Keep-It Step 7 · 2026–2027 Edition
Most of what you own never passes through your will. Here's how to make sure it goes to the people you choose.
IRAs, 401(k)s, life insurance and annuities go to whoever is named on the beneficiary form. Bank accounts, brokerage accounts and often the house can pass by a simple form too. Get those right and your family can often avoid probate court for most of the estate.
Sound familiar?
An old form can send your IRA to the wrong person.
Whoever is named on a beneficiary form gets that money, even if your will says otherwise. Old forms are one of the most common estate mistakes, and most cost nothing to update.
- An ex-spouse still named on an old account
- No one named at all, so the account can go through probate
- No power of attorney if you can't manage your money
- Thinking of putting the house in the kids' names
What you get
Ten moves to make it easy for the people you love.
- Every beneficiary form checked, with a primary and a backup named
- Payable-on-death names on bank accounts, in a few minutes
- A transfer-on-death deed so the house can skip probate in many states
- Will or living trust, compared side by side
- Powers of attorney for money and for health care
- Why not to give the house away early: the tax, Medicaid and control reasons
- Gifts while you're living: up to $19,000 per person in 2026 with no gift tax return
- The inherited-IRA rules your heirs will face, including the 10-year rule
What's inside
What's in the guide.
A will is only part of it
What passes by beneficiary form, and what passes by will.
The 60-second scan
Tick what applies. Each line points to the move that fixes it.
Forms, deeds and documents
What to ask each company, and what to bring to an attorney.
Gift and estate limits
$19,000 per person each year. Up to $15,000,000 with no federal estate tax.
The beneficiary audit
One row per account. You can finish it in an afternoon.
Large-print and audio editions
The same guide in big type, and read aloud (about 9 minutes). Listen on any phone, tablet or computer.
Look inside
Real pages from the guide.
How it works
Pass It On Checklist
Card, Apple Pay or PayPal · secure checkout
Instant download, large print and audio included, 30-day money-back promise.
PROMISE
Read it. Use it. If it isn't for you, get every penny back.
Email us within 30 days for a full refund. You keep the files.
Questions
Do I still need a will?
Yes. Everyone still needs at least a simple will to catch anything left out. The guide compares a will with a living trust so you know which questions to ask an attorney.
Will this write my will or trust for me?
No. Wills, trusts, deeds and powers of attorney are governed by state law, and an attorney in your state can draft them. The guide shows what each one does and what to have ready.
When do I get it?
Immediately. The download appears on your screen the moment you pay, and a copy is emailed to you at once.
Is this a subscription?
No. It's one payment. There is nothing recurring and nothing to cancel.
Is it easy to read?
Yes. Plain English, short sections, and large-print and audio editions are included. It opens on any phone, tablet or computer, and prints cleanly.
What if it's not for me?
Email us within 30 days for a full refund. Keep the files.
RetireShield is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency. This product provides educational information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Estate and property law is set by your state.
Pass it on clean. $27.
Instant download, large print and audio included, 30-day money-back promise.
Get the guide — $27