Can Bitcoin actually function as real money—and is it destroying the planet? In Part 3 of our cryptocurrency series, host Kirsten Howe continues her conversation with Jirayr Kembikian, CFP® and Managing Director of Citrine Capital, to answer these critical questions. Jirayr systematically breaks down the seven properties that define ideal currency—durability, divisibility, portability, verifiability, scarcity, established history, and ease of use—then compares Bitcoin against both the U.S. dollar and gold. Bitcoin outperforms the dollar on almost every measure and beats gold in critical areas like portability and verifiability. You'll discover why no one can walk into Fort Knox to verify reserves, how Bitcoin's network validates itself every 10 minutes, and why the fixed supply cap means higher prices can never inflate availability (unlike gold mining).

But the real surprises come when Jirayr addresses Bitcoin's environmental critics. Learn how mining operations now capture harmful methane from landfills and gas flaring, why Bitcoin uniquely utilizes stranded energy that nothing else can access, and how 55% of the network runs on renewable power—advancing clean energy in unprecedented ways. The conversation extends to Bitcoin's profound social impact: providing financial access to over a billion unbanked people worldwide and offering economic freedom to those living under authoritarian regimes. From Block (formerly Square) integrating Bitcoin into millions of point-of-sale terminals to El Salvador's adoption as legal tender, Bitcoin is moving from investment vehicle to functional currency faster than most realize.

Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:38 Breaking down what makes "good money"—the seven research-backed properties of ideal currency compared across Bitcoin, gold, and the dollar. 3:05 Gold's fatal flaw: incredibly heavy and expensive to transport across countries, while Bitcoin enables instant, costless transfers worldwide. 5:18 Start listening now to learn more about why Bitcoin's 21 million supply cap is unchangeable. 5:51 The track record gap—gold's thousands of years of proven use versus Bitcoin's 15-year history remains its biggest weakness. 6:49 Survival needs drive Bitcoin adoption in the Global South, whereas in the West, it is adopted as a store of value. 8:58 Block (formerly Square) just integrated Bitcoin into millions of point-of-sale terminals—a massive shift for real-world payments. 10:17 The merchant advantage: significantly lower fees plus immediate settlement, versus waiting days for credit card deposits. 11:00 Lightning Network explained—designed for fast, cheap, everyday transactions rather than long-term value storage. 12:00 The ESG dilemma—energy consumption concerns initially kept sustainably-focused investors away from Bitcoin. 12:50 The surprising discovery: Bitcoin mining operations now capture harmful methane from landfills and gas flaring, actively reducing emissions. 15:31 How Bitcoin mining accelerates renewable energy—co-location with solar and wind projects makes them profitable sooner while eliminating transmission costs. 15:47 Financial freedom for billions: over 1 billion unbanked people gain access to banking, while those under authoritarian regimes escape government financial control.

Get in touch with Jirayr! Managing Director & Co-Founder Citrine Capital CitrineCapitalAdvisors.com [email protected] 415.494.8262

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

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Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

Ready to own Bitcoin but not sure where to start? In Part 2 of our cryptocurrency series, host Kirsten Howe continues her conversation with Jirayr Kembikian, CFP® and Managing Director of Citrine Capital, to break down the three distinct ways to acquire and hold Bitcoin—each with its own unique trade-offs. Jirayr walks through everything from Bitcoin ETFs (the easiest and most familiar option) to exchange custody and self-custody, explaining why he believes "the only wrong answer for Bitcoin allocation is zero." He reveals the critical phrase Bitcoin purists use—"not your keys, not your coins"—and why understanding custody matters for your financial security. You'll discover why Bitcoin-only exchanges are safer than multi-crypto platforms, learn about the estate planning risks of keeping Bitcoin on exchanges, and understand why a 2-3% allocation keeps you market neutral. Perhaps most surprising: you don't need $112,000 to get started. Bitcoin is divisible into 100 million Satoshis, meaning you can start with as little as $10 through dollar-cost averaging. Whether you're considering your first Bitcoin purchase or evaluating your current approach, this episode provides the practical guidance you need to make informed decisions about cryptocurrency ownership.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

1:58 Bitcoin ETFs approved last year—the easiest approach using familiar brokerage accounts.

