Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast with Attorney Elsa W. Smith | Empowering Women Through Estate Planning

Episode 95 – Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast

When Mom Needs Help: What Adult Children Need to Know About Estate Planning

In this important and practical episode of the Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast, Attorney Elsa W. Smith explores a situation many families face: what happens when an aging parent needs help managing their finances, making important decisions, or preparing for the unexpected? Whether you've noticed changes in your mother's memory, have begun helping with everyday responsibilities, or are facing a sudden medical emergency, understanding the legal realities of estate planning can make a significant difference.

One of the first questions adult children often ask is, “Can we get a Power of Attorney for Mom?” Elsa explains why the answer isn't always straightforward. A Power of Attorney is a legal document that a person must create voluntarily while they have the legal capacity to understand the document and the authority they are granting. If a parent has already lost that capacity, creating a Power of Attorney may no longer be an option, and the family may need to explore guardianship through the court.

Elsa also explains the important difference between a parent's permission and legal authority. Even if your mother tells you that you can manage her finances or handle matters on her behalf, that conversation may not provide the legal authority a financial institution or another organization requires. Planning ahead can help families avoid discovering these limitations during an already stressful time.

Just as importantly, this episode addresses how adult children can support a parent through estate planning without taking over the process. Concern for a loved one can be a powerful reason to start the conversation, but the parent whose wishes, finances, and healthcare decisions are involved must remain at the center of their own plan.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why estate planning needs to happen before a medical crisis

• Why you cannot simply obtain a Power of Attorney for your parent

• How a parent's legal capacity affects their ability to create estate planning documents

• When guardianship may become necessary

• The difference between having permission to help and having legal authority to act

• Why adult children should support their parents without replacing their voices in the planning process

• How to encourage an aging parent to begin estate planning while they can still express their wishes

Most importantly, this episode reminds us that helping a parent plan is an act of care, but protecting their independence means allowing them to make their own decisions whenever they can. The right conversations, started at the right time, can help preserve their choices and give the family greater clarity when support is needed.

Whether you're an adult child concerned about an aging parent or a parent ready to take control of your own future, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you understand the importance of planning.

Portions of this episode were originally recorded as educational videos and have been adapted for this podcast episode.

SUBSCRIBE

Follow the podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and professionals access this empowering information.

STAY CONNECTED✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: Linktree – Elsa W. Smith Law

✔️ Visit us at @elsawsmithlaw

✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMERSInformation in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSORThis podcast is sponsored by Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia.

© 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

Episode 94 (Encore): Aquanetta Betts | Building a Legacy Through Strategic Charitable Giving

We’re bringing back one of our most inspiring conversations in this special encore presentation of Episode 86. In this episode, Attorney Elsa W. Smith sits down with philanthropy strategist and legacy advocate Aquanetta Betts to explore how charitable giving can become a meaningful part of a woman’s legacy.

As the founder and principal consultant of Johnson Betts, LLC, Aquanetta helps individuals and organizations develop intentional philanthropic strategies. She explains why giving isn't reserved for the ultra-wealthy and how women can align their resources, values, and life experiences with the causes that matter most.

Together, Elsa and Aquanetta discuss practical ways to incorporate charitable giving into an estate plan, use beneficiary designations to support charitable causes, and create a lasting impact that extends beyond a lifetime. They also explore how families can balance supporting loved ones with giving back, why reviewing charitable goals and beneficiary designations matters, and how even modest resources can help create meaningful change.

Whether you’re just beginning to consider charitable giving or looking for new ways to make your resources reflect your values, this encore episode is a reminder that building a legacy is about more than what you leave behind. It’s about the opportunities you create, the communities you strengthen, and the values you pass forward for generations to come.What You’ll Learn:

• Why philanthropy is not just for wealthy families

• How charitable giving can become a meaningful part of your legacy

• The importance of identifying specific causes instead of giving broadly

• Practical ways to align charitable giving with your personal values and lived experiences

• Why charitable giving often resonates deeply with professional women and communities of color

• How charitable gifts can be incorporated into an estate plan

• Ways beneficiary designations on life insurance policies and financial accounts can support charitable causes

• Common mistakes people make when they fail to review beneficiary designations over time

• What a "giving checkup" is and why it matters

• How often you should revisit your charitable goals and giving strategy

• The inspiring story of a scholarship fund created from a family's loss and transformed into a lasting legacy

• How property and other assets can be used creatively to support charitable initiatives

• What an endowment fund is and why it can be a powerful legacy-building tool

• How to balance supporting family members while also supporting charitable causes

• Why you don't need enormous wealth to make a meaningful impact

• How major life transitions often inspire people to think differently about legacy and giving

• Three key takeaways every listener can implement today

SUBSCRIBE

Follow this podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and families access this empowering information.

