the leash and heads to the vet. They don’t have to dig through drawers or emails. Digital pet records are ready on a phone. Shots, allergies, medications, all visible in seconds. The vet can start treatment right away, and stress levels drop for everyone.

Not all emergencies are medical. Moving suddenly, last-minute boarding, or traveling with a pet can turn chaotic fast. Having pet papers stored securely online means sitters, boarding staff, or vets can see what’s needed without endless calls or searching.

A few organized files can turn panic into calm. Pet documents online make sure pets get the care they need, wherever and whenever an emergency strikes.

Conclusion

Just like people, pets have important papers that need care. The vet, insurance info, and vaccination slips all matter. If you’re running around during an emergency, it’s easy to lose track. That crumpled slip under the couch or buried email suddenly matters more than ever.

The truth is, digital pet records make life simpler. Snap a photo, upload it, and label it clearly. Share it with your vet, a sitter, or a boarding facility when needed. It’s quick, secure, and saves time when every second counts.

Take a few minutes today to set up your pet’s digital profile with InsureYouKnow. It’s simple, it’s safe, and it gives peace of mind knowing your furry friend’s records are ready when they’re needed most.

Legal and Financial Planning for Those with Alzheimer’s and Their Caregivers

November 1, 2023

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, then there are certain things that you will need to plan for legally and financially. An estimated 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s, and it is currently the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that slowly decreases memory and thinking skills, while dementia involves a loss of cognitive functioning; both cause more and more difficulty for an individual to perform the most simple tasks. Though a diagnosis can be scary, the right planning can help individuals and their families feel more at ease.

Putting Legal Documentation in Place

Christopher Berry, Founder and Planner at The Elder Care Firm, recommends three main disability documents that should be in place.

First, there needs to be a financial power of attorney, a document that designates someone to make all financial decisions once an individual is unable to do so for themselves. If an individual lacks a trusted loved one to make financial decisions, then designating a financial attorney or bank is an option.

The next document that needs to be in place is the medical power of attorney that designates someone to make medical decisions for an individual. In many cases, it may be appropriate to appoint the same person to be the financial and medical power of attorney, as long as that person is well-trusted by the individual. In the event that something happens to the original power of attorney(s), successor (or back-up) agents for power of attorney(s) should also be designated.

The last document is the personal care plan, which instructs the financial and medical power of attorney(s) on how best to care for the individual in need. For instance, those entrusted to the care of an individual will need to make sure they sign medical records release forms at all doctor’s offices; copies of the power of attorney or living will should also be given to healthcare providers.

These three documents provide a foundation to make decisions for the individual diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia when they no longer can themselves. It’s ideal to include the individual in these conversations in the early stages of their diagnosis, so that they may be a part of the decision-making process and appoint people that they will feel most comfortable with during their care.

How to Pay for Long-Term Care

Since Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, the level of care an individual needs will increase over time. Care costs may include medical treatment, medical equipment, modifications to living areas, and full-time residential care services.

The first thing a family can do is to use their own personal funds for care expenses. It’s important for families to remember that they will also pay in their time, as many children of loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia will become the main caregivers. It may be wise to meet with a financial planner or sit down with other family members, such as your spouse and siblings, to determine how long some of you may be able to forgo work in order to provide full time care.

When personal funds get low or forgoing work for a period of time becomes difficult, long-term care insurance can be a lifesaver. The key to relying on long-term care insurance though is that it needs to be set up ahead of the Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnoses, so considering these plans as one ages may be smart.

Veterans can make use of the veterans benefit, or non-service-connected pension, which is sometimes called the aid and attendance benefit. This benefit can help pay for long-term care of both veterans and their spouses.

Finally, an individual aged 65 or older can receive Medicare, while those that qualify for Medicaid can receive assistance for the cost of a nursing home. If someone’s income is too high to receive Medicaid, then the spenddown is one strategy to know; under spenddown, an individual may subtract their non-covered medical expenses and cost sharing (including Medicare premiums and deductibles) from their available income. With the spenddown, a person’s income may be lowered enough for them to qualify for Medicaid.