2:57 ETF advantages: Clean titling for trusts, beneficiary designations, and zero complexity beyond buying and holding.

3:58 ETF trade-offs: Not actual Bitcoin in your possession, custodial risks, and varying expenses depending on the fund.

4:41 Buying Bitcoin on exchanges—the historically most common method before ETFs existed.

5:23 Critical recommendation: Bitcoin-only exchanges minimize attack vectors compared to multi-crypto platforms.

6:23 Exchange custody risks: Customer lockouts, poor service, theft, and loss of funds plaguing the space.

7:22 The worst form of ownership: Keeping Bitcoin on exchanges presents maximum vulnerability.

7:54 "Not your keys, not your coins"—the phrase that defines Bitcoin security philosophy.

8:35 Estate planning dangers: Exchanges often restrict account titling and lack beneficiary options.

10:00 Self-custody—the superior method that requires responsibility and practice, like learning to drive.

10:45 The wallet analogy: Cash in your possession versus cash floating in cyberspace at the bank.

11:15 Self-custody advantages: Complete control means only you have access to your Bitcoin.

11:45 Self-custody risks: Lost passwords mean lost Bitcoin forever with no password reset option.

12:35 How Citrine Capital has allocated Bitcoin since 2020 for clients who didn't opt out.

13:56 Surprising reality: Most clients use ETFs despite self-custody being theoretically superior.

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

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Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

Did you know that 1 in 7 Americans now own Bitcoin? If you've been curious about cryptocurrency but don't know where to start, this episode is for you. Host Kirsten Howe sits down with Jirayr Kembikian, CFP® and Managing Director of Citrine Capital, to demystify Bitcoin and explain why it's fundamentally different from every other cryptocurrency on the market.

In this conversation, Jirayr introduces his "three buckets" framework for understanding the crypto landscape and explains how Bitcoin's fixed 21 million supply cap, national debt concerns, and unlimited money printing are driving unprecedented adoption. He reveals the shocking truth that almost a third of all dollars ever created were printed in just the last five years, and why Bitcoin's proof-of-work system makes it the most secure computer network in the world. Whether you're a complete beginner or have been crypto-curious for years, this episode provides a grounded, practical perspective on what Bitcoin is, why it matters, and what it could mean for your financial future. This is Part 1 of our cryptocurrency series—stay tuned for upcoming episodes on how to own, acquire, and store Bitcoin safely.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

1:43 Why Bitcoin exploded over the last decade, built on decades of failed projects before launching in 2009.

2:45 Why everyone gets Bitcoin wrong at first—it requires understanding math, cryptography, engineering, and energy simultaneously.

3:43 The "three buckets" framework: Bitcoin (hardest money with 21 million cap), stablecoins (dollar-pegged), and all other crypto (centralized authorities that can negate transactions).

6:03 What backs Bitcoin: How proof-of-work energy consumption secures the network and makes it the most secure computer network in the world.

7:34 Other cryptocurrencies' harsh reality: Constant hacks, downtime, and mysterious blockchain reversals.

7:46 The economic pressure driving Bitcoin adoption: National debt over $30 trillion makes printing money mathematically inevitable.

10:21 The jaw-dropping stat: Almost a third of all dollars ever created were printed in the last five years.

11:03 Basic economics: Growing demand meets Bitcoin's fixed supply that cannot increase.

11:31 Preview: How to own, acquire, and store Bitcoin—covered in upcoming episodes.

11:51 Bitcoin's transparent 100-year distribution schedule fixed in code versus unpredictable dollar printing.

12:18 The halving cycle: Every four years, new Bitcoin supply gets cut in half, creating scarcity by design.

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

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Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

California is quietly bringing back asset limits for Medi-Cal long-term care coverage in 2026, and current recipients could be in for a devastating surprise. Here's what's happening: California eliminated asset limits for elderly and disabled Medi-Cal recipients in 2024, but those limits are returning in 2026. If you currently receive long-term care Medi-Cal benefits, when you submit your annual eligibility report next year, you could lose your coverage if your assets exceed the new limits.