STAY CONNECTED WITH OUR GUEST

✔️ Connect with Aquanetta Betts on LinkedIn: @aquanettabetts

✔️ Learn more about her work and charitable giving initiatives: JohnsonBetts.com

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HOST

✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw

✔️ Visit us at elsawsmithlaw.com

✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMERS

Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSOR

This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more at elsawsmithlaw.com.

© 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

Episode 93 (Encore): Morgan Wider | Worthy First: Identity, Image & the Decisions That Shape Your Legacy

We’re bringing back one of our most thought-provoking conversations in this special encore presentation, originally airing on April 29th, 2026. In this episode, Attorney Elsa W. Smith sits down with executive presence strategist, speaker, and author Morgan Wider for a meaningful conversation about identity, visibility, self-worth, and the decisions that shape how women show up in the world.

Morgan, creator of the Identity Impact Index™ and author of The Worthy Wardrobe, shares insights that go far beyond personal style. Together, Elsa and Morgan explore how identity influences the choices we make—and how those choices can shape both our present and the legacy we leave behind.

Whether you're thinking about how you present yourself today or the legacy you want to create for tomorrow, this encore episode offers an inspiring reminder to make intentional decisions about who you are, what you value, and how you want to be remembered.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why “worth comes before wardrobe”—and how self-worth shapes every outward choice
• What your closet may be revealing about your identity, priorities, and decision patterns
• How women often delay decisions—whether in their wardrobe or estate planning—when those decisions require confronting a new season of life
• The emotional and psychological weight behind holding onto items that no longer fit your life
• How major identity shifts (career changes, motherhood, retirement) require intentional realignment—not just adjustment
• Why body changes are not just physical—but deeply connected to self-perception and acceptance
• How to define executive presence in a way that honors both authenticity and appropriateness
• What women often underestimate about how appearance influences opportunity
• The difference between intentional purchasing and identity-driven consumption
• Why clarity—not perfection—is the foundation of confident decision-making

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Follow the podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and professionals access this empowering information.

STAY CONNECTED with OUR GUEST

✔️website: https://widerstyle.com/

✔️IG: https://www.instagram.com/morganwiderstyle

STAY CONNECTED with OUR HOST

✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: Linktree – Elsa W. Smith Law

✔️ Visit us at @elsawsmithlaw

✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMERS

Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSOR

This podcast is sponsored by Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia.

© 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

Episode 92 (Encore): ”Estate Planning Made Simple” MPT Webinar Highlights 

We’re bringing back one of our most impactful episodes in this must-listen encore presentation, originally airing on November 26, 2025. In this special episode, Attorney Elsa W. Smith revisits highlights from her Maryland Public Television webinar, “Empower Your Legacy: Estate Planning Made Simple,” offering practical guidance on the essential elements of a comprehensive estate plan. Whether you’re creating your first plan or considering whether your existing plan still meets your needs, this encore episode is a helpful reminder that estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it starts with understanding your options and taking the right steps to protect your legacy.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• The Core 4 of estate planning: Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, Advance Directive, and HIPAA Authorization

• The role of a Revocable Living Trust

• How to properly fund a trust

• How wills and trusts work together to create a complete, effective estate plan

Click here to watch the complete webinar on the Maryland Public TV YouTube Channel:  ​​https://youtu.be/0b1TPnT4CgA?si=AEwdUWi2S2oX7Fbv 

SUBSCRIBE Follow the podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and professionals access this empowering information.

STAY CONNECTED

✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: Linktree – Elsa W. Smith Law

✔️ Visit us at @elsawsmithlaw

✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMERSInformation in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSORThis podcast is sponsored by Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia.

