You’ve built a retirement plan to last the rest of your life. But what about after?
Without a plan for how your assets transfer to your loved ones, they may be forced to deal with court delays, legal fees, and emotional stress—at the worst possible time.
That’s where probate comes in. It’s a process many people don’t understand until they’re caught in the middle of it.
As part of Make-a-Will Month, we’re breaking down what probate is, why people try to avoid it, and the smart moves you can make now—using wills, trusts, annuities, and life insurance—to protect your family and preserve your legacy.
What Is Probate?
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Naming Beneficiaries the Right Way: Protecting Your Legacy with Life Insurance, Annuities, and a Will
You’ve created a will. You’ve outlined your wishes. But are you confident that your assets will actually end up where you want them to?
If you’re like many retirees, the answer might be: not entirely.
That’s because even the best-written will can be overridden by outdated, missing, or mismatched beneficiary designations. In fact, one of the most common (and costly) estate planning mistakes is overlooking how life insurance and annuities pass after death.
During Make-a-Will Month, we’re not just focused on documents—we’re focused on protecting what matters most. That means understanding the powerful role beneficiaries play in your estate plan—and how tools like life insurance and annuities can help you pass wealth directly and avoid probate. Read More
Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, sits down with Michael Dinich, founder of Your Money Matters Inc., to explore his client-first approach to retirement planning. With more than 35 years of experience, Michael is dedicated to helping people avoid costly mistakes, protect their assets, and secure the lifetime income they need to enjoy retirement with peace of mind.
In this Spotlight Series interview, Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, speaks with Michael Dinich of Your Money Matters about his relationship-driven, trust-based philosophy. Drawing on decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to putting clients first, Michael shares how he helps families avoid market losses, reduce unnecessary costs, and build financial stability—so they can face the future with confidence and truly enjoy life in retirement.
Brent Meyer: Michael, thank you for joining us. Can you share your overall approach to retirement planning?
Michael Dinich: Absolutely. At Your Money Matters, we are the best at what we do because we genuinely care about our clients. Their needs come first—always. Every recommendation we make is designed to protect and serve them, not us.
Brent Meyer: You’ve been in the industry for more than three decades. What kinds of experiences have shaped your philosophy? Read More
You’ve spent decades building your nest egg, protecting your income, and planning for retirement. But what about planning for what happens after you’re gone?
For many retirees, this brings up a key question:
What’s the difference between a will and a trust—and do I need both?
The truth is, while they’re both essential estate planning tools, a will and a trust serve very different purposes. Knowing how each works—and when to use them—can help you protect your assets, minimize court involvement, and make life easier for your loved ones. Read More
You’ve worked a lifetime to build security for yourself and your loved ones. But without a will, your legacy might not go where you think it will.
If you die intestate—the legal term for dying without a valid will—your estate is handed over to the state probate court system, and distribution follows your state’s intestacy laws.
That means you lose control, and your loved ones could face unexpected consequences, delays, or even disputes. Read More
You’ve saved, invested, and strategized your way to a secure retirement. But what happens next?
If you’ve already mapped out your Social Security timeline, estimated your healthcare costs, and created a retirement income plan—congratulations. You’ve achieved what many never do: retirement readiness.
But there’s one more step that completes the picture—and that’s legacy readiness.
August is Make-a-Will Month, and it’s the perfect time to address the question so many retirees forget to ask: Read More
Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, sits down with Michael Quarles and Heather Herring, principals at Financial Longevity Advisory LLC, to explore their whole-client, fiduciary-first approach to retirement planning. With a strong commitment to integrity, education, and personalized service, Michael and Heather help individuals and families prepare for the future with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
In this Spotlight Series interview, Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, speaks with Michael Quarles and Heather Herring of Financial Longevity Advisory about their holistic, relationship-centered approach to retirement planning. Drawing on years of experience and a deep commitment to fiduciary values, Michael and Heather share how they empower clients with education, transparency, and reliable income strategies—so they can enjoy retirement with clarity and confidence. Read More
You’ve spent July getting your retirement strategy on track—securing income, timing your Social Security, and accounting for inflation and healthcare. But now it’s time to take the next step…
What happens after you’ve achieved retirement readiness?
The answer: legacy readiness.
In August, we turn the page to a new but equally important chapter—Make-a-Will Month. But before we dive in, let’s explore why transitioning from retirement planning to estate planning matters so much. Read More
Retirement isn’t just a number or an age—it’s a destination. The question is: Where are you headed, and are you on the right path to get there?
Whether you’re dreaming of quiet coastal living, international travel, or staying close to family with no financial worries, clarity is the key to confidence. That means knowing what you want and having a plan that aligns your income, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Define Your Ideal Retirement Lifestyle
Before you can build a financial plan, you need to visualize your retirement destination. Here are a few questions to guide your vision: Read More
Inflation: The Silent Threat to Retirement Security
Most retirees think about market risk, healthcare costs, and outliving their savings. But there’s one danger that quietly chips away at your financial confidence—inflation.
Unlike a market crash, inflation doesn’t make headlines every day. It slowly erodes your purchasing power year after year. And by the time you feel its full impact, it’s often too late to adjust.
If you’re planning for retirement—or already in it—understanding how inflation affects your income is critical to keeping your lifestyle and peace of mind intact.
How Inflation Impacts Retirees
Inflation means that the same dollar buys less over time. That $100 you spent on groceries ten years ago? It might cost $130 or more today. Read More
