Adulting, Made Easier – Stories & Straight Talk
Quick reads, helpful tips, and honest breakdowns of what you need to know.
Featured Posts
What You Need to Know About the Real Challenges of Settling a Loved One’s Estate
Being appointed as an executor may sound like a privilege, but it comes with a heavy load of duties that most people don’t expect. Discover the real tasks behind managing someone’s estate and how smart planning can spare your loved ones from added stress and potential disputes. Find out more.
Honor the Legacy You've Built—It's Worth Protecting
With Veterans Day approaching, we take a moment to honor the courageous men and women who served our country with steadfast dedication. Your service showed a deep commitment to safeguarding our nation’s future—now, let’s focus on securing your family’s future. Read more.
Shelley Duvall’s Legacy: Estate Planning Lessons for Us All
Shelley Duvall, beloved for her iconic portrayal of Wendy Torrance in The Shining, has recently passed away at the age of 75. While her work will remain a timeless part of cinema history, her passing also brings to light some essential estate planning takeaways that we can all benefit from. Learn more about how her story can inform our approach to planning for the future. Read more.
Debunking Common Misconceptions About Estate Planning
October 21-27 marks National Estate Planning Awareness Week—a perfect time to bring clarity to this often overlooked and misunderstood subject. Let’s dive in and explore why estate planning is essential for securing your future and protecting what matters most. Read more.
Your Complete Guide to Disaster Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything
In a world where life can change in an instant—whether due to natural disasters or unexpected events—being prepared isn't just a smart idea; it's essential. Don't wait until it's too late. Find out how you can protect what matters most. Read more.
A Daughter's Heartbreaking Journey: Insights on Navigating End-of-Life Care
As our society ages, you may find yourself making challenging end-of-life decisions for loved ones sooner than you imagined. And when that time arrives, you'll quickly realize the path is anything but simple. Read more.
A Power of Attorney Could Be Different Than You Expect
Have you ever thought about planning for your future or assisted someone else with theirs? If so, you've likely come across the term "power of attorney." But do you truly understand what it means and how it functions? Find out more.
Avoiding Family Conflicts Over Your Cherished Possessions
Losing a loved one is incredibly tough, but the pain can deepen when disagreements over their personal belongings cause rifts within the family. When cherished items become the center of conflict, the emotional scars can run deep, sometimes never fully healing. Read more.
The Power of Trusts in Legacy Planning: A Lesson from Matthew Perry's Estate Plan
When Matthew Perry, the beloved Friends star, passed away last year, the world grieved the loss of a comedic legend. But as details about his estate surfaced, an unexpected question arose: why did his wealth seem smaller than anticipated? Read more.
How Is Estate Planning Like Crafting the Perfect Lasagna?
Many people assume that 'estate planning' just means creating a will or trust, but that's a common misunderstanding. Estate planning isn't just about paperwork—it's more like crafting the perfect lasagna recipe, with layers of thoughtful preparation. Learn more.
Key Questions to Consider Before Using AI to Create Your Estate Plan
The appeal of DIY estate planning with AI is tempting, especially if you believe your situation is simple. But here’s the reality: estate planning isn’t just about filling out forms, and it’s often more complex than it seems. Read more.
Reflecting on Your Hard Work and Legacy This Labor Day
Labor Day is a great time to pause and appreciate all the effort you’ve invested in shaping your life. Your home, family, and career didn’t just happen—they’re the result of your dedication and hard work. Take a moment to reflect on everything you’ve built through your effort and commitment. Learn more.
Why Beneficiary Designations Could Harm Your Family
Some financial advisors and accountants might insist that an estate plan isn't necessary, suggesting that naming beneficiaries on your accounts will suffice. But what they might not mention are the hidden risks that could threaten your family’s financial security. Learn more.
Could $23,000 Change Your Life?
Picture this: you stumble upon a treasure trove of cash that rightfully belongs to you, only to learn that you can't access it. This is known as “unclaimed property” — money that’s yours but has been turned over to the government without your awareness. Believe it or not, this happens more frequently than you might imagine. Discover the details.
Could You Fall Victim to This Million-Dollar Mistake?
Picture this: You’re in your twenties, completing a form at your job, and designating your partner as the beneficiary of your retirement account. Fast forward 28 years—you’ve moved on, experienced life to the fullest, and then passed away, leaving your former partner with your now-million-dollar retirement savings. Sounds unbelievable? Think again. Read on to find out more.
Exploring Celebrity Estate Plans: Part 4 of 4 - Lessons from Elvis Presley and the Scammers
In the concluding part of our four-part celebrity series, we turn our attention to Elvis, the King of Rock. Despite his passing in 1977, his estate still offers valuable lessons in 2024, including protecting yourself from scammers. Read more.
Exploring Celebrity Estate Plans: Part 3 of 4 - Jay Leno’s Situation is Serious Business
In the third part of our four-part celebrity series, we tackle a topic that often feels more daunting than death itself: incapacity. Discover the valuable lessons Jay Leno and his family offer about the necessity of being prepared for any eventuality. Read more.
Exploring Celebrity Estate Plans: Part 2 of 4 - Vanilla Ice Has Thoughts
We all love a good celebrity tale, so this July, we're diving into the lives of four celebrities and their approaches to preparing for the inevitable (or not!). In the second installment of our 4-part celebrity estate planning series, Vanilla Ice shares his experience, advice, and lessons learned. Let's just say he has...thoughts. Read more.
Exploring Celebrity Estate Plans: Part 1 of 4 - Michael Jackson
For some reason, we can’t resist a juicy celebrity story. Over the next few weeks, we’ll delve into the lives of four celebrities and examine how they planned for the inevitable—or failed to! This week, we're shining the spotlight on the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Read more.
Cherish Freedom? Discover Why an Estate Plan is Your Personal Declaration of Independence
As you revel in the Fourth of July festivities, honoring freedom, independence, and the pursuit of happiness, take a moment to embrace the ultimate American liberty: the right to manage your own affairs, even beyond life or in times of incapacity. Read more.