FAQ
Who is this podcast episode really for?
This episode is for corporate executives and high earners who already have “a will and a trust” or know they should, but are not sure what actually happens to their money if something happens to them. If you have retirement accounts, RSUs, stock options, or company life insurance, this will help you see where the real gaps hide.
Does my will control everything I own when I die?
No. Your will only controls assets that pass through probate in your name alone. Most big accounts for executives, like 401(k)s, IRAs, and life insurance, skip your will and go straight to whoever is on the beneficiary form. Joint accounts and transfer-on-death registrations also bypass your will. The forms and titles on file win every time.
Do I still need a trust if I already have a will?
A will and a trust do different jobs. Your will handles probate assets and names a guardian for young children. A revocable trust controls assets you put into it, can skip probate for those assets, and lets a trusted person step in to manage things if you are alive but not able to handle your own finances. In the episode, we walk through when a simple will may be enough and when a trust starts to make sense for an executive family.
What happens to my RSUs and stock options when I die?
Your RSUs and stock options follow your company’s plan documents and whatever you have on file with HR or the plan administrator, not your will and not your trust. The podcast explains how to find those documents, what questions to ask HR, and why unvested equity and old HR forms can quietly undo the rest of your estate plan.
How often should I review my beneficiary forms and estate plan?
You should review things after every major life change: marriage, divorce, a new child, a death in the family, a big vesting event, a new job, or buying property in a new state. If none of that is happening, a check-in every few years is a good baseline. In the episode, we share a quick four-bucket audit so you can see in one sitting which assets go where today.
How does Tailored Wealth help beyond the podcast?
The episode gives you the framework so you can see your own blind spots. If you want help, we plug that estate picture into your full financial plan, including taxes, equity comp, investments, and cash flow. We map each asset, help you spot bad or stale beneficiary forms, and coordinate with your attorney so the documents on paper match what you actually want for your family.