Barrington Patch: 

Hi, Lisa. I have a 401(k) account with my employer and have named my wife as beneficiary if something happens to me. But what if she dies before me? Who would get the money?  Thank you. Dean.

Dear Dean,

You raise a very good question. Most retirement plans, life insurance policies, annuities and certain other types of accounts allow you to name who will receive the proceeds when you die by filling out a beneficiary designation form…