Episode 66: Practice Owners — Why You MUST Have a Will

Running a practice is more than a job — it’s your life’s work, your livelihood, and your legacy. But what happens to it if something happens to you? In this powerful episode, Estate Planning Attorney Elsa W. Smith speaks directly to practice owners — doctors, therapists, accountants, lawyers, and other professionals — about why a will is the bare minimum protection your practice (and your family) needs.

Through real-world examples, you’ll see what happens when professionals fail to plan: staff left without guidance, clients stranded without services, and families dragged through expensive court battles. You’ll also hear how simple steps — starting with a will — can prevent these crises and preserve everything you’ve built.

We’ll break down the unique risks practice owners face, why a will alone isn’t always enough, and what additional tools can keep your practice running smoothly no matter what.

We cover: 🔹 Why your practice is your most overlooked (and most valuable) asset 🔹 The bare minimum every practice owner needs: a will 🔹 Why trusts, powers of attorney, and succession plans matter 🔹 The devastating cost of doing nothing 🔹 Why practice owners procrastinate — and how to finally move forward 🔹 The concrete first steps you can take today

SUBSCRIBE Follow this podcast and leave a ⭐ 5-star review — it helps others find this important information.

STAY CONNECTED ✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw ✔️ Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠elsawsmithlaw.com ✔️ Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✔️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a FREE 15-minute 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.

© 2025 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

Episode 65: Wills, Women & Wealth – A Make-A-Will Month Special August is National Make-A-Will Month — the perfect reminder that the best gift you can give your loved ones is clarity. In this empowering episode, Estate Planning Attorney Elsa W. Smith speaks directly to women about why having a will is essential, what’s at stake if you don’t have one, and the simple steps you can take to protect your legacy.

Through the real-life story of “Darlene,” you’ll see how the absence of a will can lead to heartbreak, conflict, and unintended consequences — and how just a few hours of planning could have changed everything.

We’ll also bust common myths that hold women back from getting their wills done and give you a practical, 3-step Make-A-Will Month challenge you can start today.

We cover:

🔹 Why Make-A-Will Month matters for women

🔹 A true-to-life story of what happens when you die without a will

🔹 How wills protect both wealth and family harmony

🔹 Common myths that prevent women from creating a will 🔹 Your 3-step Make-A-Will Month challenge

Timecodes:

0:00 – Intro

1:00 – Why Make-A-Will Month Matters for Women

3:30 – Story: Darlene’s House Becomes the Family Battleground

6:00 – How Wills Protect Wealth & Legacy

8:30 – Busting Myths That Hold Women Back

10:30 – Your 3-Step Make-A-Will Challenge

11:30 – Closing & CTA

SUBSCRIBE Follow this podcast and leave a ⭐ 5-star review — it helps others find this important information.

STAY CONNECTED

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

✔️ Visit us at ⁠⁠elsawsmithlaw.com

✔️ Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a FREE 15-minute 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.

© 2025 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

Episode 64: Lynn Corazzi | Confident Financial Outcomes: What Every Female Entrepreneur Needs to Know

In this eye-opening episode, Maryland Estate Planning Attorney Elsa W. Smith is joined by Lynn Corazzi, Fractional CFO and the “Data Magician”. Lynn is on a mission to demystify accounting and help small business owners build long-term financial success without getting buried in spreadsheets.

From his early days at Procter & Gamble, Lynn breaks down how smart financial management is the key to more than just profit; it’s the gateway to freedom, legacy, and generational wealth.

Whether you’re a business owner overwhelmed by numbers or an entrepreneur ready to elevate your wealth strategy, this conversation is packed with real talk, simple takeaways, and powerful encouragement.

✔️ The biggest financial blind spots small business owners face, and how to fix them

✔️ Why “just making money” isn't enough and what it means to build lasting wealth

✔️ How a strong financial strategy supports estate planning and generational wealth

✔️ The importance of “paying yourself first” and how early habits shape your future

✔️ How to start tracking your numbers (without fear or overwhelm)

✔️ The role of a CFO in legacy and succession planning

✔️ Why basic financial literacy can empower women to lead with confidence

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT below: 

• What’s one financial habit you’re committed to changing after this episode?

Found this helpful? Hit “FOLLOW” or SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel and Apple Podcast and don’t forget to leave us a 5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐   This helps to amplify our reach. We appreciate your support.

