The Legacy of Love: Estate Planning Simplified for Mothers

What will your children say about you at your funeral?

As mothers in the sandwich generation, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life - juggling work, caregiving, and constant to-dos, while delaying the deeper question of legacy. This episode offers a powerful pause to reevaluate what truly matters and how you're showing up now, not just for your family’s future, but for today.

In this episode, you will:

• Discover the real essence of legacy and why it has less to do with assets and more to do with presence
• Hear a wake-up call that reframes estate planning 
• Learn a transformative question that can help you live in deeper alignment with your values starting today

Listen now to reconnect with the heart of your legacy and take the first step toward living it with intention.

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

Mothers, Before You Hire an Estate Planning Attorney — Listen to This First

If you're a mother thinking about your family's future, you already know how important it is to protect what matters most. But how do you find the right estate planning attorney — one who sees the full picture of your life, your legacy, and your values?

In this episode of The Legacy of Love, host Sara Ecklein shares what you need to know before choosing legal support for estate planning. Drawing from years of firsthand experience, Sara offers a practical and emotional roadmap to help you build a legacy with confidence. 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to find an attorney who specializes in estate planning for complex family structures, including blended families and special needs trusts.
• The crucial emotional cues to look for during the interview process that go beyond credentials and fees.
• Why working with estate planning attorneys who handle both drafting and administration can save your family stress and confusion later.

Listen now to feel confident and empowered before making one of the most important legal decisions of your life.

Referenced in this Episode:

Super Lawyers

The Academy of Special Needs Planners

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

Are you part of a family business—or raising a child while running one—and wondering what a successful succession plan actually looks like?

Family businesses are built with heart, legacy, and relationships, but succession can quickly become a source of stress, confusion, or even conflict. Whether you’re a business owner eyeing retirement or a next-gen leader stepping into a bigger role, this episode unpacks the emotional and logistical challenges of transitioning a business with intention and care.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn how to create a values-driven transition roadmap that aligns your business goals with your family's needs
• Hear a candid, real-life story of partnership and succession between two generations of leaders—what worked, what didn’t, and what surprised them
• Discover key signs your business is (or isn’t) ready for succession planning and how to open up the right conversations, whether you’re the founder or the future heir

If you're ready to gain clarity and confidence around the future of your business and family legacy, hit play on this powerful episode.

Connect with Andrea Carpenter: 

Your Next Gen Friend: https://yournextgenfriend.com/ 

The Transition Strategists: https://transitionstrategists.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yournextgenfriend/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreashaver/

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

Are you avoiding estate planning—but can't really explain why?

It's not just about time, money, or overwhelm. In this episode of Legacy of Love, host Sara Ecklein reveals the deeper reason we delay this critical work and how that resistance could jeopardize the very legacy we hope to leave behind.

If you're raising kids and caring for aging parents, estate planning might feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn how reframing the process from fear to love can make all the difference in how you protect your family’s future.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why procrastination in estate planning runs deeper than just being “too busy”
• How emotional resistance can quietly sabotage your legacy
• One powerful mindset shift to help you take action without overwhelm

Start listening now and take the first small, loving step toward the legacy your family deserves. 

Referenced in this Episode: 

The Denial of Death (book)

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

What would you do if your spouse had just six months left to live?

Grief is often a topic we avoid—until life forces it upon us. In this deeply moving episode of the Legacy of Love Podcast, host Sara Ecklein sits down with Amy Shaw, a mother of 10, widow, and author of Navigating Goodbye, who faced unimaginable loss and found strength through radical acceptance and faith. Whether you're supporting a loved one through illness, raising children, or striving to live more intentionally, this conversation will shift your perspective.

In this episode, you will: 

• Learn how to embrace grief as a pathway to deeper connection and purposeful living
• Discover why involving children in hard conversations can be the most loving act
• Understand how openly discussing death can profoundly transform how we live and the legacy we leave behind

Press play to hear a courageous and soul-stirring conversation that will challenge how you love, grieve, and build your legacy.

About Amy Shaw:

Amy Shaw never set out to become an end-of-life concierge. But after years of living abroad and raising ten children—four biological and six adopted—her world shifted when her husband Brian was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Together, they made a radical choice: to celebrate his life rather than fear the end. That journey inspired Walk the Red, Amy’s signature program that empowers individuals and caregivers with a compassionate protocol for dying well.

Connect with Amy:

Website

Amy Shaw's book: Navigating Goodbye: A Guide for Those Blindsided by Terminal Illness

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

If tomorrow never comes, will your family be left with love—or just unanswered questions?

Most people wait too long to talk about death, until it’s too late. But what you do now determines how your family will heal, remember, and carry on. In this powerful episode, grief counselor and death doula Dr. Kimberly Harms reveals how to create an emotional legacy that comforts and guides your loved ones long after you're gone.

In this episode, you will:

• Uncover the life-changing power of an “emotional insurance plan” that supports your family beyond money
• Learn how to break through fear and resistance to have honest, healing conversations about death
• Get practical steps to start building a legacy of love—one your family can lean on when they need it most

Don’t wait for a crisis—press play to learn how to leave behind something that truly lasts.

