Three ways money reaches someone
A named beneficiary, a will, or a trust — compared on probate, speed, privacy, control and cost.
For educational purposes only. Simplified illustrations for self-led learning: explore at your own pace, in any order, and use the numbers you choose. Nothing here is based on your circumstances, so it is not financial, investment or tax advice, and not a recommendation.
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What's inside
- A named beneficiary skips the estate, so the estate administration tax never touches it
- A will is public once probated; a beneficiary designation is not
- A trust buys control, and charges for it every year
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