Stay connected with our guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-corazzi/

Visit his website: https://data2profit.net, | Contact them at (920) 948-3355 |

___________________________________________

Stay connected with the host, Attorney Elsa W. Smith:  

🔗 ⁠[Linktree]⁠  | Visit our website at ⁠elsawsmithlaw.com to access FREE resources | SUBSCRIBE on ⁠[Apple Podcasts]⁠, ⁠[Spotify]⁠, and ⁠[YouTube]⁠

✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute call for wills, estate planning, and probate matters (MD & DC only)  

____________________________________________

Disclaimers:

Information in this video/livestream/podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice, nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Conduct 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 

© 2025 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Episode 63 :

In this encore episode, we revisit a topic that continues to resonate with listeners: Problems Resulting From Jointly Held Assets With Your Children.

As with all estate planning, every family's situation is unique. Children can play valuable roles in your estate plan—but joint ownership of assets can lead to serious, unintended consequences. The issues discussed in this episode are based on real situations. Our goal is to raise your awareness and help you make informed decisions that protect your legacy.

We cover:

🔹 Issue 1: Adding Children to Your Bank Accounts 🔹 Issue 2: Adding Children to Property Deeds 🔹 Issue 3: Unintentionally Giving Third Parties Control

SUBSCRIBE Follow this podcast and leave a ⁠⁠⭐ 5-star review⁠⁠ — it helps others find this important information.

STAY CONNECTED

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

✔️ Visit us at ⁠⁠elsawsmithlaw.com⁠⁠

✔️ Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a FREE 15-minute 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.

© 2025 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

Episode 62 – Encore: Are You Transferring Generational Wealth or Generational Trauma?

In this encore presentation of one of our most impactful episodes, Attorney Elsa W. Smith takes you on a powerful journey—one that challenges conventional notions of legacy and invites you to reimagine what it truly means to pass something on.

Through the lens of estate planning, Elsa shares how her work with families—especially women—has revealed a deeper truth: We don’t just transfer assets… we transfer stories, patterns, and sometimes pain. With wisdom and empathy, she explores how unexamined wealth transfers can unintentionally carry forward trauma, and how intentional planning can stop that cycle.

In this episode, Elsa guides listeners through:

• The difference between leaving behind wealth vs. leaving behind a wound
  

• Why true legacy requires emotional as well as financial planning
  

• Six practical, healing-centered strategies families can use to ensure they’re building futures grounded in purpose, resilience, and compassion
  

✨ Join Attorney Smith as she unpacks the power of estate planning as a tool for transformation—not just preservation. This isn’t just about documents; it’s about redefining wealth, rewriting narratives, and reclaiming your legacy.

💬 If this episode spoke to you, let us know by following the podcast and leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts.

📌 Stay connected with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: 🔗 Linktree 🌐 Website 📅 Book your 15-minute call (MD & DC only)

🎧 Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or form an attorney-client relationship.

SPONSORED BY: The Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC – Wills, Estate Planning & Probate (MD & DC) © 2025 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

Special Guest: Mara Dowler, Owner of Bluebird Home Organizing
Original Air Date: March 13, 2024

Back by popular demand! In this encore episode, we revisit a powerful conversation with Mara Dowler, a Platinum Level KonMari Consultant and Certified Organize 365® Paper Solution Organizer. Mara shares how her journey with decluttering changed her life—and how she now helps others transform their homes and minds through intentional organization.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How the KonMari Method® changed Mara’s life

• Why some clients experience emotional breakthroughs during the process

• Her most impactful client transformation story

• The importance of family buy-in

• The powerful role of psychology in decluttering
  ...and more!

👉 Did you find value in this episode?
We’d love your support! Please follow the podcast and leave a 5-STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review to help others find this content.

🔗 Connect with Mara Dowler:
Website: bluebirdhome.net
Instagram: @blue_bird_home
Facebook: @bluebirdhome203
Email: [email protected]

🎙 Stay Connected with Host, Attorney Elsa W. Smith:
🌐 linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw
💻 Visit: elsawsmithlaw.com
🎧 Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute consultation (MD & DC only): Click here

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

🎙 SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC — a Maryland and DC firm focused on wills, estate planning, and probate. Learn more at elsawsmithlaw.com

© 2025 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC

🎙️ Episode 60 (Encore): Second Marriages & Probate – The Complexities of Dying Without a Will

We're bringing back one of our most impactful episodes from the Probate Series—a must-listen for anyone in a blended family or second marriage.

In this encore presentation, Attorney Elsa W. Smith explores the legal and emotional complexities that arise when someone passes away without a will—especially in second marriages. Whether you're a spouse, parent, or adult child, this episode sheds light on how Maryland intestacy laws can shape the outcome of an estate.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ Why having a will is essential for protecting your legacy and avoiding unintended outcomes
✔️ How state law—not family preference—controls asset distribution without a will
✔️ Why blended families face unique challenges during probate
✔️ How Maryland law divides assets between a surviving spouse and children from previous relationships
✔️ … and more!

