Episodes

  • An Executor's Journey: Navigating Responsibilities, Blended Family Planning and Menopause Challenges EP 20

    An Executor's Journey: Navigating Responsibilities, Blended Family Planning and Menopause Challenges EP 20
    Jul 16 2024
    In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago are joined by Sally Bartlett, the founder of Define Yourself Longevity, where Sally is speaker, an author and is dedicated to helping women on their menopause journey.This episode highlights Sally’s experience with being an executor twice and with tips on setting up a trust with a blended family. Today’s essential question: How can comprehensive planning for your end-of-life help with your executor? Episode Highlights: Executor's Responsibilities: Sally provides a detailed account of her experiences as an executor, offering practical tips and advice for managing estate affairs efficiently. Blended Family Planning: Discover how Sally approached estate planning with her fiancé, addressing the unique challenges of blending families and ensuring clear, comprehensive plans are in place. Impact of Menopause: Sally discusses how menopause affected her emotional state and decision-making processes during estate planning, emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation and self-care. Key Takeaways: Detailed Logging: The importance of keeping a meticulous log of conversations and actions when managing an estate. Legal Preparedness: The benefits of having all legal documents and wishes clearly outlined to avoid complications and conflicts. Emotional Well-being: Strategies for maintaining emotional health and balance, especially when dealing with significant life changes like menopause. Family Collaboration: How open communication and planning can help ensure that all family members are on the same page and that the loved one’s wishes are honored. Conclusion: Sally shared her profound experiences and practical tips as an executor, emphasizing the importance of detailed planning, emotional regulation, and open communication. Her insights highlight the necessity of comprehensive end-of-life planning to ensure a smoother process for loved ones and to honor final wishes. Connect with Sally: IG: @itssallybartlett FB, Twitter: @imsallybartlett LI: @iamsallybartlett Website: http://www.SallyBartlett.com Could these feelings be menopause? Click here to take the Quiz Dammit...it IS Menopause! Click here for the Amazon Link to Volume 1 Dammit...it IS Menopause! Click here for the Amazon Link to Volume 2  Subscribe & Follow: Don't forget to subscribe to Thoughtful Planning on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more tips on end-of-life planning. Facebook Business Page LinkedIn Business Page YouTube Legacy Toolkit Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • How Facing Adversity Can Fuel Your Planning EP 19

    How Facing Adversity Can Fuel Your Planning EP 19
    Jul 2 2024
    In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago are joined by April Adams Pertuis, the founder of Lightbeamers, an organization dedicated to helping women use their story to shine their light.This episode highlights the importance of planning while you’re clear of mind. Today’s essential question: How can facing adversity inspire deeper action and thoughtful planning in your own life? Episode Highlights: Family Health Crises: April's cousin was diagnosed with stage four cancer, requiring emergency brain surgery. Shortly after, April's son needed emergency intestinal surgery, bringing the importance of planning to the forefront. April discusses the fear and urgency in the waiting room, prompting her and her husband to reassess their plans and ensure they are prepared. Job Loss and IRS Audit: Early in their family life, April and her husband faced job loss and a brutal IRS audit. These experiences taught them the importance of having a financial plan and professional advice. Hiring a financial planner and bookkeeper helped them navigate and recover from these challenges. Planning for the Future: April emphasizes the ongoing nature of planning, especially as circumstances change. They have begun conversations about disability insurance, savings, and life insurance for both themselves and their children. April stresses the importance of starting financial education early, even for teenagers. Advice for Listeners: Seek professional advice if you are overwhelmed by planning and organizing. Start planning before a crisis hits to be prepared and reduce fear during emergencies. Building a financial safety net is crucial for navigating turbulent times. Utilize resources like financial planners and bookkeepers to manage and grow your finances. Key Takeaways: Adversity can be a powerful motivator for action and thoughtful planning. Preparation provides a safety net during difficult times, helping to manage crises more effectively. Continuous planning and reassessment are essential to stay prepared for life's unexpected challenges. Conclusion: April reflects on the importance of sharing stories to help others. Honey and Santiago encourage listeners to use adversity as an opportunity to deepen their planning efforts while they are clear of mind.  Connect with April: Click here to join April’s free Facebook group, Lightbeamers Click here to follow Lightbeamers on Instagram Click here to follow April on LinkedIn Website: Light Beamers Subscribe & Follow: Don't forget to subscribe to Thoughtful Planning on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more tips on end-of-life planning. Facebook Business Page LinkedIn Business Page YouTube Legacy Toolkit Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Empowering Cancer Warriors: The Heartfelt Impact of Community Support EP 18