© 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

Episode 91 – Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast

Protecting Your Home: What Every Homeowner Should Know About Estate Planning

In this practical and empowering episode, “Protecting Your Home: What Every Homeowner Should Know About Estate Planning,” Attorney Elsa W. Smith explores an issue many homeowners overlook: owning a home is only part of the equation. How that home is titled, who owns it, and how ownership fits into your estate plan can have significant consequences for you and your family.

For many women, a home represents years of saving, sacrifice, hard work, and financial progress. But buying a home and protecting it are two different things. Elsa explains why homeowners should think beyond the closing table and consider how their property will be managed during incapacity, what could happen when they die, and whether their current ownership structure actually supports their wishes.

In this episode, Elsa addresses a common strategy parents use when they want to make things easier for their adult children: adding a child to the deed. While it may seem like a simple way to transfer a home or avoid probate, it can create unintended consequences involving control of the property, creditors, divorce, taxes, and future family disputes.

She also discusses what happens when a homeowner later wants to remove someone from the deed—and why changing ownership is not as simple as crossing out a name. Once someone becomes a legal owner, they have rights in the property, which can make an ownership change far more complicated than expected.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why buying a home should be followed by thoughtful estate planning

• Why your deed and estate plan need to work together

• The potential risks of adding an adult child to your deed

• How creditors, lawsuits, divorce, and taxes can affect jointly owned property

• Why removing someone from a deed may be more complicated than expected

• What questions to ask before changing how your property is owned

• Why ownership decisions should support your larger estate planning goals

Most importantly, this episode reminds us that building wealth matters, but protecting what you've built helps create a lasting legacy. Your home is more than a piece of property—it may represent decades of work, sacrifice, and financial progress. Making intentional decisions about ownership can help ensure that your property supports, rather than undermines, the legacy you're creating.

Whether you're a new homeowner, considering adding a child to your deed, trying to change an existing ownership arrangement, or simply wondering whether your current deed still makes sense, this episode offers practical education to help you pause, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions about one of your most valuable assets.

Portions of this episode were originally recorded as educational videos and have been adapted for this podcast episode.

SUBSCRIBEFollow the podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and professionals access this empowering information.

STAY CONNECTED

✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith:

Linktree – Elsa W. Smith Law

✔️ Visit us at @elsawsmithlaw

✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMERSInformation in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSOR

This podcast is sponsored by Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia.

© 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

Episode 90 – Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast

The Three Assumptions Keeping Women From Estate Planning

In this empowering episode, “The Three Assumptions Keeping Women From Estate Planning,” Attorney Elsa W. Smith challenges three common beliefs that can keep women from taking action on their estate plans. After nearly three decades of practicing law, Elsa has seen how assumptions—not a lack of love for family—can cause women to postpone important decisions.

In this episode, Elsa examines the belief that your spouse's estate plan is enough, explaining why every woman needs an estate plan of her own. She also addresses the question of cost and why focusing only on price can cause you to overlook the value of protecting your family, your health and financial decisions, and your legacy.

Finally, Elsa tackles the assumption “I don't have enough.” She explains what an estate actually is and why your home, bank accounts, personal belongings, and other possessions all deserve thoughtful planning—regardless of how much you own.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why every woman should have an estate plan of her own

• Why your spouse's plan doesn't replace yours

• How to think about the cost and value of estate planning

• What an “estate” really means

• Why you don't have to be wealthy to need an estate plan

• How planning protects your voice, your loved ones, and what you've built

Most importantly, this episode reminds us that estate planning isn't about age, marital status, or net worth. It's about making intentional decisions while you still can, protecting the people who matter most, and creating a legacy built on clarity rather than confusion.

If you've been telling yourself that you don't need your own plan, that estate planning costs too much, or that you simply don't have enough, this episode invites you to reconsider those assumptions—and take ownership of your future.

Portions of this episode were originally recorded as educational videos and have been adapted for this podcast episode.Follow the podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and professionals access this empowering information.

STAY CONNECTED

✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: Linktree – Elsa W. Smith Law

✔️ Visit us at @elsawsmithlaw

✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only)

Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSOR

This podcast is sponsored by Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia.

© 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

Episode 89 – Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast

The Foundation of Your Legacy: Why Every Woman Needs a Will

In this empowering episode, "The Foundation of Your Legacy: Why Every Woman Needs a Will," Attorney Elsa W. Smith explores why a Last Will and Testament is one of the most important—and often misunderstood—documents in any estate plan.

