Payable on Death Accounts & Your Estate Plan

Let’s deep dive into the benefits and pitfalls of Payable on Death Accounts. When it comes to managing your finances and planning for the future, understanding your options is key. One financial tool that you may have come across is the Payable on Death (POD) account. Here we’ll break down what POD accounts are and explore the benefits and potential pitfalls associated with them and how they can affect your estate planning.

What is a Payable on Death (POD) Account?

A payable on death account (POD account) is a financial arrangement offered by banks and other financial institutions. It allows the account owner to choose a beneficiary who will receive the funds in the account when the owner passes away. This arrangement can be applied to various types of accounts, including savings, checking, certificates of deposit (CDs), and similar financial assets.

How Does a POD Account Work?

Here’s the simple version: If you have a POD beneficiary named on your account and you pass away, the beneficiary can access the funds in the account by providing a death certificate. There’s usually no need for a complicated legal process like probate.

The Advantages of POD Accounts

1. Streamlined Transfer: POD accounts offer a straightforward way to transfer your assets to your chosen beneficiary after your passing. This means less hassle and less waiting for your loved ones to access the funds they need.
2. Multiple Beneficiaries: Some financial institutions allow you to name multiple beneficiaries on a POD account, ensuring that your assets are distributed exactly as you wish.
3. Avoiding Probate: Probate can be a time-consuming and costly process. With a POD account, you can skip this step entirely, saving your beneficiaries time and money.

The Potential Pitfalls of POD Accounts

While POD accounts offer many advantages, there are also some potential downsides to be aware of:

1. Survivorship Assumption: POD accounts assume that the beneficiary will outlive the account owner. If the beneficiary passes away before the account owner and the designation isn’t updated, things can get complicated.
2. Interpretation Variations: Different financial institutions may interpret POD provisions differently. This can lead to inconsistencies and challenges when it comes to disbursing your assets.
3. Estate Expenses: A POD beneficiary is not obligated to cover estate expenses, such as funeral costs. This could create financial difficulties for your family if the beneficiary refuses to pay these expenses.
4. POD vs. Estate Plan: It’s essential to understand that a POD designation takes precedence over your will or trust. If you forget to update your POD designation after creating an estate plan, it could override your carefully laid-out wishes.

While POD accounts offer a convenient way to transfer assets after your passing, they come with potential pitfalls. To ensure that your financial affairs align with your goals and wishes, it’s crucial to be aware of these considerations.

Estate planning can be complex, and it’s wise to seek professional guidance. If you have questions or need assistance in managing your assets and beneficiary designations, consider consulting with experts in estate planning. They can help you navigate the nuances of POD accounts and ensure that your financial future is secure and aligned with your goals. If you’re in Illinois or Wisconsin, we can help! Contact us to get on the right track.