We talk a lot about love and legacy here at Breiner Law Firm. Specifically, how to show your loved ones, well, love, through specialized Life and Legacy Planning®.  

But, there's a different kind of love that deserves our attention: the love we show ourselves, our family, and our wallet through thoughtful financial planning.

Now I know what you’re thinking – that doesn’t sound as fun or showy as a fancy night out,  a bouquet of flowers, or even a night in with Netflix - not that kind of love! But trust me, making smart planning decisions with your assets is one of the best gifts you can give your loved ones – and a gift that keeps giving over time.

Last week we explored 7 ways to show your finances and your family some love with smart, tax-advantaged financial tips for the new year:

1. Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
2. Front-load Your 401(k) Contributions
3. Set Up an IRA for a Child
4. Make Donations During Spring Cleaning
5. Give the...

We talk a lot about love and legacy here at Breiner Law Firm. Specifically, how to show your loved ones, well, love, through specialized Life and Legacy Planning®.  

But, there's a different kind of love that deserves our attention: the love we show ourselves, our family, and our wallet through thoughtful financial planning.

Now I know what you’re thinking – that doesn’t sound as fun or showy as a fancy night out,  a bouquet of flowers, or even a night in with Netflix - not that kind of love! But trust me, making smart planning decisions with your assets is one of the best gifts you can give your loved ones – and a gift that keeps giving over time.

This week, we explore seven tax planning tips that not only secure your financial future but also spread love and prosperity to those you cherish most. Next week, we’ll be back with another 7 ways to spice things up financially this year.

1 | Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution...

QUESTION

Q: Can I leave my 401(k) to my minor children when I die?

–Pondering Parent

ANSWER

A: Dear Pondering:

Though you can technically name a minor child as a beneficiary of your 401(k), IRA, or other employment-sponsored retirement accounts, it’s never a good idea. Minor children cannot inherit the account until they reach the age of majority—which can be as old as 21 in some states.

If a minor is listed as the beneficiary, upon your death, your retirement account would be distributed to a court-appointed custodian, who will manage the funds (often for a fee) until the age of majority. If you want your child to inherit your retirement account, you should set up a trust to receive those assets instead.

You can then name a trustee to manage the account until your child comes of age. By doing so, you get to choose not only who would manage your child’s money, but within the trust’s terms, you can stipulate how and when the account’s funds...