Many people believe a will is only necessary later in life or after they've accumulated significant wealth. Others assume they can simply download a template online and check estate planning off their to-do list. But a will is much more than a legal form—it's your opportunity to protect your family, preserve your wishes, and provide clear guidance for the people you leave behind.

Elsa explains why every woman should have a will, particularly Black women and women of color who are building wealth, caring for loved ones, and creating lasting legacies for future generations. She also highlights why a will is especially important for professionals and practice owners whose businesses are valuable assets that require thoughtful planning. Finally, she discusses the hidden risks of relying on generic online estate planning documents and why personalized legal guidance can make all the difference when your loved ones need your plan to work.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why a Last Will and Testament is the foundation of every estate plan

• What happens when you pass away without a valid will

• How a will protects your loved ones by providing clarity and direction

• Why women, especially entrepreneurs and professionals, should prioritize creating a will

• The unique estate planning considerations for practice owners and business owners

• Why a business should be considered an important part of your legacy

• The hidden dangers of relying on online estate planning templates

• Why working with an experienced estate planning attorney helps ensure your wishes are legally enforceable and tailored to your unique circumstances

Most importantly, this episode reminds us that creating a will isn't simply about deciding who inherits your property. It's about protecting the life you've worked so hard to build, giving your loved ones confidence instead of uncertainty, and ensuring your voice continues to guide the decisions that matter long after you're gone.

Whether you're creating your very first will, own a professional practice or small business, or have been wondering whether an online template is "good enough," this episode offers practical guidance to help you build a stronger foundation for your legacy with confidence.

Portions of this episode were originally recorded as educational videos and have been adapted for this podcast episode.

Follow the podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and professionals access this empowering information.

✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: Linktree – Elsa W. Smith Law✔️ Visit us at @elsawsmithlaw

✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only)

Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

This podcast is sponsored by Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia.

© 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

SUBSCRIBESTAY CONNECTEDDISCLAIMERSSPONSOR

Episode 88 – Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast

It's Not Too Early—Until It's Too Late: Planning Before You Lose the Ability to Decide

In this thoughtful and timely episode, “It's Not Too Early—Until It's Too Late: Planning Before You Lose the Ability to Decide,” Attorney Elsa W. Smith explores one of the most common—and potentially costly—misconceptions about estate planning: believing there will always be more time to get it done.

Many people assume estate planning is something they can tackle later, after retirement, when life slows down, or when the children are older. But legal capacity is not guaranteed. An unexpected illness, accident, or cognitive decline can eliminate the opportunity to create or update an estate plan, leaving loved ones without the legal authority to carry out your wishes.

In this episode, Elsa explains why being of sound mind is a legal requirement for creating valid estate planning documents and why waiting until a crisis occurs may be too late. She also provides a practical overview of one of the most important incapacity planning tools available: the Advance Directive. Through clear explanations and real-world insight, she demonstrates how planning ahead protects not only your assets but also your voice, your healthcare decisions, and your family's peace of mind.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why legal capacity is essential to creating a valid estate plan

• The three reasons why being of sound mind matters in estate planning

• How an estate plan can be challenged if capacity is questioned

• What an Advance Directive is and why every adult should have one

• The role of a healthcare agent and a living will

• When an Advance Directive becomes effective and how it protects your autonomy

• Why incapacity planning is just as important as planning for death

Most importantly, this episode reminds us that estate planning isn't about predicting the future—it's about preparing while you still can choose. Planning ahead protects your voice, gives your loved ones clarity, and ensures your wishes—not someone else's assumptions—guide the decisions that matter most.

Whether you're creating your first estate plan, updating existing documents, or simply wondering if you've waited too long, this episode offers practical guidance to help you move forward with confidence and protect the legacy you're building.

Portions of this episode were originally recorded as educational videos and have been adapted for this podcast episode.

Follow the podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and professionals access this empowering information.

✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: Linktree – Elsa W. Smith Law✔️ Visit us at @elsawsmithlaw

✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only)

Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

This podcast is sponsored by Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia.

