Inheritance and Beneficiary Planning

Leaving a meaningful legacy requires more than just drafting a will—it’s about creating a clear, tax-efficient plan for how your assets will be passed on. At Klaas Financial, we help you:

• Define how your assets are transferred.
  Decide who receives your real estate, investments, savings, and personal belongings—and whether assets should be given directly or through a trust for added protection.
• Plan for loved ones' unique needs.
  We can help you plan thoughtfully for minor children, dependents with special needs, or charitable causes that matter to you.
• Minimize taxes and simplify the process.
  Our team helps you reduce taxes and avoid legal headaches through strategic planning with trusts, beneficiary designations, and other tools.
• Ensure everything is aligned.
  Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and bank accounts often override your will. We’ll review your full picture to keep everything coordinated.
• Avoid unnecessary probate.
  We guide you on how to transfer assets efficiently, so more of your legacy goes directly to those you care about—without costly delays.

Receiving an inheritance can be both meaningful and overwhelming. Whether it’s a small or significant amount, what you do next matters. Klaas Financial is here to help you navigate this transition with clarity and care.

• Understand what you’ve received. From cash and investments to property or retirement accounts, we’ll help you understand the type of assets you’ve inherited and any potential tax implications.
• Make smart financial decisions. Together, we’ll decide how your inheritance fits into your broader financial goals—whether that’s paying off debt, investing, saving for retirement, or giving back.
• Avoid costly mistakes. We’ll help you avoid rushed decisions and ensure you fully understand the impact of taxes, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and other key considerations before making any moves.

Beneficiary planning goes beyond your will. It’s about making sure your designations across all accounts are current and reflect your wishes. We help you regularly review and update:

• Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA)
• Life insurance policies
• Bank and brokerage accounts
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Transfer-on-Death (TOD) or Payable-on-Death (POD) accounts

Life changes—like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or loss of a loved one—are important triggers to revisit your plan. We’ll help you stay organized, so your intentions are always clear.

At Klaas Financial, we believe inheritance and beneficiary planning is more than just paperwork, it’s about protecting your future and simplifying the process for your family. We will help you.

• Clarify your goals and values
• Build tax-efficient plans for legacy and inheritance
• Coordinate your will, trusts, and beneficiary designations
• Manage inherited assets wisely
• Facilitate family conversations around legacy planning

We’ll guide you in creating a thoughtful, customized plan for the people and causes you care about, including:

• Spouse: Special tax benefits and transfer options
• Children: Planning based on their needs and stage of life
• Grandchildren: Legacy gifts for education or milestones
• Charities: Maximize impact with smart giving strategies
• Extended family or friends: Minimize probate and ensure clarity

Whether you’re preparing to leave a legacy or managing an inheritance, Klaas Financial is here to guide you with personalized advice and compassionate support.

Let’s start the conversation and bring confidence and clarity to the legacy you leave—or the one you’ve received.