Minimizing Risk Factors During Care

Research published recently in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that nearly half of patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia will experience a serious fall in their own home. Author Safiyyah Okoye, who was at John Hopkins University when the study was conducted, recommends minimizing risks such as these by safeguarding homes early on in diagnoses. “Examining the multiple factors, including environmental ones like a person’s home or neighborhood, is necessary to inform fall-risk screening, caregiver education and support, and prevention strategies for this high-risk population of older adults,” she states.

The good news is that since the progression of Alzheimer’s is often slow, families have plenty of time to modify the home for increased safety.

In addition to fall prevention modifications, other safety measures may include installing warning bells on doors to signal when they’re opened, putting down pressure-sensitive mats to alert when someone has moved, and using night lights throughout the home. Coats, wallets, and keys should also be kept out of sight, because at some point, leaving the home alone and driving will no longer be safe. Conversations about these safety measures, such as when an individual will have to stop driving, are ones that caregivers should have early on with their loved ones. Including individuals in their future planning while they are still cognitively sound will help both them and their caregivers feel more comfortable with the journey ahead.

Insureyouknow.org

It’s important to remember that even though receiving an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis can be devastating, it is not the end. People with Alzheimer’s can thrive for many years before independent functioning becomes difficult. Both patients and caregivers will feel more calm through planning ahead. Insureyouknow.org can help caregivers stay organized by storing all of their important documents in one place, such as financial records, estate planning documentation, insurance policies, and detailed care plans. Above all, there is hope for those with Alzheimer’s; research is happening every day for potential therapies and future treatments.

Drug Shortages Amid the “Tripledemic”

December 14, 2022

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but your cheerfulness may be challenged by drug shortages across parts of the country, with the “tripledemic”—cases of flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19—driving high demand for medications. These seasonal respiratory illnesses have emerged earlier than usual and have spread quickly and simultaneously across the country.

Healthcare Concerns

Record levels of illnesses have caused a spike in the demand for amoxicillin, resulting in an acute shortage of the antibiotic, which is widely used for the treatment of bacterial widespread upper and lower respiratory infections.

Physicians are facing shortages of critical drugs used during surgery. Shortages of key anesthesia medications used for most procedures and surgeries, and critical pain medications such as fentanyl are forcing doctors to use alternatives that may not be first-line or the optimal treatment for conditions or scenarios, or in the best interests of patients.

FDA and Pharma Companies’ Responses

According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), 123 of 184 listed drugs are currently in shortage. Officials say one of the reasons for the shortages is that drugs are manufactured based on orders from the previous year, meaning pharmaceutical companies don’t keep an inventory on hand year after year. Some manufacturers report that this year’s orders didn’t anticipate the heavy season for respiratory illnesses.

The FDA is working closely with numerous manufacturers and others in the supply chain to understand, mitigate, and prevent or reduce the impact of intermittent or reduced availability of certain products, including several over-the-counter (OTC) medicines used for symptomatic relief, such as the children’s medications liquid acetaminophen and ibuprofen. The FDA also has taken steps to help relieve the shortage by putting out guidance to pharmacists to make liquid amoxicillin for children from pill versions. (Amoxicillin pills for adults are not in short supply.)

Drug Manufacturing Problems

Drug manufacturers are having problems keeping up with their needs, including manufacturing and quality problems, delays, and discontinuations. Additional factors causing drug shortages are difficulties in acquiring raw materials, manufacturing problems, regulatory issues, business decisions, and disturbances within the supply chain.

Patients’ Actions

Throughout the country, shortages of certain medications and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are leaving people on the hunt for a pharmacy or a grocery store to fill prescriptions and OTC products. Tamiflu, Adderall, and as already mentioned, even the standard antibiotic amoxicillin in liquid form, is getting hard to find.

If you can’t find a recommended medication readily available, you may need to call multiple pharmacies, look for a generic version, ask your doctor for an alternative prescription, or ask your pharmacist how to use an adult version of a medication for a child.

Brigid Groves, a pharmacist and the senior director for practice and professional affairs at the American Pharmacists Association, says, “The most important thing families can do for a sick loved one is to get them tested. Most doctor’s offices and some pharmacy clinics can do rapid tests to help determine whether your symptoms are coming from a viral or bacterial illness.”

