TNR Wealth

Traps to avoid in retirement – Ignoring estate planning

For more information or to speak to one of our Financial Advisers please contact TNR Wealth Management on 02 6626 3000.

Traps to avoid in retirement – Ignoring estate planning

 

Don’t have a Will? You’re in good company. Less than half of Australian adults do. Even then, many Wills are out of date or invalid. The upshot is that hard earned wealth may be fought over by family or distributed by government formula, and not end up with the preferred beneficiaries.

It’s also important to remember that Wills are just one component of estate planning, so here’s a quick checklist to help you get your estate planning on the right track.

  • If you don’t have a Will, make one. Consult a specialist estate planning lawyer.
  • If you do have a Will, ensure it is up to date and reflects your current wishes. Is your executor willing to take on the role and likely to outlive you?
  • Have enduring and medical powers of attorney drawn up so someone you trust can act on your behalf and make decisions if you are no longer able to do so.
  • Review your superannuation death benefit nomination. Super death benefits can be directed to your estate and distributed under your Will, or they can be paid directly to nominated beneficiaries.
  • Look into pre-paid funerals or funeral bonds. Aside from relieving your family of one burden at a time of great stress, you may see an increase in your age pension payments.

Depending on business and financial structures, family dynamics, pension rules and legal requirements, estate planning can be complex. Your financial adviser can help you identify the estate planning issues you need to address, and the professionals you may need to consult, to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and to provide the best outcome for your beneficiaries.

For more information or to speak to one of our Financial Advisers please contact TNR Wealth Management on 02 6621 8544.

Disclaimer
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The information and any advice in this publication does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. This article may contain material provided directly by third parties and is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but has not been independently verified. It is important that your personal circumstances are taken into account before making any financial decision and we recommend you seek detailed and specific advice from a suitably qualified adviser before acting on any information or advice in this publication. Any taxation position described in this publication is general and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and is based on current laws and our interpretation. You should consult a registered tax agent for specific tax advice on your circumstances.