Ex-banker warns of one mistake most customers make — and it could hurt your family

The last thing you expect after losing family is dealing with poor legal protocols to claim inheritance. Yet, many navigate through inefficient processes amidst heavy emotional distress. If you're someone who, unfortunately, had to go through a long battle after losing someone close and doesn't want the same for the next generation, SassieCassie6 (@sassiecassie6.yt), a former banker, has the tip you need. Through an Instagram reel shared in July 2025, she explained why it's important to add a Payable on Death (POD) beneficiary to bank accounts, and it's life-changing advice for sure!

Sassie urged everyone with a bank account to add a POD, explaining how it's different than a 'Power of Attorney (PoA).' She said, "A power of attorney means that somebody can sign for you and act like you. Payable on Death means that when you die, this person will be able to get your funds without any hassle, without having to go to court, or without having to deal with any of that, because you already said, 'I want my money to go to this person.'" She explained how the process is just too easy, and all someone needs is basic details of the person they want their money to go to after their death. "If you have not done that already, please do, and make your life and your loved ones' lives a lot easier, because trust me, it's a real pain in the neck to try to get documentation for someone who died forever ago," Sassie added. According to CNBC, since the COVID-19 pandemic, more Americans are thinking about legal documents. Despite awareness, only about 33% have actually made these plans. The reasons? Well, while 33% said they don't own enough to make a will, 13% said estate planning is expensive.

Meanwhile, Sassie's video received an overwhelming response on social media, garnering over 3 million views in a month. Reacting to her advice, @lorichi66 said, "Thank you! As a former financial institution employee who worked with deceased accounts, I can’t stress enough how important this small step is!" @soulloveingme confessed, "I wish we knew this. My sister passed away suddenly, and we couldn’t touch any of her assets even with a death certificate. The whole thing was a nightmare." 

On the other hand, @brandonwheaton suggested, "Take a step further and put your house, vehicles, and any other valuables into a trust so they don’t go through probate. If you have life insurance, make that payable to the trust as well." Similarly, @lwalterart recalled, "I agree! I was on both my parents' accounts, and it was painless in the end. I was able to cover their funeral expenses, etc. Don't leave your family up in the air with legal stuff to deal with during their grief." @red_rose609 shared, "So true! My mother found out she had stage 4 cancer and was gone in 19 days. In that time, she handled everything, including adding me to her bank account. It made things so much easier! Also, people, please do a survivorship deed for property and a survivorship title for cars. The only ones my mom didn’t do were the cars, and it’s been in probate for 2 years." A grieving parent, @1704boysmom, said, "My son did this. He made it easy. Not that I ever thought this would happen. Ben 2/4/83 - 11/4/20! Miss you, always, Ben!"  

You can follow SassieCassie6 (@sassiecassie6.yt) on Instagram for lifestyle content.

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