InsureYouKnow.org

If you face challenges finding medications during the tripledemic, persevere in your hunt to fill a prescription or to find a substitute recommended by your healthcare professional. Document your health insurance and flexible spending account activities, lists of prescribed and OTC medications, where you found them, and when you’ll need to find and fill them again at insureyouknow.org

Kick Your Health Benefits into High Gear

December 1, 2022

As open enrollment season kicks into high gear, millions of people will have an opportunity to choose their 2023 health benefits.

Employers’ Healthcare Costs

Employers’ healthcare costs are rising, with large companies forecasting up to an 8 percent increase for 2023. The main difference with previous years will be higher prescription drug costs, which will jump 10 percent, the highest in the past decade.

Many companies will try to limit the share they pass along to their workers, as benefits are seen as a key attraction and retention tool in a tight job market. 

Employees’ Healthcare Costs

For 2022, annual family premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance averaged $22,463, up slightly from $22,221 in 2021, according to the 2022 benchmark KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey. On average, workers contributed $6,106 toward the cost of family premiums, with employers paying the rest. The average premium for single coverage was $7,911 (up from $7,739 in 2021), with employees paying $1,327 annually, according to the survey. Nine percent of covered workers, including 21 percent of covered workers at small firms, are in a plan with a worker contribution of $12,000 or more for family coverage.

While premium data for 2023 generally won’t be available until after the new year begins, workers may see larger increases than in recent years.

Triple-Tax Advantaged HSAs

Some tools can help you manage your healthcare costs. More than three-quarters of large employers offer Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) that offer triple tax advantages: money contributed is pre-tax, it grows on a tax-free basis, and then can be withdrawn tax-free to pay for qualifying medical expenses now or in the future, all the way through retirement.

You can contribute to an HSA only if you’re enrolled in a qualifying high-deductible health plan. Average annual premiums for workers enrolled in HSA plans are lower than the overall average, but workers shoulder higher costs until they meet their deductible. 

Employees can contribute up to $3,850 to their HSA for individual coverage for 2023, up from $3,650 this year; for family coverage, workers can contribute up to $7,750, up from $7,300 this year, per an announcement by the Internal Revenue Service. Catch-up contributions for those 55 and over remain $1,000.    

Many HSAs give account holders the option to invest a portion of their money in the stock market. But fewer than 10 percent do so, as opposed to leaving their money just sitting in cash. If you can afford to pay your medical bills through your regular cash flow, your HSA funds will likely grow over time in the market and can be used in retirement to pay for a range of qualifying medical expenses.

HSAs  are portable and remain with the owner through plan and job changes. If you are no longer enrolled in a qualifying high-deductible health plan, you can no longer contribute to your account, but you can still tap it to pay qualifying medical costs. Flexible-spending accounts (FSAs), by contrast, are linked to a particular employer; unlike HSA funds, money in an FSA must be spent down or forfeited within a certain period.

Health Insurance Plans under the Affordable Care Act

Outside of the employer market, open enrollment began on November 1 on Healthcare.gov for individual and family health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. In most states, open enrollment ends on January 15, although you must enroll by December 15 if you want coverage to begin on January 1. The Inflation Reduction Act extended the enhanced premium subsidies for ACA enrollees through 2025; for many, that may offset the moderate average increases expected to premiums.

Impact of Rising Drug Costs

There are two main reasons drug costs are rising: First, pharmaceutical companies are introducing better, but more expensive drugs for several important conditions. In most years, total drug cost would be tempered by other brand name drugs that were being replaced by generics, but in 2023, there will be fewer of these than usual.

Second, pharmaceutical companies are raising the prices they charge to private health insurance plans because they anticipate having to lower the prices they charge to Medicare. The recent Inflation Reduction Act allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices for the first time. Currently, only 10 drugs are on the negotiation list, but these are widely used. The list will rise to 20 drugs in the future.

The “No Surprises” Act

The “No Surprises” Act that went into effect in January 2022 is having its intended effect of lowering surprise out-of-network charges to patients who get emergency care, non-emergency care from out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, and air ambulance services from out-of-network providers.

InsureYouKnow.org

After you determine your healthcare insurance coverage for 2023, file your decisions at insureyouknow.org. Keep aware of government mandates that can affect your healthcare expenses for prescription drugs, out-of-network charges, changes in Medicare, increases in premiums, and your HSA and FSA contributions and withdrawals.

