The Legacy of Love: Estate Planning Simplified for Mothers

Why do so many smart, capable women still hand off their financial power?

Many women still feel unsure or unprepared to take full ownership of their financial futures. In this episode, seasoned financial advisor Cathy Curtis shares how to break through those barriers, take control of your wealth, and build a secure plan that reflects your goals and values.

In this episode, you will:

• Understand why women often defer financial decisions and how to step into confidence 
• Learn the essentials of estate planning and how to prepare for the emotional side of inheritance
• Discover how to define your personal “enough” point and make wealth decisions aligned with your life

Press play to gain practical strategies and motivation to take charge of your financial future.

About Cathy:

Cathy Curtis, CFP®, is the founder of Curtis Financial Planning, a boutique wealth management firm dedicated to empowering single women and women-led households to build thoughtful, strategic financial plans. Known for her warm, personalized approach and deep expertise, Cathy integrates comprehensive financial planning and investment management to help her clients achieve their most meaningful goals. She also shares her insights through her Substack, Wealth Whisperings, and her newsletter, Musings on Life and Finance.

Connect with Cathy:

CurtisFinancialPlanning.com

Musings on Life and Finance Newsletter

Wealth Whisperings Substack

Cathy's podcast: Financial Finesse

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.

Blended families face unique estate planning challenges—are you prepared to navigate them?

Estate planning for blended families comes with unique emotional and financial challenges, especially when it involves co-owned property, children from prior marriages, or future business succession. In this episode, Sara Ecklein and Emily Bouchard tackle these issues head-on, offering real strategies for building trust and unity across generations.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn how to approach estate planning in a blended family without creating conflict or confusion
• Discover how to create a multi-generational governance plan rooted in shared values and purpose
• Get expert advice on preparing rising generation leaders for family wealth and business transitions

Press play to learn how thoughtful planning can strengthen blended families and build a legacy that lasts.

About Emily:

Emily Bouchard understands the unique challenges families experience when it comes to love and money. She assists clients in effectively communicating about complex situations for greater ease with family decision-making. She specializes in stepfamily dynamics, multi-generational family governance, rising generation leadership and education, and family business succession. Emily brings over 20 years of experience and training to her work as a fractional Chief Learning Officer. She is the author of Estate Planning for the Blended Family and Beginners Guide to Purposeful Prenups. When she is not traveling to speak or lead family meetings, she lives on a 10 acre ranch with nine horses, where she facilitates transformative retreats.

Connect with Emily:

EmilyBouchard.com

On LinkedIn

On Instagram @emily4families

On Facebook

Her Books:

Beginners Guide to Purposeful Prenups: Three Essential Elements for a Successful Prenup Conversation

Estate Planning for the Blended Family

Referenced in this Episode:

The Wealth of Your Life: A Step-by-Step Guide for Creating Your Ethical Will by Susan B. Turnbull

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.

Can your birth order really shape your personality and even your legacy?

Whether you’re the firstborn, the middle child, the youngest, or an only, birth order can influence how you see yourself and interact with the world. In this episode, Dr. Robert Hurst breaks down the psychology of birth order and how it impacts everything from relationships to career paths.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn how your birth order role affects personality development, leadership, and life choices
• Discover the concept of “double birth orders” and how age gaps between siblings can shift family dynamics
• Gain tools to better understand your children—or yourself—through the lens of sibling position

Press play to uncover how your birth order shapes who you are and how you connect with the people closest to you.

About Dr. Hurst:

Dr. Robert Hurst has been treating his Orthodontic patients for over 50 years. During this time he has observed their behaviors and followed them through adulthood. Using Birth Order theory he has discovered Double Birth orders. This is the Rosetta stone to understanding everyone. Educated at both Indiana University and Harvard, he has shared his observations in the book Life's Fingerprint: How Birth Order Affects Your Path Throughout Life.

Connect with Dr. Hurst:

MyBirthOrder.Com

His Book: Life's Fingerprint: How Birth Order Affects Your Path Throughout Life 

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.

SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare… confused yet? This episode breaks it all down.

