I’m an Estate Planner: 6 Things Every Retiree Should Have Prepared in 2025

Up-to-Date Beneficiary Designations

Every retiree should review and update the beneficiaries listed on their retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts.

These designations take legal precedence over a will, so failing to revise them after major life changes, such as a divorce, death, or new grandchild, can lead to assets being distributed in ways that don’t reflect the retiree’s true wishes.

“Finally, overlooking contingent (secondary) beneficiaries can leave accounts exposed to probate if the primary beneficiary has already died,” said Steve Lockshin, founder and financial advisor at Vanilla, the modern estate planning platform.

Digital Estate Planning Platform

As more aspects of our lives move online, experts said using a digital estate planning platform can simplify everything from document storage to updates and access.

“These tools not only help organize all your important documents and assets in one secure place, but they can also send reminders when something needs updating, like a beneficiary or legal form,” said Howard Enders, COO of The Estate Registry, a fintech platform for digital estate and asset management.

Enders added, “Most importantly, they make it easier for your loved ones to access what they need, when they need it, without digging through file cabinets or chasing paperwork.”

A Secure, Shareable Password Management System

In 2025, every retiree should have a centralized way to store and protect their digital passwords. A password manager, paired with a secure plan for sharing the master key, can prevent major headaches for the executor and heirs.

“A password manager keeps everything in one secure place, which can make a world of difference later on,” said Jennifer Zegel, an estate planning attorney and chief product officer at Eternal Me.