As 2017 draws to an end, you should verify (and, if needed, update) primary and contingent beneficiary designations for all your retirement plan assets, for example: individual retirement accounts (IRAs and Roth IRAs), 401(k) accounts with current and former employers, 403(b) accounts, and pensions plans. This simple step can save a lot of delays, uncertainty, fees, and taxes. You would be surprised how often individuals still have a former spouse, deceased parents, or no one listed as a beneficiary!