08/22/2026
A beneficiary checkup is a small review with a big purpose: helping your financial instructions stay aligned with the people and plans you intend to support.
At least once a year: and after marriage, divorce, birth, death, a major account change, or a move: review beneficiary designations across retirement, insurance, and investment accounts. Then coordinate them with your broader estate plan and the requirements of each account custodian. A beneficiary designation is one part of the plan; it does not automatically replace or override every provision in a will, trust, or other estate document.
As part of the review, confirm that:
• Primary and contingent beneficiaries are current.
• Trusted contacts have accurate information.
• Your durable financial power of attorney still reflects your wishes.
• Other incapacity-planning documents are organized and coordinated.
• Your financial professionals and account custodians know about relevant updates.
Investor.gov encourages organizing important documents, identifying trusted contacts, and considering a durable financial power of attorney when planning for illness or diminished capacity. [1][2]
A coordinated review can help reduce confusion and make your wishes easier to understand if circumstances change. We’re here to help you make this review part of a thoughtful, comprehensive financial plan.
Call 844-8-JARVER or visit us at 780 Lynnhaven Pkwy Suite 400, Virginia Beach, VA.
Sources:
[1] Investor.gov, A Guide for Older Investors:https://www.investor.gov/sites/investorgov/files/2023-10/guideforolderinvestors.pdf
[2] Investor.gov, Planning for Diminished Capacity and Illness: https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-bulletins-83
Educational disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Beneficiary and incapacity planning may have legal and account-specific consequences. Consult qualified professionals and your account custodian about your individual circumstances.