Navigating public benefits can be frustrating and confusing, especially when the rules seem to change or contradict each other. In this episode, public benefits expert Daniel Fortuno demystifies these systems with decades of real-world insight and shares how to maximize support without falling into common traps.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn the key differences between SSI and SSDI and why mistaking one for the other can cost you
• Discover how to preserve benefits while planning for the future including 2025 financial thresholds you need to know
• Understand the importance of medical documentation between ages 18–22 and how to build a flexible safety net

Press play to simplify the complexity of public benefits and take smart, informed steps to receive this crucial support for your loved one with disabilities.

About Daniel:

Daniel Fortuno is a leading expert on public benefits for individuals living with disabilities. He is the President and CEO of Benefits Education Center, based in California. He and his team have mastered the art of coordinating comprehensive public benefits that are available to individuals with disabilities. Contact the Benefits Education Center to schedule a free consultation. 

To learn more about maximizing benefit opportunities:

Benefits Education Center Website

Email: [email protected]

BEC Telephone: (562) 881-6199

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.

Planning for the future of a disabled child can feel overwhelming.

For parents of children with disabilities, the pressure to secure both immediate care and lifelong financial stability can be daunting. This episode sheds light on how strategic estate planning and the right financial tools can ease that burden and protect what matters most.

In this episode, you will:

• Understand why planning for two lifetimes is essential and how to do it without feeling overwhelmed
• Learn how special needs trusts and life insurance can work together to preserve government benefits and ensure lasting care
• Discover the value of building a coordinated team of professionals to support your long-term goals

Press play to gain expert insights and create a solid financial future for both you and your child with special needs.

About Michael:

Michael Ringel empowers families with children with special needs to protect, grow, and enjoy their wealth. His focus is on educating families about the importance of planning for the special individual in their lives. His topics of expertise include special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, retirement planning, funding special needs trusts and planning for two lifetimes.

Connect with Michael:

Facebook

LinkedIn

Website: MikeRingel.com

Book a Free Consultation 

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 if your estate plan could protect your child’s public benefits and preserve your legacy? 

Planning for the future of a child with disabilities often feels overwhelming, especially when trying to balance financial security with access to public benefits. In this episode, attorney Ellen Cookman breaks down how special needs trusts can give families peace of mind and protection.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn how special needs trusts work and how they protect benefits like SSI and Medicaid
• Discover the most common planning mistakes families make and how to avoid them
• Gain peace of mind with flexible strategies that adapt to your child’s evolving needs over time

Press play to gain the knowledge and tools you need to secure your child’s future and protect your legacy with confidence.

About Ellen: 

Ellen Cookman is the principal attorney of Cookman Law in Palo Alto, California. She is passionate about helping families of all shapes and sizes plan for the future and utilize available resources.

Ellen is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law from the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. She received her J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law and her LL.M. in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate from Golden Gate University. Ellen has a very popular YouTube channel titled “Ellen Cookman – Special Needs Trust Attorney.”

Connect with Ellen:

YouTube Channel

LinkedIn

Facebook

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 if a single letter could become your child’s greatest source of strength and self-worth?

In a world full of noise and distraction, many parents struggle to communicate their love and values to their children. This episode reveals how a legacy letter can become a timeless gift—one that shapes your child’s identity and provides lasting emotional connection, long after you're gone.

In this episode, you will:

• Hear Blake Brewer’s powerful story of loss, healing, and how a letter from his late father transformed his life
• Learn the simple yet profound steps to writing a legacy letter that your child will treasure forever
• Discover why putting your love and beliefs into words can become your child’s inner voice, guiding them for a lifetime

Press play to uncover the transformative power of a legacy letter—and why now is the time to write one for your child.

About Blake:
Blake Brewer is the founder of Legacy Letter Challenge, an organization with a mission to help 1 million people write at least one Legacy Letter to their children. With a passion for empowering families and strengthening bonds between parents and children, Blake has dedicated his life to this cause.

Blake's powerful story and mission have touched the hearts of many, and he continues to share it with organizations, businesses, and communities across the country. Most recently, he was featured on the "Dads Got This" segment on NBC's Today Show.

Be sure to visit LegacyLetter.com for your free Legacy Letter Toolkit.

