Thoughtful Planning

Episode Summary: Santiago reflects on significant life events that drove him and his wife Honey to plan for end-of-life, emphasizing the importance of being prepared.

Essential Question: What is it going to take for you to get started planning?

Santiago and Honey’s journey reminds us that no matter how many wake-up calls life throws our way, the time to act is now. Their transformation from "overburdened planners" to "thoughtful planners" is a powerful testament to the importance of end-of-life planning. Don’t wait for a life-altering event to force you into action—start preparing today to ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

What event will it take for you to start planning for the future? Share your thoughts on social media and tag us using @legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney.

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Welcome to Thoughtful Planning, where hosts Honey and Santiago delve into important topics about planning for the future. In this episode, they are joined by Jennifer Lind, a Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP) and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). With years of experience in real estate and senior care, Jennifer shares her expertise on helping older adults and their families with aging in place, downsizing and relocating.

Today's Essential Question:

Why should you consider working with a Certified Senior Housing Professional and/or a Certified Aging in Place Specialist?

Key Topics Discussed:

Guest Information:

Jennifer Lind

Key Timecodes:

00:00 Welcome to Thoughtful Planning

00:44 Introducing Jennifer Lynn: Senior Transition Expert

01:31 Jennifer's Personal Journey with Senior Transitions

04:47 The Importance of Planning Ahead

07:48 Navigating the Probate Process

13:16 Understanding Senior Housing and Aging in Place

19:03 Jennifer's Real Estate Expertise

20:14 Collaborative Efforts in Senior Care

21:54 Building a Home for Aging in Place

22:41 Supporting Families with Certifications

24:28 Memorable Experiences and Lessons Learned

27:45 Current Trends in Senior Housing

30:03 Community Initiatives and Volunteer Work

32:05 Planning Ahead for Aging in Place

38:43 Connecting with Trusted Resources

39:45 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Quotes:

Resources Mentioned:

Closing Thoughts:

As you reflect on today’s discussion, consider why working with a Certified Senior Housing Professional or a Certified Aging in Place Specialist could be beneficial for you or your loved ones. Remember, every chapter you write today shapes your legacy tomorrow.

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In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Santiago and Honey interview Dustin (Dusty) Fisher, Funeral Director and Owner of Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home in Boerne, TX. 

Disclaimer: This episode briefly discusses insurance and policies. Please read all documents carefully and ask questions if needed. Consider consulting an estate attorney for further guidance on any unclear documents.

Today’s essential question: Why is it important for you to plan your own funeral?

Advice for Listeners:

Key Takeaways:

Conclusion:

Planning your own funeral is an essential part of end-of-life preparation that ensures your wishes are respected and reduces the emotional and financial strain on your family. By having these conversations now, you create a thoughtful legacy for your loved ones.

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In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Santiago and Honey interview Anna Adams, a seasoned end-of-life doula and founder of the International Doula Life Movement (IDLM). With over 25 years of experience in hospice and end-of-life care, Anna shares her journey, the importance of end-of-life doulas, and the comprehensive support they offer to individuals and families.

Today’s essential question: What is a death or end-of-life doula and why should I know more about this topic?

Advice for Listeners:

Key Takeaways:

Conclusion:

Planning for end-of-life while clear of mind is essential for reducing stress and ensuring your wishes are honored. End-of-life doulas provide invaluable support and guidance, helping families navigate the complexities of this process with compassion and expertise. By taking proactive steps now, you can create a legacy of thoughtful planning and peace for your loved ones.

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In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago are joined by Sally Bartlett, the founder of Define Yourself Longevity, where Sally is speaker, an author and is dedicated to helping women on their menopause journey.This episode highlights Sally’s experience with being an executor twice and with tips on setting up a trust with a blended family.

Today’s essential question:  How can comprehensive planning for your end-of-life help with your executor?

Key Takeaways:

Conclusion:

• Sally shared her profound experiences and practical tips as an executor, emphasizing the importance of detailed planning, emotional regulation, and open communication.

• Her insights highlight the necessity of comprehensive end-of-life planning to ensure a smoother process for loved ones and to honor final wishes.

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In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago are joined by April Adams Pertuis, the founder of Lightbeamers, an organization dedicated to helping women use their story to shine their light.This episode highlights the importance of planning while you’re clear of mind.

Today’s essential question: How can facing adversity inspire deeper action and thoughtful planning in your own life?

Advice for Listeners:

Key Takeaways:

Conclusion:



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In this heartwarming episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago are joined by Julie Moser, the founder of Pink Warrior Angels, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals battling cancer. The discussion highlights the crucial role of community support in the cancer journey, the importance of planning and explores various ways individuals and communities can make a meaningful impact.