    Empowering Cancer Warriors: The Heartfelt Impact of Community Support EP 18
    Jun 18 2024
    In this heartwarming episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago are joined by Julie Moser, the founder of Pink Warrior Angels, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals battling cancer. The discussion highlights the crucial role of community support in the cancer journey, the importance of planning and explores various ways individuals and communities can make a meaningful impact. Today’s essential question: How important is support outside of your family and what are some ways you as an individual can support those in need? Episode Highlights: Community Support: Julie emphasizes the profound impact of community support on individuals battling cancer, highlighting the importance of emotional and practical assistance beyond the family circle. Pink Warrior Angels' Mission: The organization empowers cancer warriors through a community of support, compassion and awareness. Getting Involved: Julie shares several ways individuals and communities can contribute to either their community or to the Pink Warrior Angels. Personal Stories: Julie shares touching stories from her work, illustrating the tangible difference Pink Warrior Angels makes in the lives of cancer fighters. Importance of Planning: Julie shares advice on planning while your mind is clear and shares stories of how planning can help your family. Final Thoughts:As you reflect on this episode, consider how you can make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer. Community support is invaluable, and even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact. Connect with Pink Warrior Angels: Website: Pink Warrior Angels Facebook: Pink Warrior Angels on Facebook Instagram: @pinkwarriorangels Subscribe & Follow: Don't forget to subscribe to Thoughtful Planning on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more tips on end-of-life planning. Facebook Business Page LinkedIn Business Page Legacy Toolkit Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • Annual Check-In: Keeping Your End-of-Life Plans Up-to-Date EP 17

    Annual Check-In: Keeping Your End-of-Life Plans Up-to-Date EP 17
    Jun 4 2024
    This episode focuses on an annual check-in to ensure your end-of-life plans are up-to-date. It focuses on the importance of regularly reviewing your foundational documents—wills, trusts, advance healthcare directives, and powers of attorney—to ensure they reflect any life changes and current wishes. Today’s essential question: What are some reasons one should review their foundational end-of-life documents? Episode Highlights: The Importance of Foundational Documents: Santiago emphasizes the need for a will/trust, advance healthcare directives, and power of attorneys as basic foundational documents. Honey reminds listeners that these documents must be reviewed regularly to reflect life changes. Personal Experience: Santiago shares their personal story about realizing their documents were outdated before a trip abroad, highlighting the importance of regular reviews. Discussing the need to update documents after moving to a different state, buying a home, and starting a business. Guidance for New Planners: Honey advises new listeners to start with episodes 6, 7, and 8 for detailed guidance on creating foundational documents. Recommendations on checking state laws for wills or trusts and ensuring beneficiaries and executors are current. Additional Resources: Santiago points listeners to episode 13 for insights on elder law and the importance of accessible advance healthcare directives. Tips on where to keep advance healthcare directives and ensuring prescriptions are correct and accessible. Specific Documents to Consider: Honey discusses the importance of medical and financial power of attorney documents and suggests working with an estate attorney. Universal Advice: Santiago emphasizes that planning is important for everyone aged 18 and above, regardless of current assets or perceived need. Encouragement to take control of one's life and estate to make things easier for family members. Action Steps: Honey and Santiago encourage listeners to find, review, and update their foundational documents. Importance of communicating wishes to loved ones and making arrangements for pets with at least two backups. Conclusion: Final encouragement to take action now for peace of mind and a well-planned legacy. Links Mentioned: Click here to listen to episode 6: Why a Will is Necessary and How to Begin Planning Click here to listen to episode 7: The Benefits of a Trust for End-of-Life Planning Click here to listen to episode 8: POA’s and Medical Directives: Your Legal Toolkit Click here to listen to episode 13: Planning With Clarity: Navigating Elder Law to Secure Peace and Avoid Crisis Subscribe & Follow: Don't forget to subscribe to Thoughtful Planning on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more tips on end-of-life planning. Facebook Business Page LinkedIn Business Page Legacy Toolkit Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 mins
  • Memorial Day: Honoring Those Who Paid the Ultimate Price EP16

