Why Beneficiary Designations Can Make or Break Your Estate Plan with Estate Planning Attorney Jennifer Spalding episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 18, 2025 · 31 MIN

Why Beneficiary Designations Can Make or Break Your Estate Plan with Estate Planning Attorney Jennifer Spalding

from Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers · host Mark Struthers CFA, CFP®

Are your beneficiary designations putting your estate at risk without your knowledge? In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers sits down with estate planning attorney Jennifer Spalding to identify the hidden risks of beneficiary designations. Listen in to learn the difference between per stirpes and per capita, how probate works, and why healthcare directives matter. You'll discover what you can do today to protect your legacy and your loved ones from costly surprises.   Resources: Special Offer - If you mention the podcast when calling Spalding Law Office and schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session as a listener of The Healthy & Wealthy Retirement podcast, you’ll get a special discount of $250 off your estate planning. (Plus, if you complete the questionnaire ahead of time, Spalding Law Office will also waive the $750.00 session fee for that meeting.)  Connect with Jennifer: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Email | Phone: (952) 486-8855 Check for unclaimed property in Minnesota: MN Unclaimed Property   Curious about working with Mark? Go to: https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com   Jennifer Spalding ​​Jennifer was born and raised in Minnesota. She attended the University of St. Thomas where she majored in Political Science. Following college, she attended William Mitchell College of Law. Jennifer is admitted to the State of Minnesota, the United States District Court for the State of Minnesota, and the United States Supreme Court. Jennifer is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association. Jenny was a prosecutor for the city of Eden Prairie prior to moving into Estate Planning. She is currently on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce and on the Senior Advisory Committee for the City of Victoria.   Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document.  This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation. This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

Are your beneficiary designations putting your estate at risk without your knowledge? In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers sits down with estate planning attorney Jennifer Spalding to identify the hidden risks of beneficiary designations. Listen in to learn the difference between per stirpes and per capita, how probate works, and why healthcare directives matter. You'll discover what you can do today to protect your legacy and your loved ones from costly surprises.   Resources: Special Offer - If you mention the podcast when calling Spalding Law Office and schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session as a listener of The Healthy & Wealthy Retirement podcast, you’ll get a special discount of $250 off your estate planning. (Plus, if you complete the questionnaire ahead of time, Spalding Law Office will also waive the $750.00 session fee for that meeting.)  Connect with Jennifer: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Email | Phone: (952) 486-8855 Check for unclaimed property in Minnesota: MN Unclaimed Property   Curious about working with Mark? Go to: https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com   Jennifer Spalding ​​Jennifer was born and raised in Minnesota. She attended the University of St. Thomas where she majored in Political Science. Following college, she attended William Mitchell College of Law. Jennifer is admitted to the State of Minnesota, the United States District Court for the State of Minnesota, and the United States Supreme Court. Jennifer is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association. Jenny was a prosecutor for the city of Eden Prairie prior to moving into Estate Planning. She is currently on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce and on the Senior Advisory Committee for the City of Victoria.   Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document.  This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation. This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

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Why Beneficiary Designations Can Make or Break Your Estate Plan with Estate Planning Attorney Jennifer Spalding

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How long is this episode of Tax-Smart Retirement Investing with Mark Struthers?

This episode is 31 minutes long.

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This episode was published on July 18, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Are your beneficiary designations putting your estate at risk without your knowledge? In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers sits down with estate planning attorney Jennifer Spalding to identify the hidden risks of...

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