Found this episode helpful?
Follow the podcast and leave us a 5-STAR review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — it helps more listeners find this valuable content!

🖥️ Stay Connected with Attorney Elsa W. Smith
🎯 Linktree
🌐 Website-Get FREE Resources here
🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
📅 Book a complimentary 15-minute call (MD & DC residents only)

🛑 Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

🎙️ Sponsored by: The Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC – Your trusted partner in wills, estate planning, and probate matters in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Learn more at elsawsmithlaw.com
© 2025 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

Episode 59: In Honor of the Women Who Raised Us: Legacy, Lessons & Love After Mother’s Day

When we think of legacy, we often imagine money, property, or family heirlooms. But the true meaning of legacy runs much deeper — it’s the love, lessons, and resilience passed down through generations.

In this heartfelt episode, Maryland Estate Planning Attorney Elsa W. Smith offers a powerful reflection inspired by Mother’s Day. She honors the mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and mentors who shape our lives — and explores how estate planning allows us to carry their stories forward.

This episode is more than a seasonal reflection — it’s a call to action for women to protect what matters most. Whether you’re a daughter, mother, or caregiver, you’ll be reminded that your legacy is worthy of being preserved with intention and care.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✔️ Why legacy is more than material wealth

✔️ How estate planning empowers women to shape their own stories

✔️ The connection between self-love and planning for the future

✔️ How honoring the past gives meaning to the present

✔️ Why your voice matters in how you're remembered

Feeling inspired to protect your legacy with intention? We’d appreciate you following the podcast and leaving a 5-STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review!

STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR HOST, Attorney Elsa W. Smith:

🔗 Linktree (https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw) ✔️ Take advantage of our promotion for 10% off of estate planning consults. Limited Time. Exclusions apply.

✔️ SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube ✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute call for wills, estate planning, and probate matters (MD & DC only): https://calendly.com/d/ywc-phf-wmf/speak-with-our-client-success-coordinator?month=2025-04

DISCLAIMERS

Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Conduct 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.

© 2025 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC

Episode 58: What My Clients Have Taught Me About Final Disposition Instructions — And Why Yours Matter Too

When most people think about estate planning, they picture wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. But there’s one deeply meaningful part that’s often overlooked: final disposition instructions — what happens to your body, your ceremony, your farewell.

In this powerful episode, Maryland Estate Planning Attorney Elsa W. Smith shares the unforgettable lessons she’s learned from clients over the years — and why getting these wishes in writing is one of the most loving and empowering things you can do for your family.

This episode isn’t just about logistics — it’s about ritual, identity, culture, and legacy. You’ll hear real stories of how final disposition instructions reflect the values, faith, and personalities of everyday people — and how you can ensure your story is honored your way.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✔️ Why final disposition is about more than burial or cremation

✔️ The importance of rituals — from sorority ceremonies to faith-based traditions

✔️ Unique client stories that prove there’s no one “right” way to say goodbye

✔️ How written instructions reduce conflict and bring peace of mind

✔️ The role of culture, color, music, and even golf courses in legacy planning

✔️ How proper guidance turns final wishes into a clear, loving roadmap for your family

Inspired to take control of this important part of your plan?

We’d appreciate you following the podcast and leaving a 5-STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review!

STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR HOST, Attorney Elsa W. Smith:

🔗 Linktree (https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw)

✔️ Visit our website at elsawsmithlaw.com to access FREE resources

✔️ SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute call for wills, estate planning, and probate matters (MD & DC only) Link: https://calendly.com/d/ywc-phf-wmf/speak-with-our-client-success-coordinator?month=2025-04

DISCLAIMERS

Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Conduct 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.

© 2025 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC

Ep. 57 (Encore) – SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

In this encore episode (original air date Mar. 8, 2023), we’re revisiting a powerful conversation with Maureen Zappala – Impostor Syndrome Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Former NASA Engineer.

We discussed:

• How she coped with impostor syndrome while working at NASA,

• How to identify and manage impostor syndrome,

• Her efforts to encourage more women into STEM careers,

• How addressing impostor syndrome can unleash your team’s productivity, boost confidence, and transform your organization’s culture,

• And more!

SUBSCRIBE✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube

STAY CONNECTED

✔️Connect directly with Maureen Zappala: https://maureenz.com/

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

✔️SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube

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

DISCLAIMERS Information in this podcast/video/livestream is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Please conduct 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.

© 2025 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC