Pulse Financial Services

06/18/2026

Life changes. Your beneficiaries should too.

Marriage. Divorce. New children or grandchildren. The loss of a loved one. Retirement. A move. A new account.

Many people are surprised to learn that beneficiary designations often override a will — meaning outdated forms can send assets somewhere you never intended.

That’s why regular beneficiary reviews matter.

As part of our *Inheritance: More Than Money* series, we encourage families to take a few minutes to review:

• Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, Roth IRA)
• Life insurance policies
• Brokerage and investment accounts
• Bank accounts with TOD/POD designations
• Primary & contingent beneficiaries
• Whether your designations still reflect your wishes

The assets you leave behind often represent years of hard work, sacrifice, and intention. A quick review today can help ensure your legacy is carried out the way you intended.

📅 Not sure if your beneficiaries still make sense? We’re happy to help review them with you.

06/16/2026

We are on the brink of the greatest wealth transfer in history.

Over the coming decades, millions of Americans will receive an inheritance, as trillions of dollars move from one generation to the next at an unprecedented scale. Many people reading this post today will one day inherit assets from a parent, grandparent, spouse, or loved one.

But inheritance isn’t just about receiving money — it often comes during an emotional season and brings important financial decisions with it.

The question is not simply what you’ll inherit — but whether you’ll be prepared to steward it well.

Receiving an inheritance often comes with more options than many people realize. In many cases, inherited assets may create planning opportunities that can help reduce unnecessary taxes, preserve long-term growth, and better align money with your goals over time.

Too often, we see people make major financial decisions before fully understanding what’s available to them — cashing out retirement accounts too quickly, triggering avoidable taxes, or missing opportunities for thoughtful planning.

The assets left behind by a loved one often represent years of hard work, sacrifice, and intention. Taking time to understand your options can help honor that legacy, make those gifts last longer, and support the future they hoped to help create for you.

Because inheritance is about more than money — it’s about stewardship.

06/12/2026

Just because you can cash out an inherited IRA immediately doesn’t mean you should.

Many inherited retirement accounts come with tax consequences that can impact your long-term financial picture.

In some cases, inherited IRAs may be distributed over time — creating opportunities for more thoughtful tax planning and financial decision-making.

The type of account you inherit, how distributions are handled, and when withdrawals are taken can all make a meaningful difference.

06/10/2026

"What is it!?" Wednesday! Ever see the term “Per Stirpes” on a beneficiary form or estate document and thought… What does that even mean? 🤔

Here’s the simple version: Per Stirpes = “by branch.” 🌳

It means that if one of your beneficiaries passes away before you, their share can pass to their children or heirs instead of being redistributed elsewhere.

Why does this matter? Because a small decision on a form or beneficiary designation can have a big impact on who receives your assets and how your wishes are carried out.

Check out the chart to see the difference between Per Stirpes vs. Per Capita and why it’s worth reviewing your beneficiary designations from time to time.

📌 A quick review can help ensure things are set up the way you intend.

06/03/2026

"What is it?!" Wednesday!

Inheritance is about more than money—it’s about making thoughtful decisions for the people you care about most.

One often-overlooked detail? Something called a step-up in cost basis—a tax rule that may affect inherited investments, real estate, and other assets.

Don’t worry, we’re making it simple. 😊

Swipe through for a quick breakdown of what it is, why it matters, and how it could impact your family’s future ➡️

Keep following along with our Inheritance: More Than Money series, you'll quickly find the little details can make a big difference.

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

Receiving an inheritance can feel overwhelming.

Along with money often comes grief, responsibility, uncertainty, and a lot of important decisions.

Should you pay off debt? Invest it? Leave it alone for now?

Before making major financial moves, it’s important to pause, breathe, and create a thoughtful plan — because the decisions made during emotional moments can have long-term impacts.

An inheritance is emotional before it’s financial.

This is Part 1 of our “Inheritance: More Than Money” series — focused on helping families navigate inheritance, legacy, and what happens next.

05/29/2026

📚 Happy 529 Day! 🎓

When it comes to saving for a child’s future education, one of the most powerful tools isn’t necessarily how much you save — it’s starting early and staying consistent.

Even small contributions can grow over time thanks to the power of compounding. Investing even a small amount from birth through age 18 could potentially grow into thousands toward future education expenses.

A 529 plan offers a tax-advantaged way to save for education while giving your investments time to work for you.

Whether you’re just getting started or already contributing, today is a great reminder that every little bit counts toward future opportunities.

✨ It’s never too early — or too late — to start planning for the future.

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Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities before investing. This information is found in the issuer's official statement and should be read carefully before investing. Investors should also consider whether the investor’s or beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits available only from that state’s 529 Plan. Any state-based benefit should be one of many appropriately weighted factors in making an investment decision. The investor should consult their financial or tax advisor before investment in any state's 529 Plan.

05/22/2026

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. ❤️🤍💙

Please note that the Pulse Financial Services office (and the market) will be closed Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen Tuesday, May 26th.

Wishing you and your family a safe, meaningful, and relaxing holiday weekend.