The Everything Kids’ Money Book

November 15, 2022

You want your children to become financially stable adults. But how can you interest them in this important topic, and make it easy to learn about and fun, when they are in their formative years? Your answer is The Everything Kids’ Money Book by Brette Sember that visually depicts boys and girls undertaking some enterprise having to do with money such as having a lemonade stand, saving for a new bike, or collecting coins. Written with kids ages 7 to 11 in mind, the author promises to teach them about money—“Earn it, save it, and watch it grow.”

Hands-On Activities Covered

Would your child like to . . .

• Learn how to make money at jobs appropriate for their age?
• Track where a dollar bill has been before they got it? There’s a simple way to find out. 
• Learn how to make all their pennies shiny? It’s easy.
• Design their own dollar with someone’s face they like—Batman? Spiderman? The Incredibles?
• Do a magic trick with a dollar bill to impress their friends?
• Find out what fun things they can do for free? Grandpa and Grandma might know.
• Make a pizza garden?

Fun Money Facts Revealed

Would they like to know . . .

• Why they are called Piggy Banks, not Doggy banks, or something else?
• What is the name of the buffalo on the nickel and where did it live?
• What are dead dollars?
• What are some things money has been made from in the past?

Difficult Concepts Explained

As a New York Law Guardian, Brette Sember has many years of experience working with children. She has written more than 40 books on a variety of topics, such as law, health, food, travel, education, business, finance, parenting, adoption, and seniors. In The Everything Kids’ Money Book, she tackles subjects such as:

• Investments
• Budgets
• Saving money
• The cost of living
• Credit cards and debit cards
• Income tax
• Why borrowing money can lead to trouble
• Why lottery tickets are not a good investment
• Investments
• Budgets
• Saving money
• The cost of living
• Credit cards and debit cards
• Income tax
• Why borrowing money can lead to trouble
• Why lottery tickets are not a good investment

All these topics are covered in easy-to-understand language and unfamiliar terms are defined in the glossary. Answers to some of the questions posed and a page of resources are included at the back of the book. This section features books and websites with ideas kids will enjoy, more magic tricks to perform with money, how to start a small business, a website with money games, and how to collect coins.

Kids’ Money Book Promoted

MyBankTracker.com which “tracks thousands of banks to help you find the perfect match for your banking needs,” says this book is “more than simply a manual; The Everything Kids’ Money Book is a well-organized workbook that covers everything from money printing to compound interest.”

Investopedia.com which calls itself “The world’s leading source of financial content on the web,” echoes this opinion by saying the book, “Not only teaches kids how to save and earn their own money but also how to invest and earn interest.”

InsureYouKnow.org

If you decide to spend some bonding time discussing money concepts with your daughter or son, you may learn or relearn some basic financial truths. Keep a list of your kids’ moneymaking, spending, and savings plans at insureyouknow.org. You can measure their financial success on this portal and watch with them the ebb and flow of their profits and expenses.

Look Forward to Increases in Your 401(k) Limits

October 31, 2022

The amount you can contribute to your 401(k) plan in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up from $20,500 for 2022. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced this change and issued technical guidance regarding all of the cost‑of‑living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for the tax year 2023 in Notice 2022-55 posted on IRS.gov.

Highlights of changes for 2023

This contribution limit applies to employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan.

The limit on annual contributions to an IRA increased to $6,500, up from $6,000. The IRA catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over is not subject to an annual cost‑of‑living adjustment and remains $1,000.

The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan has increased to $7,500, up from $6,500. Participants in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan who are 50 and older can contribute up to $30,000, starting in 2023.

The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who participate in SIMPLE (Savings Incentive Match PLan for Employees) plans has increased to $3,500, up from $3,000. (This plan allows employees and employers to contribute to traditional IRAs set up for employees. It is ideally suited as a start-up retirement savings plan for small employers not currently sponsoring a retirement plan.)

The income ranges for determining eligibility to make deductible contributions to traditional Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), to contribute to Roth IRAs, and to claim the Saver’s Credit all increased for 2023.

Taxpayers can deduct contributions to a traditional IRA if they meet certain conditions. If during the year either the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work, the deduction may be reduced, or phased out, until it is eliminated, depending on filing status and income. (If neither the taxpayer nor the spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work, the phase-outs of the deduction do not apply.)