© 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

SUBSCRIBESTAY CONNECTEDDISCLAIMERSSPONSOR

Episode 87 – Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast The Estate Planning Gap –Why Women Need a Plan of Their Own

In this empowering episode of the Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast, Attorney Elsa W. Smith explores the misconceptions, barriers, and outdated beliefs that prevent many women from creating an estate plan—despite how essential planning is to protecting themselves, their families, and their legacies.

Through highlights from two important conversations, Elsa examines why fewer women have estate plans compared to men and challenges the dangerous belief that married women do not need their own estate plans.

For many women, estate planning may feel overwhelming, unnecessary, or like something to address later. Some may believe they do not have enough assets to protect, that their spouse already has everything handled, or that their family will know what to do when the time comes.

But estate planning is about much more than wealth. It is about having a voice, making informed decisions, protecting your future, and ensuring that your wishes are respected.

You’ll learn:

• Why traditional gender roles and caregiving responsibilities can influence women’s approach to estate planning

• How financial literacy, confidence, and access to resources impact estate planning decisions

• Why some women delay planning because they underestimate the value of what they have built

• How financial disparities and career interruptions can affect long-term planning and wealth protection

• Why women should not assume their spouse’s estate plan automatically protects their individual wishes

• The risks of relying solely on a spouse’s plan during incapacity or after death• Why every spouse should have a plan that reflects their own goals, needs, and priorities

• How estate planning protects more than assets—it protects your voice and your choices

• Why having an individual estate plan can support financial confidence and independence

• How estate planning can become a tool for building and preserving generational wealth

Your wishes, and your legacy deserve a plan that reflects you.

SUBSCRIBEFollow the podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and professionals access this empowering information.

STAY CONNECTED

✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: Linktree – Elsa W. Smith Law

✔️ Visit us at @elsawsmithlaw

✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMER

Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSOR

This podcast is sponsored by Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia.

© 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

Episode 86: Aquanetta Betts | Building a Legacy Through Strategic Charitable Giving

In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode of the Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast, Attorney Elsa W. Smith sits down with philanthropy strategist and legacy advocate Aquanetta Betts to explore how charitable giving can become a powerful part of a woman’s legacy.

Aquanetta is the founder and principal consultant of Johnson Betts, LLC, where she helps nonprofits, faith-based organizations, professional advisors, and charitable individuals develop impactful planned giving and philanthropic strategies. 

As Aquanetta explains, meaningful charitable giving is not about the size of your bank account—it’s about aligning your resources, values, and life experiences with the causes that matter most to you.

Drawing from her work helping individuals create intentional giving strategies, Aquanetta shares practical ways professional women can incorporate philanthropy into their estate plans, use beneficiary designations to support charitable causes, and build a lasting impact that extends beyond their lifetime.

Together, Elsa and Aquanetta discuss how charitable giving can become a meaningful expression of purpose, family values, and legacy—and why every woman has the ability to make a difference, regardless of her level of wealth.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why philanthropy is not just for wealthy families

• The importance of identifying specific causes instead of giving broadly

• Practical ways to align charitable giving with your personal values and lived experiences

• Why charitable giving often resonates deeply with professional women and communities of color

• How charitable gifts can be incorporated into an estate plan

• Ways beneficiary designations on life insurance policies and financial accounts can support charitable causes

• Common mistakes people make when they fail to review beneficiary designations over time

• How often you should revisit your charitable goals and giving strategy

• The inspiring story of a scholarship fund created from a family's loss and transformed into a lasting legacy

• What an endowment fund is and why it can be a powerful legacy-building tool

• How to balance supporting family members while also supporting charitable causes

• and more

But this conversation is about more than charitable donations. It's about intentional living.

Because legacy is not simply about what you leave behind—it's about the values you pass forward. Through thoughtful charitable giving, women can create opportunities, strengthen communities, honor loved ones, and make an impact that continues for generations.

This episode is a powerful reminder that legacy planning isn't only about protecting assets. It's also about using your resources with purpose and creating a lasting reflection of what matters most to you.

SUBSCRIBE

Follow this podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and families access this empowering information.

STAY CONNECTED WITH OUR GUEST

✔️ Connect with Aquanetta Betts on LinkedIn: @aquanettabetts

✔️ Learn more about her work and charitable giving initiatives: JohnsonBetts.com

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HOST

✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw

✔️ Visit us at elsawsmithlaw.com

✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMERS

Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSOR

This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more at elsawsmithlaw.com.

© 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.