Today’s essential question: How important is support outside of your family and what are some ways you as an individual can support those in need?

As you reflect on this episode, consider how you can make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer. Community support is invaluable, and even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact. 

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This episode focuses on an annual check-in to ensure your end-of-life plans are up-to-date. It focuses on the importance of regularly reviewing your foundational documents—wills, trusts, advance healthcare directives, and powers of attorney—to ensure they reflect any life changes and current wishes.

Today’s essential question: What are some reasons one should review their foundational end-of-life documents?

Episode Highlights:

Links Mentioned:

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This week's essential question is: What is Memorial Day?

Santiago is doing a special episode on the significance of Memorial Day, a holiday often confused with Veterans Day. Let's clarify these important distinctions and honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Understanding Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day

Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two distinct holidays, each with its own purpose:

Veterans Day: Originally known as Armistice Day, it marks the end of World War I, celebrated on the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This day honors all veterans, living or deceased, who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Did you know more than 41 million Americans have served in our nation's history? Over 16 million of them served in World War II alone!

Memorial Day: This day is specifically set aside to remember and honor the estimated 1.5 million service members who have died since the birth of our nation. It's a solemn day of reflection and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

A Personal Experience: Soaring Valor

I had the privilege of escorting World War II veterans to the World War II Museum in New Orleans through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Soaring Valor program. Our cadets interacted with living history, hearing firsthand accounts from these incredible individuals. For example, we met a veteran from the third wave of Marines who assaulted Iwo Jima. The battle was devastating, with over 24,000 casualties and 6,140 deaths.

To put this in perspective, more service members died in the 36-day battle of Iwo Jima than in 20 years of the war on terror. These stories highlight the enormous sacrifices made by our service members.

The Meaning of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is about honoring those heroes who gave their lives so we can enjoy our freedoms, including the simple pleasure of a summer barbecue. It’s a day of remembrance, not celebration. When you say "Happy Memorial Day" to a veteran, understand that it might not be a happy day for them. It’s a day of reflection and respect for their fallen comrades.

Closing Thoughts

I hope this episode gave you a clearer understanding of Memorial Day. Remember, Veterans Day honors all veterans, while Memorial Day is dedicated to those who died serving our country.

Thank you for joining me today. Until next time, remember: every chapter you write today shapes your legacy tomorrow. Have a fantastic day!

Stay tuned for more insightful episodes from Santiago and Honey as they continue their thoughtful planning journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach more people and share these important messages.

Resources:

Gary Sinise Foundation: Soaring Valor

Legacy Toolkit Website

Legacy Toolkit Facebook Page

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In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, we shift the conversation to one of the most important parts of our lives--our pets. Our essential question asks, “How can pet owners ensure that their pets are well taken care of and secure in the event of a long-term absence or passing?”

In celebration of National Pet Month this May, we talked about our baby boy Texx, a two-year-old boxer with a huge personality. We realized that we never documented who’s going to take care of our dog, and this episode is also us getting started on that.

The least you can do is talk to friends and relatives who you can leave your dog with in the event that you get in an accident or you never return. Make sure you communicate clearly and get their agreement. It’s also good to get several options, since people’s circumstances may change and they might end up not being able to care for a pet anymore.

What if you do not make arrangements for someone to care for your dog?

Research shows the dog will either:

Go to an animal shelter or rescue organization that would try to rehome your dog.

The shelter might offer foster care for your pet until the pet is adopted.

There are sanctuaries that take in pets if it’s a good fit and they have space.

Do dogs grieve for their owners?

Research shows that dogs do grieve after their owner or another pet companion passes. Signs of grieving include decreased activity, loss of appetite, changes in sleep patterns, mood changes, and vocalizations.

How can you help your pets through the grieving process?

Maintain their regular routine. It’s helpful if they are still surrounded by what’s familiar.

Give them physical contact. They need hugs, cuddles, and belly rubs.

Provide them with enough play and exercise.

Make sure they get to have social interaction under the supervision of a veterinarian or pet behavioral specialist..

For depression seek the help of a veterinarian.

To help you through this planning process for your pets, we are sharing with you all the questions we asked and the steps we took to prepare, all in one document. We know how important our pets are to us, and we want to make sure that like the rest of your loved ones, they’re taken care of as well.

Resources:

Click here for the Calm app. Maxx’s favorite sleep story was The Prince and the Naturalist.You can try Calm for free. Set a reminder to cancel it before you are billed.

Click here to get your pet care legacy guide.

Disclaimer: We are not lawyers of veterinarians. We are pet owners who want to make sure our pets are taken care of in case of an emergency and we want you to have the same peace of mind as well.

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