Phase-out ranges

In a traditional IRA deduction phase-out, taxpayers can deduct contributions if they meet certain conditions. If during the year either they or their spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work, the deduction may be phased out until it is eliminated, depending on filing status, and adjusted gross income (AGI):

• For single people covered by a workplace retirement plan, the IRA phase-out range is $73,000 to $83,000, up from $68,000 to $78,000.
• For married couples filing jointly, where the spouse making the IRA contribution is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is $116,000 to $136,000, up from $109,000 to $129,000.
• For an IRA contributor who is not covered by a workplace retirement plan and is married to someone who is covered, the deduction is phased out if the couple’s income is between $218,000 and $228,000, up from $204,000 and $214,000.
• For married individuals filing a separate return who are covered by a workplace retirement plan, if they lived with their spouse at any time during the year, the phase-out range is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $0 to $10,000.

For a Roth IRA income phase-out, AGI ranges for taxpayers include the following provisions:

• The income phase-out range for singles and heads of household is $138,000 to $153,000, up from $129,000 to $144,000.
• The income phase-out range for married couples filing jointly is $218,000 to $228,000, up from $204,000 to $214,000.
• For married individuals filing a separate return, if they lived with their spouse at any time during the year, the phase-out range is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $0 to $10,000.

The 2023 income limit for the Saver’s Credit (also known as the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit) for low- and moderate-income workers has increased to:

• $73,000 for married couples filing jointly, up from $68,000.
• $54,750 for heads of household, up from $51,000.
• $36,500 for singles and married individuals filing separately, up from $34,000.
• For a married individual filing a separate return who is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains between $0 and $10,000.

The amount individuals can contribute to their SIMPLE retirement accounts has increased to $15,500, up from $14,000.

InsureYouKnow.org

After you review the IRS retirement plan changes for 2023, keep a record at insureyouknow.org of your retirement accounts so you’ll be able to take advantage of the new limits for your contributions and deductions.

Preparing for a Flood Before Disaster Strikes

October 15, 2022

Flooding is the most common and most damaging natural disaster in the country. In Florida, where Hurricane Ian’s floodwaters turned towns into rivers, flood risk is higher due to the state’s frequency of storms and proximity to water. Despite this, most insurance policies do not automatically cover flooding. No matter where you live, you should check your auto and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies as an initial step in preparing for a flood to keep you and your loved ones safe when a flood interrupts your lives.

Determining Your Risk Level

To find out the risk level of your property location, visit FloodSmart.gov/Flood-Map-Zone.

Because research has found that FEMA’s flood maps underestimate the danger in some areas as climate change advances, homeowners and renters unaware of their level of risk should act on the following points:

• Are you in a flash-flood-prone area? Contact the local county geologist or county planning department to find out if your home is in a flash-flood-prone area or a landslide-prone area.
• Make a communication plan and a disaster plan for your family.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the “family contact” in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of your contact person.
• Stay informed. Learn about your community’s emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters.
• Inform local authorities about any special needs, such as elderly or bedridden people, or anyone with a disability.

Preparing Your Home for a Flood

• Make sure you secure or protect any hazards in your home before the flood strikes.
• Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuate. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.
• Buy a fire extinguisher if you don’t already have one. Make sure your family knows where it is and how to use it.
• Buy and install sump pumps with backup power.
• Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12″ above your home’s projected flood elevation.
• For drains, toilets, and other sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent floodwaters from entering.
• Anchor fuel tanks can contaminate your basement if torn free. An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream and damage other houses.

Creating an Emergency Supply Kit

Stock your home with supplies you may need during the flood by creating an emergency supply kit. Visit the CDC’s Personal Health Preparedness page for a list of supplies you’ll want to include in your kit.

Preparing Food and Water Supplies

Make sure you and your family have enough safe food and water (for drinking, cooking, and bathing) available in the event of a flood. For more information, visit Food and Water Needs: Preparing for a Disaster or Emergency.

Reentering Your Flooded Home

When returning to a home that’s been flooded after natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, be aware that your house may be contaminated with mold or sewage, which can cause health risks for your family. See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for reentering your flooded home.

