Looking for More Control Over Your Legacy? Consider the Stifel Springing IRA.

For many investors, an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is one of the largest assets they’ll leave behind. A traditional IRA beneficiary designation often provides beneficiaries with immediate access to inherited assets, yet little control over how those assets are used. This simple arrangement may work well in various situations.

Sometimes family dynamics require additional planning considerations. For example, you may want to provide ongoing support for a surviving spouse, protect assets for young or financially inexperienced beneficiaries, or establish safeguards for yourself in the event of incapacity.

That’s where the Stifel Springing IRA may help.

Understanding Traditional IRA Beneficiary Designations

Most IRAs are established as “custodial” accounts with a designated beneficiary. When the account owner passes away, IRA assets transfer to the named beneficiary or beneficiaries. In most cases, beneficiaries then have the ability to handle the assets any way they please, without regard for tax consequences or the wishes of the IRA’s original owner.

When Greater Control May Be Desired

Some IRA owners want additional control over how retirement assets are managed after their death or during a period of incapacity. Common concerns include:

• Providing for a surviving spouse while preserving assets for children from a prior relationship
• Protecting beneficiaries who may struggle with financial management
• Managing assets for minors until they reach a designated age
• Shielding inherited assets from creditors or former spouses
• Ensuring access to funds in the event the IRA owner becomes incapacitated.

Often, these goals may require naming a trust as an IRA beneficiary or utilizing a trusteed IRA.

A Different Approach: The Stifel Springing IRA

The Stifel Springing IRA combines the flexibility of a traditional custodial IRA with the benefits of a trusteed IRA when needed most.

During your lifetime, the account functions as a traditional custodial IRA. You continue working directly with your Stifel Financial Advisor, maintaining control over your investment management and retirement planning decisions. Upon your death, incapacity, or election, the trust provisions “spring” into effect and the account transitions into a trusteed IRA. At that point, Stifel Trust assumes trustee responsibilities and administers the account according to your instructions.

Because the trust provisions activate only when needed, a Springing IRA can provide flexibility during your lifetime while helping ensure your wishes are carried out in the future.

Depending on your circumstances, a Stifel Springing IRA may help:

Plan for Incapacity
If you become unable to manage your financial affairs, trustee oversight can help ensure continued access to IRA assets and ongoing administration according to your established instructions.

Support Blended Families
A Springing IRA can help provide for a surviving spouse while preserving a strategy for passing remaining assets to children or grandchildren from a previous relationship.

Protect Vulnerable Beneficiaries
For beneficiaries who are minors, financially inexperienced, or prone to overspending, trustee-controlled distributions can create an additional layer of oversight and protection.

Is the Stifel Springing IRA Right for You?

To learn more about Stifel Trust services and the Stifel Springing IRA, contact your Stifel Financial Advisor. Consult with your legal and tax advisors to determine how best to coordinate your IRA with the rest of your estate plan.

Trust and fiduciary services are provided by Stifel Trust Company, N.A., Member FDIC, and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A., Member FDIC (collectively, “Stifel Trust Companies”). Stifel Trust Companies are affiliated with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Member SIPC & NYSE, each a wholly owned subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp. Unless otherwise specified, references to “Stifel” may mean Stifel Financial Corp. and/or any of its subsidiaries. Non-deposit products purchased from or held by Stifel and/or Stifel Trust Companies are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits, and may lose value. None of Stifel, Stifel Trust Companies, nor affiliated companies provide legal or tax advice.