How to use a beneficiary planner

Get your affairs in order and organized for your loved ones

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Elissa SuhSenior Editor & Disability Insurance ExpertElissa Suh is a disability insurance expert and a former senior editor at Policygenius, where she also covered wills, trusts, and advance planning. Her work has appeared in MarketWatch, CNBC, PBS, Inverse, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and more.

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From making burial arrangements to closing out bank accounts and claiming life insurance, there are a lot of things to sort out when someone dies. However, it may be a difficult task for the people and loved ones you leave behind to access all of your information or even know what to look for — that’s where a beneficiary planner comes in. 

What is a beneficiary planner?

A beneficiary planner is a document you can fill out with all your important personal and financial information to help your future beneficiaries after you pass away. 

A strong estate plan starts with life insurance

Many times a beneficiary is also your executor — the person who is legally responsible for managing and administering your estate and disbursing your assets  — so this planner can pull double duty as an informational packet for them as well. 

Beneficiary planner template

beneficiary planner image

→ Download this free beneficiary planner

Who are my beneficiaries?

A beneficiary is whoever you choose to receive your assets. They can be a family member, friend, and even a business or charity. As part of your estate plan, it's also a good idea to have a few backup or contingent beneficiaries.

You can leave money and personal possessions to your beneficiaries with a will, which also allows you to name a guardian for any minor children.

→ Make a state-specific will with Policygenius for free using attorney-approved tools