In this critical episode, estate planning attorney Kirsten Howe explains the $130,000 asset limit returning for single individuals, why 2025 is your last opportunity to transfer assets without penalties, and the difference between regular Medi-Cal and long-term care Medi-Cal coverage. She also covers exactly which assets will count against you, which are exempt, and essential planning strategies to protect your benefits before the deadline.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

0:02 Federal vs. state changes: distinguishing between well-publicized federal Medicaid cuts and California's hidden asset limit reversal

1:56 MAGI Medi-Cal breakdown - how Obamacare's expanded coverage works for healthy, low-income individuals

2:17 The crucial distinction: long-term care Medi-Cal covers far more than basic health insurance, serving elderly and disabled populations

3:16 Planning becomes essential again - why future Medi-Cal eligibility will require strategic asset management

3:35 Listen in as Kirsten explains more about exempt assets that may include a house, car, prepaid funeral, burial plot, small life insurance, and retirement accounts

4:27 Currently, 2025 offers no asset limits, exempt status for all assets, and penalty-free transfers

4:55 Next, Kirsten talks about the annual report trap that could devastate current recipients in 2026

5:36 Qualified yesterday, disqualified tomorrow: how current beneficiaries risk losing coverage despite meeting past requirements

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

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Episode Credits The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

In the final episode of our comprehensive healthcare planning series, Kirsten and Ariana tackle one of the most misunderstood areas of healthcare planning: life-ending decisions. This episode cuts through the confusion to deliver clear, factual information about California's End of Life Option Act, the strict requirements for assisted suicide, how passive and active euthanasia differ, and why many people don't actually qualify for the options they think exist. You'll also learn how California compares to other states and what alternatives exist internationally. Whether you're planning for yourself or helping a loved one understand their options, this episode provides essential information about one of life's most difficult decisions. Knowledge is power—especially when it comes to maintaining control over your final chapter.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

1:09 Three categories of life-ending decisions explained: assisted suicide, passive euthanasia, active euthanasia

2:12 Passive euthanasia defined - withdrawal/withholding of life-sustaining treatment (legal in California)

3:07 What is active euthanasia? Many people don't realize it's not legal in the United States

3:39 California's End of Life Option Act (2016) - medical aid in dying requirements

4:49 Strict eligibility requirements: terminal illness (6 months or less), California residency, cognitive capacity, physical ability

5:02 The three-request requirement: two oral requests 48 hours apart, plus one written, witnessed request

6:29 Physician responsibilities and the right to decline participation

7:35 California vs. Oregon comparison - residency requirements and waiting periods

9:37 Geographic distribution of assisted suicide laws across the United States

10:29 Active euthanasia discussion - the dementia dilemma and client concerns

11:40 European options for active euthanasia: Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Spain legal frameworks

13:27 Practical considerations for California residents seeking international options

15:12 The importance of knowledge and control in end-of-life planning

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

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Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

In this all-new episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and Associate Attorney Ariana Flynn explore a refreshing change of pace: a celebrity estate plan that appears to have been well-structured and executed effectively. Following the July 22, 2025, passing of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, his $230 million estate seems to be transitioning smoothly without probate litigation or family disputes.

The hosts examine what the Prince of Darkness did right, from clear beneficiary designations to keeping valuable intellectual property assets within family control. They also dive into the complex international tax implications for dual US-UK citizens and reveal why sometimes giving heirs direct access to their inheritance can reduce litigation risk. Tune in for expert insights on estate planning strategies that work, whether you're managing millions or thousands, and discover how proper planning can keep your family united and out of court.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

1:54 Here's what we know about the Osbourne family: Sharon, six children from two marriages, and a $230 million estate consisting of music royalties, TV show income, real estate, and other assets.

3:05 Learn why "no news is good news" in estate planning and what it means when there's no immediate courthouse litigation.

4:35 Discover the first key estate planning strategy: setting clear beneficiary designations and why leaving assets directly to family members can prevent future legal battles.