About Dr. Kimberly Harms:

Dr. Kimberly Harms is a grief counselor, death doula, and international speaker on grief, conflict, and legacy planning. After losing her mother and son to suicide, followed by the death of her husband of 44 years, she helps others navigate the emotional side of end-of-life planning. Her most important role now is mother to her two surviving children and grandmother to 6 precious grandchildren.

Connect with Dr. Kimberly Harms:

Website

Facebook

Dr. Kimberly Harms’s book: Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For! 

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

What happens when no one agrees on who should manage a loved one’s care or their money? 

This week, Sara shares her recent guest appearance on The Death Readiness Podcast with host Jill Mastroianni. 

Many families avoid estate planning and care conversations, only to face conflict, confusion, or crisis when decisions can no longer be delayed. This episode reveals how early, intentional planning rooted in love can preserve both relationships and legacy.

In this episode, you will:

• Understand what a professional fiduciary really does and how they can prevent family conflict
• Learn how mindfulness and neutrality can guide better decisions in emotionally charged situations
• Discover the critical difference between estate plans that look good and those that actually function well

Listen now to uncover how a thoughtful, heart-centered approach to planning can protect your family and your legacy.

Connect with Jill:

The Death Readiness Podcast

DeathReadiness.com

Referenced in this Episode:

• Take the Quiz: Could a professional fiduciary prevent your estate plan from becoming a battlefield? 
• Five Wishes
• Pet Important Information Sheet
• Michigan Guardianship Case: In re Guardianship of AMS
• Michigan estate planning attorney: Meaghan Miracle, Miracle Law
• Watch the video: Do you need a will?

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

Financial fraud targets more than money—it preys on trust. Uncover the warning signs and take steps to protect your family.

In this eye-opening episode, Sara Ecklein sits down with forensic accountant Kelly Todd to uncover how financial misconduct often begins quietly, close to home, and why older adults are especially at risk. From emotional manipulation to overlooked red flags, this conversation explores the human side of fraud and how to stop it.

In this episode, you will: 

• Learn why older adults are prime targets for financial exploitation and how to recognize early warning signs
• Hear real-world stories of financial betrayal and how families can recover and rebuild trust
• Get expert strategies to proactively safeguard your loved ones during life transitions like aging, estate planning, or divorce

Listen now to gain practical tools and insights to protect your family and legacy.

About Kelly Todd:

Kelly Todd is a forensic accountant with over 30 years of experience investigating fraud, financial misconduct, and complex financial disputes. Now focused on prevention, Kelly empowers families, professionals, and organizations to recognize the red flags of financial betrayal before damage is done. 

With expertise on fraud psychology and a passion for prevention, Kelly helps clients navigate major life transitions—from divorce to estate and elder care—by fostering awareness and vigilance.

Connect with Kelly Todd: 

LinkedIn

ForensicStrategic.com

Referenced in this Episode:

True Link Financial Prepaid Card

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

You’ve secured your assets, but what about your email, cloud storage, and online identity?

Most estate plans focus on wills, trusts, and life insurance, but forget the digital footprint we all leave behind. In this eye-opening episode, Certified Executor Advisor David Edey explains why digital asset planning is essential to avoid stress, confusion, and potential loss for your loved ones.

In this episode, you will:

• Understand what digital assets are and why ignoring them can create chaos
• Learn how to organize your digital life so it’s secure, accessible, and thoughtfully passed on
• Hear how David’s personal experience with his parents’ estate shaped his mission to help others plan smarter

Press play to ensure your estate plan covers everything, including your digital legacy.

About David:

David Edey is a Certified Executor Advisor with over 35 years of experience in the financial planning industry, specializing in estate and legacy planning. He is the author of the bestselling book, "Executor Help: How to Settle an Estate, Pick an Executor, and Avoid Family Fights," and hosts the Executor Help Podcast, Stories of Life, Death and Legacy.

Get his book: Executor Help: How to Settle an Estate, Pick an Executor, and Avoid Family Fights 

Connect with David:

The Executor Help Podcast

DavidEdey.com

LinkedIn

Facebook

Referenced in this Episode: 

Episode 12: Generational Wealth Transfer: How to Avoid Family Conflict and Plan for the Future with Cindy Arledge

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

Is your business success translating into a lasting legacy for your family?

Many entrepreneurs focus on growing their business, but overlook the equally important work of protecting their wealth and preparing the next generation. In this episode, Peter Culver shares expert strategies for designing a legacy that aligns your financial success with your family’s long-term values and vision.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn why succession planning is vital, and often ignored by business owners
• Discover how to integrate your values into a lasting legacy that goes beyond the balance sheet
• Get practical tools to prepare your heirs for wealth, responsibility, and purpose

Press play to explore how thoughtful planning can help you build wealth that lasts and a family mission that lives on.

About Peter:

Peter co-founded Freedom Family Office to help entrepreneurs produce predictable income, build their legacy, and create their ideal life. Peter has started four financial services companies and written two books. 

Peter lives in NYC and Connecticut with his wife, Anna, and his four children. When he's not serving his many entrepreneurial clients or spending time with his family, he's passionate about golf, fly fishing, and hiking. 

Connect with Peter:

Facebook

LinkedIn

TalktoFreedom.com

WealthThrive.com

Referenced in this Episode:

The Power of a Legacy Letter: Leaving Words That Last a Lifetime with Blake Brewer

Family Wealth by James Hughes

Tom Rogerson's Family Governance Consulting

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.