This simple mistake can give your money to the wrong person when you die. Here’s how to protect your estate.

AI SUMMARY

# Summary The article highlights how minor estate-planning oversights—such as failing to update beneficiaries on financial accounts, life insurance policies, or retirement funds—can result in unintended wealth distribution that bypasses wills and potentially costs families thousands in legal fees and taxes. Investors should regularly review and align beneficiary designations across brokerage accounts, 401(k)s, and insurance products to ensure their estates transfer according to their actual wishes and minimize tax inefficiencies.