Estate planning doesn’t have to be scary or expensive to be effective. Greg sits down with attorney Tyler Gluth to demystify the essentials—what really belongs in a basic plan, how to keep your loved ones out of court, and why beneficiary designations can quietly override everything you wrote in your will. We get real about the documents every adult should have, the pitfalls that create family rifts, and the simple steps that turn confusion into clarity.

We start with the foundation: a will or a revocable living trust, plus two powers of attorney that spring into effect if you’re incapacitated. Tyler explains how financial and healthcare POAs protect your bills, benefits, and medical choices without resorting to costly guardianships. From there, we dig into titling and beneficiaries—how IRAs, life insurance, and joint property pass outside probate—and why updating those forms may be the highest‑ROI move in your entire plan.

For listeners juggling blended families or homes in multiple states, we explore trusts as a practical “hub” that keeps assets organized and avoids duplicate probates. You’ll hear the tradeoffs between naming a relative as executor versus hiring a corporate fiduciary, including typical fee structures, the value of neutrality, and the moments when paying a professional prevents years of conflict. Along the way, we cover specific bequests the right way, the true drivers of probate costs, and the hard lessons of intestacy when the state’s default rules decide for you.

If you’ve been putting this off, this conversation gives you a clear path: make a plan, work the plan, and keep it current. Subscribe for more practical money guidance, share this with someone who needs a nudge, and leave a review to tell us what step you’re taking this week.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may suit you, consult the appropriate qualified professional before deciding.