Learn more about the Legacy Letter Masterclass here.

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 if the way you feel about money is the thing that is silently shaping your legacy?

Many of us carry hidden beliefs and emotions around money that influence our decisions in ways we don’t even realize. In this episode, you’ll explore how understanding your unique money archetype can unlock a more empowered, intentional path to building your legacy.

In this episode, you will:

• Discover the emotional roots of your money mindset and how they impact your financial behaviors
• Learn how identifying your money archetype can provide clarity, direction, and confidence with your finances
• Gain insights on releasing guilt and shame around money to redefine your personal vision of “enough”

Press play to uncover the emotional roots of your money mindset and start your journey toward financial freedom and inner peace.

About Karen:
Karen is a mindful money mindset coach who helps people release deep-seated blocks around money so they can flourish financially. With a background spanning Ireland, Japan, Brazil, and North America—and two decades in an intentional community—she blends spiritual insight with practical tools to rewrite money stories. Karen believes you can have money and be a deeply spiritual person. Her work empowers you to break free from guilt, shame, and inherited beliefs so you can welcome abundance with clarity and ease.

Connect with Karen:
Website: themindfulmoneycoach.com
On Facebook
On Instagram @karen_moneycoaching
On Twitter
On Youtube
On LinkedIn

Referenced in this Episode:
My Grandmother’s Hands by Reesmaa Menakem
Your Life or Your Money by Vicki Robinson & Joe Dominguez 

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.

How do you start a conversation that could change your relationship and your legacy?

Too often, end-of-life conversations are avoided until it’s too late. In this powerful episode, Sara Ecklein sits down with author Yvonne Caputo, whose journey to connect with her father through his WWII stories led to a deeper understanding of love, legacy, and letting go. Through her book Flying with Dad and her work with the 5 Wishes document, Yvonne shows how storytelling and compassionate listening can change everything.

In this episode, you will:

• Discover how the 5 Wishes document goes beyond legal directives to honor emotional, spiritual, and personal end-of-life preferences
• Learn how intentional listening can heal intergenerational wounds and strengthen family bonds
• Be inspired by a story that redefines legacy, not just in what we leave behind, but in how we connect while we’re still here

Listen now to uncover how curiosity and communication can bring healing, deepen connection, and transform both your relationships and your life.

About Yvonne:
Yvonne Caputo has been a teacher. She taught in the Erie Pennsylvania Public Schools for 18 years. She has also been the Vice President of Human Resources at a retirement community, a corporate trainer and consultant, and a psychotherapist. She has a master’s degree in education and clinical psychology. Her book, Flying with Dad, is a story about her relationship with her father through his telling of World War II stories. Her second book, Dying with Dad, shares how she and her dad had tough conversations about what he wanted in the end.

Connect with Yvonne:
On LinkedIn
You can learn more about her books here.
Purchase Flying with Dad
Purchase Dying with Dad

Referenced in this Episode:
5 Wishes

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 unseen family dynamics are guiding your decisions and your legacy?

So much of who we are is shaped by unconscious family dynamics passed down through generations. In this transformative episode, Sara Ecklein sits down with Katherine Revoir to explore how family constellation work reveals these hidden influences and how understanding them can unlock healing, choice, and emotional freedom.

In this episode, you will:

• Discover how neuroscience, epigenetics, and emotional circuitry help explain inherited emotional patterns
• Learn how to identify and release the “invisible contracts” you may have made to belong within your family system
• Explore how transforming your family story can impact not just your own emotional health, but your legacy and future generations

Listen now to learn how uncovering and healing your family system can lead to deeper connection, personal growth, and a legacy of love.

About Katherine:
Katherine Revoir is the founder of Center for Richer Living and a relational neuroscience counselor for leaders. Blending epigenetics, family constellations, and resonant language, she helps people rewire their brains for greater calm, clarity, and self-compassion.

An author, educator, artist, and ordained minister, Katherine’s integrative approach supports deep healing and lasting transformation, because it’s the journey she’s walked herself.

Connect with Katherine:
RicherLiving.org

Referenced in this Episode:
Sarah Peyton: SarahPeyton.com
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg, PHD

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.