Reviewing Flood Insurance Options

Although you can purchase flood insurance at any time, waiting until a hurricane or major storm is threatening your home may be too late. Many policies take at least 30 days after purchase to take effect.

The National Flood Insurance Program is a pre-disaster flood mitigation and insurance protection program designed to reduce the escalating cost of disasters. This program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners. Standard flood insurance by the National Flood Insurance Program generally covers physical damages directly caused by flooding within the limits of the coverage purchased. Private providers may have higher limits or broader coverage compared to National Flood Insurance Program policies.

Regardless of which policy you select for your business or family, any coverage is better than none. If your property experiences flooding impacts from a disaster, it is not guaranteed you will be able to receive federal assistance. If your area has not received a Presidential Disaster Declaration that makes federal assistance available under FEMA, you will not receive federal assistance.

When there is an official Presidential Disaster Declaration, National Flood Insurance Program policyholders are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in addition to their flood insurance claim. For more information, visit National Flood Insurance Program or call1-800-621-FEMA.

Filing a Flood Insurance Claim

Flood insurance claims can be filed anytime you experience flooding on your property and can cover both a property and its contents.

If you need to file a flood insurance claim, be informed and prepared so that recovery can move quickly and smoothly. Before a disaster strikes, have updated photos of your home or business so that insurance providers can clearly examine your property and belongings. If your property has experienced flood impacts, take extensive photos of the damages before cleaning up. This will allow insurance providers to compare before and after photos to determine the extent of damages and arrange the best claim payment possible. As you’re cleaning, make a detailed list of lost or damaged items. If you have original receipts for items, hold onto those for documentation in your claim. After gathering all the necessary information, contact your insurance company to begin filing your claim.

InsureYouKnow.org

At InsureYouKnow.org, file your auto, and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies, photos before and showing flood damage, an inventory of your home and possessions, and your checklists of supplies needed for emergency events. If you are impacted by a flood, also keep track on this portal of your insurance claims and interactions with your insurance company and FEMA.

Take a Vacation = Take Care of Yourself

September 27, 2022

You work hard but do you also take time to relax, seek adventure, and recharge your mind and body? There are some major benefits to taking a vacation although many employees come up with excuses not to use all their vacation time each year.

Memo to Employees: Taking a Vacation Has Benefits

After you come up with a bounty of excuses for not taking a vacation—you feel guilty about being away from your office, you may think a vacation would be too expensive, or you are saving excess time for an unexpected event—you may be able to overcome these obstacles when you realize a vacation can provide the following benefits.

• Improves mental health. A recent study reports that after taking a vacation, travelers feel less anxious, happier, and well-rested.

• Prevents heart disease. By taking time off, you can lower your stress levels caused by working, which can, in turn, prevent your risk for heart disease or heart attacks.

• Brings happiness before, during, and after a trip. Planning a vacation helps you visualize the happiness your vacation will bring that will be experienced during your trip and as fond memories after you return to work.

• Increases productivity and creativity. When your brain is exposed to new experiences including languages, sights, sounds, and cultures, you feel revitalized, and your creativity is boosted. If you take regular time to relax, you’ll be less likely to experience burnout.

• Strengthens relationships. Traveling and exploring with other travelers—friends, family, or even a tour group– can add some fun and closeness to your relationships.

Memo to Employers: Encouraging your workers to take a vacation has benefits

If you are an employer, encourage your workers to take time off. Both you and your team deserve a break and the freedom to schedule vacations. To encourage your employees to take vacations, pay attention to these tips from Business News Daily:

• Acknowledge your employees’ need for vacation time.
• Build a process through which team members can cover for colleagues taking time off.
• Regularly remind employees of deadlines to submit holiday vacation requests.
• Show interest in your employees’ vacation plans.
• Clearly explain your time-off policies in your employee handbook.
• Promote a healthy work-life balance as part of your company culture.
• Lead by example and take vacations.

InsureYouKnow.org

Whether you rely on colorful printed brochures or flashy online resources, start planning a well-deserved vacation now! When you decide on an international, stateside, or local adventure, check on any medical precautions, prescriptions you may need to have at the ready for the duration of your trip, and health and travel insurance policies. Then, record all your travel arrangements for your getaway at insureyouknow.org.