Peace of mind comes from knowing that what you leave behind is protected—and passed on according to your wishes. While many people assume that having a will is enough, the truth is that relying on a will alone can leave your estate vulnerable to probate costs, legal disputes, unnecessary taxes, and long delays.

 

At A to Z Retirement Planners, we go beyond the basics to help you preserve your legacy and minimize the financial burden on your loved ones.

If you have significant funds in tax-deferred retirement accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s, your heirs could be facing a major tax surprise—often called the IRA tax bomb. When inherited improperly, these accounts can trigger a large, unexpected tax bill for your beneficiaries, especially under the SECURE Act, which now requires most non-spouse heirs to deplete inherited IRAs within 10 years.

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This tax burden can significantly reduce what your family actually receives—unless proper planning is in place.

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We help you:
• Understand IRS rules on IRA inheritance
• Create tax-efficient legacy strategies
• Establish trusts or other vehicles to protect beneficiaries
• Use life insurance to offset future tax liabilities

We also assist with:
• Establishing trusts, wills, and powers of attorney
• Creating structured disbursement plans for life insurance proceeds
• Coordinating beneficiary designations to align with your estate goals
• Conducting personal risk assessments to ensure your investment strategy matches your goals and tolerance

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The truth is, no one can predict the future of the market—and the "lost decade" from 1998 to 2008 is a powerful reminder of how quickly conditions can change. While recent bull markets have provided strong returns, risk is always present. Do you know your Personal Risk Score? Are you working with an advisor who uses it to guide your legacy planning?

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At A to Z, we do. Because protecting your legacy isn’t just about what you leave—it’s about how you leave it.

Without proper guidance, sudden wealth can create tax headaches, strained family dynamics, and financial missteps that erode the long-term value of what was meant to be a lasting legacy.

 

Heirs often face:
• Complex tax obligations that reduce the actual inheritance
• Emotional pressure and family disputes over how funds are managed
• A lack of financial literacy or experience in handling significant assets
• The risk of spending too quickly and losing long-term security

 

Fortunately, there are strategies to transform an inheritance from a burden into a stable foundation for the future. Annuities, for example, can help convert a lump sum into a reliable stream of income—offering protection against overspending, market volatility, and poor planning. By using annuities as part of a broader strategy, families can ensure that inherited wealth provides stability, security, and peace of mind for years to come.