6:06 Explore the importance of centralized family leadership and how Sharon's role as longtime manager creates continuity in asset management.

7:10 Understand why name, image, and likeness are valuable assets that require careful management, especially for public figures.

8:21 Dive into the complex world of international estate taxes for dual citizens and learn about the dramatic differences between US and UK estate tax exemptions.

10:05 Examine how the UK's £375,000 estate tax exemption (approximately $435,000) affects even "regular" wealthy families.

10:52 Key takeaways from Ozzy's estate planning success for creating effective and protective estate plans.

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

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Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

In this second episode of their comprehensive healthcare planning series, Absolute Trust Talk hosts Kirsten Howe and Ariana Flynn tackle the critical medical orders that work alongside your legal documents: DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders and POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) forms. Unlike the legal documents discussed in Part 1, these are doctors' orders that emergency responders must follow—but only if they can see them. The attorneys reveal the shocking legal reality that paramedics are required to perform CPR on anyone they find unconscious unless they have a valid DNR order in hand. They explain why POLST forms are printed on hot pink paper (it's a genius design for emergency visibility), where to keep these life-saving documents so they're accessible when seconds count, and why you need both medical orders AND legal documents working together. This episode could save your life by ensuring your emergency medical wishes are honored when you can't speak for yourself.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

1:15 DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) explained - emergency medical protective orders for EMS

2:33 Who can sign DNR orders, and how they become part of your medical record

3:25 The paramedic dilemma - why emergency responders MUST perform CPR unless they see a DNR

4:28 The "lying on the sidewalk" scenario that reveals the shocking legal requirement

5:00 Why your DNR needs to be accessible - it's not tattooed on your forehead

5:45 Where to get DNR forms and the California Medical Association resource

5:58 POLST forms explained - going beyond DNR with comprehensive medical orders

8:21 Real-world POLST placement in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities

8:54 Why these are doctors' orders, not legal documents, attorneys can prepare

9:15 The essential combination - why you need DNR, POLST, AND healthcare directives working together

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

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Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Ariana Flynn tackle one of the most misunderstood aspects of estate planning: advanced healthcare directives. This is part one of a comprehensive three-part series covering end-of-life and healthcare planning. The attorneys break down the two critical legal documents every adult needs, regardless of age or wealth. They explain why everyone 18 and older must have an Advanced Healthcare Directive, revealing the shocking truth that parents lose all legal authority over their adult children's medical decisions the moment they turn 18. The discussion also covers California-specific HIPAA requirements that could invalidate your documents if not properly formatted, including the surprising rule about 14-point font requirements. This episode provides essential information that could protect you and your loved ones when it matters most, offering clarity on the difference between legally binding authority and personal wishes in healthcare planning.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

2:47 Understanding the Advanced Healthcare Directive - one of the "big four" estate planning documents.

3:57 Why everyone 18+ needs this document, regardless of wealth.

4:29 Did you know? Healthcare directives are temporary and revocable.

5:29 Listen in as Kirsten and Ariana discuss a critical distinction between legally binding authority and personal wishes.

6:05 Understanding HIPAA releases and federal privacy laws.

7:08 Start listening now to learn about California's extra requirements that could invalidate your documents.

9:15 Have you done this homework in your estate planning journey?

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

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Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

In the compelling finale of this three-part insurance series, host Kirsten Howe and insurance expert Dean Myers tackle the coverage that keeps business owners up at night—cyber insurance. Dean shares fascinating real-world stories, from ransomware attackers offering customer service hotlines to disgruntled employees planting digital "time bombs" in company systems. You'll discover why this isn't just another insurance policy but essential business survival protection that covers everything from system failures to deepfake fraud. Dean reveals the surprising realities about whether companies should pay ransoms, how insurers use "white hat" attacks during applications, and why Silicon Valley startups are outpacing traditional insurance giants. If you think your business is too small to be targeted or that basic IT protection is enough, this episode will be a wake-up call you can't afford to ignore.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

1:12 What is cyber insurance, and why it's the broadest coverage for such esoteric risks?