    Memorial Day: Honoring Those Who Paid the Ultimate Price EP16
    May 21 2024
    This week's essential question is: What is Memorial Day? Santiago is doing a special episode on the significance of Memorial Day, a holiday often confused with Veterans Day. Let's clarify these important distinctions and honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Understanding Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two distinct holidays, each with its own purpose: Veterans Day: Originally known as Armistice Day, it marks the end of World War I, celebrated on the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This day honors all veterans, living or deceased, who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Did you know more than 41 million Americans have served in our nation's history? Over 16 million of them served in World War II alone! Memorial Day: This day is specifically set aside to remember and honor the estimated 1.5 million service members who have died since the birth of our nation. It's a solemn day of reflection and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. A Personal Experience: Soaring Valor I had the privilege of escorting World War II veterans to the World War II Museum in New Orleans through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Soaring Valor program. Our cadets interacted with living history, hearing firsthand accounts from these incredible individuals. For example, we met a veteran from the third wave of Marines who assaulted Iwo Jima. The battle was devastating, with over 24,000 casualties and 6,140 deaths. To put this in perspective, more service members died in the 36-day battle of Iwo Jima than in 20 years of the war on terror. These stories highlight the enormous sacrifices made by our service members. The Meaning of Memorial Day Memorial Day is about honoring those heroes who gave their lives so we can enjoy our freedoms, including the simple pleasure of a summer barbecue. It’s a day of remembrance, not celebration. When you say "Happy Memorial Day" to a veteran, understand that it might not be a happy day for them. It’s a day of reflection and respect for their fallen comrades. Closing Thoughts I hope this episode gave you a clearer understanding of Memorial Day. Remember, Veterans Day honors all veterans, while Memorial Day is dedicated to those who died serving our country. Thank you for joining me today. Until next time, remember: every chapter you write today shapes your legacy tomorrow. Have a fantastic day! Stay tuned for more insightful episodes from Santiago and Honey as they continue their thoughtful planning journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach more people and share these important messages. Resources: Gary Sinise Foundation: Soaring Valor Legacy Toolkit Website Legacy Toolkit Facebook Page Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    7 mins
  • Ensuring a Future for Texx: Planning for Pets in Our Absence EP 15

    Ensuring a Future for Texx: Planning for Pets in Our Absence EP 15
    May 7 2024
    In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, we shift the conversation to one of the most important parts of our lives--our pets. Our essential question asks, “How can pet owners ensure that their pets are well taken care of and secure in the event of a long-term absence or passing?” In celebration of National Pet Month this May, we talked about our baby boy Texx, a two-year-old boxer with a huge personality. We realized that we never documented who’s going to take care of our dog, and this episode is also us getting started on that. The least you can do is talk to friends and relatives who you can leave your dog with in the event that you get in an accident or you never return. Make sure you communicate clearly and get their agreement. It’s also good to get several options, since people’s circumstances may change and they might end up not being able to care for a pet anymore. What if you do not make arrangements for someone to care for your dog? Research shows the dog will either: Go to an animal shelter or rescue organization that would try to rehome your dog. The shelter might offer foster care for your pet until the pet is adopted. There are sanctuaries that take in pets if it’s a good fit and they have space. Do dogs grieve for their owners? Research shows that dogs do grieve after their owner or another pet companion passes. Signs of grieving include decreased activity, loss of appetite, changes in sleep patterns, mood changes, and vocalizations. How can you help your pets through the grieving process? Maintain their regular routine. It’s helpful if they are still surrounded by what’s familiar. Give them physical contact. They need hugs, cuddles, and belly rubs. Provide them with enough play and exercise. Make sure they get to have social interaction under the supervision of a veterinarian or pet behavioral specialist.. For depression seek the help of a veterinarian. To help you through this planning process for your pets, we are sharing with you all the questions we asked and the steps we took to prepare, all in one document. We know how important our pets are to us, and we want to make sure that like the rest of your loved ones, they’re taken care of as well. Resources: Click here for the Calm app. Maxx’s favorite sleep story was The Prince and the Naturalist.You can try Calm for free. Set a reminder to cancel it before you are billed. Click here to get your pet care legacy guide. Disclaimer: We are not lawyers of veterinarians. We are pet owners who want to make sure our pets are taken care of in case of an emergency and we want you to have the same peace of mind as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 mins
  • ‘FUN’erals: How Robin Phoenix Johnson Incorporates Laughter Into Planning Your Last Laugh EP 14

