Your beneficiary designations often speak louder than your will. A form you signed years ago can override the wishes you have since written into your estate documents, which is why we encourage a regular beneficiary review. This checklist helps you spot outdated names, uneven tax outcomes for your heirs, and accounts that could end up in probate. Pair it with our estate planning guidance, see how inherited retirement accounts fit into retirement planning, and explore tax-smart charitable giving if you hope to leave a gift to the causes you love.