1:48 The comprehensive scope: system failure, ransomware, business email compromise, business interruption, contingent business interruption, and forensics coverage.

2:15 Why cyber claims require hiring attorneys, CPAs, forensics experts, claims adjusters, and legal counsel, unlike traditional workers' comp claims.

2:45 The two key reasons carriers provide such broad coverage: rapid system restoration at the lowest cost and mandatory industry claim reporting.

3:48 How cyber insurance provides both first-party and third-party coverage, protecting you when you accidentally send infected emails to clients.

4:37 Real-world business email compromise: When hackers send fake invoices to your clients from compromised email accounts.

5:10 Why cyber attacks almost always originate overseas in countries with lax cybersecurity laws and accountability.

5:37 Will cyber insurance pay ransoms, and when is it appropriate?

6:42 Real claim story: How a tired CPA two days before tax season fell for a phishing email with a partner's name containing just one extra letter

8:25 Why paying ransoms creates a "bull's eye on your back" and marks you as a repeat target for extortionists.

11:06 Cyber insurance qualification requirements, why multi-factor authentication is now absolutely mandatory across all carriers.

12:15 "White hat" mock attacks: How insurers test your system vulnerabilities during the application process using the "open parking spot" analogy.

14:41 Insider sabotage case study: Bay Area law firm manager discovers her job posted on LinkedIn, teams up with IT brother-in-law for revenge.

15:53 The emerging deepfake threat, how voice cloning technology is creating new fraud risks for fund transfers.

16:25 Protection strategies: Using "trip questions" with personal knowledge to verify client identity during suspicious calls.

17:12 The AI counterbalance: How artificial intelligence may help prevent cyber claims in the future.

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

Follow and Review:

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Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

Most professionals know they need insurance, but many don't realize their general liability coverage has significant gaps when it comes to professional services. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe continues her conversation with Dean Myers, owner of Core Insurance Agency, to explore errors and omissions insurance—specialized coverage designed specifically for professional liability risks. Discover which professions beyond doctors and lawyers should consider E&O coverage, including architects, engineers, accountants, and contractors who incorporate design elements into their work. Learn what actually drives malpractice claims (hint: it's often administrative issues rather than technical errors), how premium costs vary between specialties, and what "tail coverage" means for your long-term protection. Whether you're evaluating your current coverage or exploring professional insurance for the first time, this conversation offers practical insights to help you understand your options. This is Part 2 of our business insurance series—our next episode will cover cyber liability coverage.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

1:06 What is E&O insurance, and why do professionals need specialized coverage beyond general liability?

3:57 Why E&O is standalone coverage excluded from all other policies, and why you need a specialist broker to obtain it.

4:13 How premium costs vary dramatically based on practice area - why patent and intellectual property lawyers pay more than estate planning attorneys.

5:04 International patent claims require specialty counsel charging far more than standard insurance defense rates, driving up premium costs significantly. Here's what you need to know.

6:00 Medical malpractice reality: why dermatologists pay less than obstetricians, and why anesthesiologists face high premiums due to drug access.

7:00 The surprising truth: over 50% of legal malpractice claims are purely administrative failures, not technical errors.

7:58 Real claim example: lawyer's failure to appear in Los Angeles County court from Santa Barbara - distance and backup planning matter.

8:44 Why lawyers excel at risk management by staying in their lanes and being selective with clients.

9:37 How ER physicians are paid per patient visit, creating potential conflicts between volume and quality of care.

12:03 The contractor design trap: why general contractors who design staircases, handrails, or balconies face uncovered exposures.

13:31 How contractors win bids by offering design services but create massive liability gaps their standard coverage won't protect.

14:43 Tail coverage explained: protecting your retirement from claims that surface years after you close your practice.

15:15 Picture yourself on a beach in Fiji, five years after retiring, when a claim surfaces from your past work-tail coverage protects you.

16:08 Good news about tail coverage: no applications required, elect the coverage when you retire.

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll:

1. Learn about your unique situation and goals
2. Answer questions about our services
3. Determine if we're the right fit to work together

Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today.

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Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.