    ‘FUN’erals: How Robin Phoenix Johnson Incorporates Laughter Into Planning Your Last Laugh EP 14
    Apr 23 2024
    Laughter has been a common way for people to cope and deal with difficult and intense situations in their lives. Humor helps us not take ourselves too seriously in the middle of a serious situation. So in this episode, our essential question asks, “Is humor a way to help you cope with the planning process?” Joining us today to answer this question is Robin Phoenix Johnson, retired Lieutenant Colonel. She served in the U.S. Army for over twenty years before transitioning into the entertainment industry as a comedian. As she pursued her passion, she recognized the lack of community for military-affiliated comedians, so she founded the Best Medicine Brigade. After two decades of hearing about how difficult military life and war is, she knew that people needed to hear the funny stories of the military. Then she realized that comedy can be a therapy to heal the mind, so she started HEAL*ARIOUS, a therapeutic humor program as a proactive approach to using humor as a cognitive behavioral theory tool for reframing negative thought patterns. As someone who has faced death and came out stronger and with more appreciation for life, she knows how precious life is, and how important humor is to helping us live the best life. How does humor in the face of death change the way we live our lives? Humor makes us so much more optimistic about the outcomes of our situations. After all, it is difficult to stay depressed if you’re laughing. That’s why it’s so important to be able to reframe your thoughts and find something else to focus on. And sometimes, laughing is the only way to do this. How do near-death experiences change your perception of life? An encounter with death allows you to realize how much you haven’t done, how much you want to say, and what else you need to do. It is a second chance in life. It makes you pursue the things you want to, and live the life you want, without concern for what others might say. How do you balance humor and sensitivity when discussing end-of-life issues? Robin’s answer to this question? “I don’t.” She recognizes that there is a part in all of us that enjoys the dark humor, the jokes that almost cross a line. And when you’ve come so close to death, you get to make the jokes and develop the humor that no one can say anything about. You realize how much people appreciate honesty, and how much they want to be treated as just another person, especially if they’re in a difficult situation or going through something tough. So in any particularly difficult or painful situation, look for what is weird, hard, scary, or stupid. There’s a joke to be said there. Additional Resources: Best Medicine Brigade HEAL*ARIOUS Connect with Robin: Instagram TIkTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Planning with Clarity: Navigating Elder Law to Secure Peace and Avoid Crisis EP 13

    Planning with Clarity: Navigating Elder Law to Secure Peace and Avoid Crisis EP 13
    Apr 9 2024
    In this episode, the essential question is, “What is elder law and why do I need to know about it?” To guide us through this big topic, we have invited Stacey Edwards, Esq. from Edwards Estate & Elder Law in New Jersey. With over 2 decades of legal experience, she dabbled in various specializations of law, but Estates and Trusts is where she decided to stay. She finds purpose in helping other people, and in this specialization, she gets to help her clients by compassionately navigating crises and creating plans to provide them with peace of mind that if and when a health crisis or death happens, their dignity, wishes and assets will be preserved. What is Elder Law? Elder Law is not one book of law, it’s a big complex area of multiple laws that affect adults who are aging. It involves 12 areas of law that apply to the elderly, people anywhere 50 and up and really just means adult. It includes guardianship or conservatorship, a multitude of federal taxes, state taxes, marital laws, Medicare, Medicaid, social security, contracts, consumer fraud, disability and other public benefits, veteran’s benefits, ERISA, and more. It helps individuals prepare for unexpected circumstances and all the legalities surrounding them, like medical conditions or emergencies, estate management, wills, trusts and many more. Everyone needs it as a form of crisis management and future planning, ideally as soon as they turn 18. For the layperson, it means planning for what happens to your assets when you die and what happens to you if you don’t die, but under medical care. Why is Elder Law important? Elder law is a preparation for emergencies and tragedies. It is for the peace of mind of the individual and their loved ones. It makes sure that all involved parties will know what to do and can rest assured that everything is taken care of, and they can focus on the situation at hand without any preventable stress. In too many situations, people have been caught unaware and left clueless about what to do. Even worse, they lost time and money on legal work during an already stressful situation. How can Elder Law help with Medicare / Medicaid? Medicare and Medicaid are incredibly complicated, with each their qualifications, applications, and regulations. It’s often too much for one individual to understand. Elder Law can help by looking at your situation, making you understand what applies to you, and presenting you with all the related possibilities and options. What makes Elder Law unique? Elder Law is catered towards the goal of each individual. If they want to focus on legacy and make sure that their children and heirs are taken care of, or preserve assets for their spouse in medical emergencies, then Elder Law can make sure that the correct documents are in order, proper records are filed, and all involved individuals are made aware. Remember, a good plan is the key to peace of mind. It is better to plan and prepare now when you can make good and informed decisions, than in times of crises when the stakes and emotions are high. So take a look at Elder Law, try to learn what your state laws are, and do what you can to prepare for the future, today. Additional Resources: Web site: edwardsestatelaw.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/edwardsestateelderlaw Instagram: instagram.com/edwardsestatelaw Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyedwardslaw Firm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edwards-estate-elder-law/ https://naela.org/ Disclaimer: This podcast does not offer legal advice. Estate planning and elder law are national topics, each state has its own laws and regulations. Consult with qualified lawyers to discuss your specific circumstances and needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins