Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast with Attorney Elsa W. Smith | Empowering Women Through Estate Planning

Ep. 38: Highlights Topic: The Reluctant Personal Representative’s Dilemma In this episode, join us as we: ✔️Gain a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities and importance of a Personal Representative in estate administration. ✔️Explore the emotional and ethical challenges faced by reluctant Personal Representatives, including dealing with unscrupulous relatives. ✔️Learn about the legal...

Ep. 37: Highlights Topic: Grieving While Managing Probate In this episode, join us as we: ✔️Explore the unique challenges of managing the probate process while grieving the loss of a loved one. ✔️Delve into the hypothetical journey of Sarah, who grapples with the overwhelming responsibilities of being a personal representative while mourning her mother's passing. ✔️Discuss the real struggles S...

Ep. 36: Highlights Topic: Estate Planning for Busy Professionals: Overcoming Time Constraints and Common Barriers In this episode, we discuss the following areas: *How the perceived need to wait until "things calm down" results in an indefinite postponement of estate planning, * The misconception that estate planning can wait until you're in your 60's, 70's, and beyond, *How...

Ep. 35: Highlights In this episode, we discuss the following areas: Mindful Wealth Transfer Holistic Approaches To Estate Planning Legacy Beyond Wealth and more. Did you find value in this episode? We’d appreciate you following this podcast and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠leaving a 5-STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠. STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HOST Attorney Elsa W. Smith: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Ep. 34: Highlights In this episode, we delve into the critical realm of estate planning, shedding light on 7 common mistakes made by women and providing actionable advice to avoid those mistakes: Neglecting Advance Directives Delaying Establishing A Power of Attorney Mismanagement of Beneficiaries and more. Did you find value in this episode? We’d appreciate you following this podcast and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠leav...

Ep. 33 Highlights Topic: Elder Abuse & Exploitation Special Guest:   Andre Lingham Andre Lingham is the Founder & President of the Center for Elder Justice and Education. Andre and I have a conversation about the following: Education is Key : Understanding the tactics used in elder fraud and exploitation is crucial for prevention. Educating both elders and their caregivers about potential...

Ep. 32 Highlights Topic:  "Navigating Probate Costs: 6 Factors and Solutions" In this episode, we delve into the complexities of probate costs and offer actionable strategies to alleviate financial burdens during the estate administration process. Join us as we explore the factors contributing to increased expenses in probate proceedings and provide practical solutions to streamline asse...

Ep. 31 Highlights Topic: Transforming Lives Through Decluttering and Organizing Special Guest:   Mara Dowler, Owner of Bluebird Home Organizing. Mara Dowler is a Platinum Level KonMari Consultant and Certified Organize 365 Paper Solution Organizer. We discuss: How the KonMari Method® of decluttering and organizing changed her life, Why some clients break down during the decluttering process, Mara’...

Ep. 30 Highlights Topic:  "Empower Her Legacy: Challenging The Dangerous Belief That Wives Don't Need Estate Plans" In this episode, I address the case of John & Paula and the potential pitfalls of relying solely on John's estate plan. This episode is inspired by actual calls received by our estate planning firm. Channeling my own journey, I highlight the empowerment that est...

Ep. 29 Highlights Topic:  JUMPStart Your Estate Plan In 7 Easy Steps Important areas we will cover during this podcast are: ✔️Crafting your legacy compass, ✔️Looking beyond bank accounts, ✔️Understanding the human element in estate planning, ✔️ Recognizing life's impact on legacy, and ✔️ Using an accountability partner for estate planning. Did you find value in this episode? We’d appreciate yo...

Ep. 28 Highlights Topic:  What You Need To Know: Maryland Intestacy Reform and the Domestic Partnership Registry You will learn about major changes in Maryland's intestacy laws as of October 1, 2023 including: ✔️Transformative changes in Maryland's treatment of surviving domestic partners in intestate estates. ✔️Changes in the heirs next in line to inherit in scenarios with no surviving sp...

Ep. 27 Highlights Topic:  Empowering Love and Legacies: 4 Reasons Couples Should Avoid Joint Wills You will: Understand the potential drawbacks of joint wills, despite their initial appeal as a streamlined and seemingly cost-effective solution. Appreciate how joint wills can compromise autonomy and lead to dissatisfaction by neglecting each partner's unique aspirations. Appreciate how separate...

Ep. 26 Highlights Topic:  Lasting Legacies: How To Create A Thriving Multi-Generational Family Culture Special Guest: Marcella Mollon-Williams, Behavioral Financial Advisor™ We discuss: Common challenges elders face in communicating financial matters to younger generations, Guiding new 6 and 7-figure earners in overcoming preconceptions about money and fear of isolation, Defining core values in fa...

(AUDIO EPISODE) Ep. 25 Highlights Topic:  2 Must Do's As You Move Forward Into The New Year We discuss: *Reflecting on the journey of 2023, *Importance of reviewing beneficiaries and fiduciaries, *Revisiting appointed agents in your power of attorney, *Assessing the capability and proximity of personal representatives, *and more... Link to Episode 12: 7 Mistakes to Avoid when choosing benefici...

(AUDIO EPISODE) Ep. 24 Highlights Topic:  Are You Going To Break Generational Chains In Your Family Or Are You Adding Another Link To Them? We'll discuss two family scenarios: How the Washington family questions their traditional reliance on church collections for funeral expenses and move toward  a more intentional, purposeful family narrative, and How the Johnson family proactively addressed...

(AUDIO EPISODE) Ep. 23 Highlights Topic:  Identifying & Avoiding Conflicts of Interest When The Personal Representative Is A Beneficiary We'll discuss: - Whether a personal representative can be a beneficiary - The 8 duties of a personal representative, and - 3 scenarios illustrating how conflicts of interest can arise. (Perhaps you or someone you know has been in these situations. So tune...

Episode 22: (REPLAY) This episode is a requested replay. The original broadcast aired on Feb. 22, 2023. Enjoy! SHOW HIGHLIGHTS In this episode, we are honored to chat with Dr. Carl V. Hill, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for the Alzheimer's Association:    We discussed: •What the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease and dementia are, •What caregivers can do to advocate for...

Ep. 21 Highlights In this episode, we are speaking with Psychologist and DEI strategist Venessa Perry, PhD, MPH, and CEO of Health Resources Solutions, LLC. Topic:  Navigating Corporate Waters: Resilience, Inclusivity, and Empowering Black Women  We'll discuss: Creating a safe space for Black Women in corporate America, Addressing imposter syndrome and identity-switching challenges, Techniques...

Ep. 20 Highlights In this episode, we are chatting with Tina Marie Marshall, Realtor® | Broker | Owner MD | Prime Realty Co. Topic: Navigating The Sale Of A Loved One’s Home During Probate We'll discuss: Why is open and honest communication with the Personal Representative is crucial during the sale of a decedent's home The emotional challenges that Personal Representatives can face during...

Episode 19: Highlights In this episode, our topic is: "Protecting Your Legacy: The Benefits of Making Specific Bequests In Your Will" Today, I'll discuss benefits of doing so such as: ✔️Clarity and precision in your giving ✔️Substantial cost savings to your estate ✔️Passing down of values and traditions ✔️Reducing family discord and misunderstandings ✔️Adding efficiency to the probat...

Episode 18: Highlights In this episode, our topic is: "Protecting A Decedent's Home and Personal Property: Tips for Personal Representatives"   Without question, being a personal representative is a role that requires a delicate balance between legal responsibilities and emotional sensitivity: Today, I'll share: ✔️Specific suggestions to protect the home from loss or damage ✔️Inv...

Episode 17: Highlights In this episode, we tackle the thorny issues in "Navigating Estate Planning When Your Partner Is Reluctant" I'll share my suggestions which include: ✔️Focusing on shared goals, ✔️Fostering open communication, ✔️Addressing underlying issues, ✔️Seeking professional advice, ✔️Exposing your spouse to educational content about estate planning, but ✔️When all else fa...

Ep. 16: Highlights In this episode, we have a lively conversation with Debbie Harris, Co-Founder of Maynestreet Weight Loss. Debbie's a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Certified Hypnotist. Are you struggling to lose weight, in menopause or perimenopause, have trouble sleeping? You'll want to tune in. We will discuss: ✔️Why women have a complicated relationship with food. ✔...

Ep. 15: Highlights In this episode, we will address the topic: What If No One Wants To Serve As Your Personal Representative? We will discuss: ✔️Duties of a Personal Representative ✔️Ideal Characteristics of a Personal Representative ✔️Why Someone Might Refuse To Serve As Your Personal Representative ✔️Options If No One Wants To Serve As Your Personal Representative FOLLOW AND REVIEW We’d apprecia...

Ep. 14: Highlights In this episode, we will cover Problems Resulting From Jointly Held Assets With Your Children As with all estate planning, everyone's situation is different. Children can play valuable roles in one's estate plan. The issues discussed and the examples used in this episode are real. We'd rather heighten your awareness to things that can go wrong through joint ownership...