📞 📅 Schedule Your No-Cost Consultation: https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/contact/ 🎓 Join Us for Our Next Workshop: https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/workshops/ Thinking about starting your estate plan but holding off because you might buy a business, inherit money, or move across the country? According to Nick, waiting is a mistake, and he’s got a great analogy to explain why. In this episode, he walks through what to do when you know big life changes are on the horizon. Just like you wouldn’t...
Jul 10, 2025•6 min•Ep. 142
📞 📅 Schedule Your No-Cost Consultation: https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/contact/ 🎓 Join Us for Our Next Workshop: https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/workshops/ Jimmy Buffett left behind a $275 million legacy, a boatload of beach vibes, and—surprise, surprise—a full-blown legal mess. In this episode, Nick digs into the estate drama brewing between Buffett’s wife and his longtime business manager. On paper, it looked like a smart setup: a co-trustee arrangement designed to keep things running sm...
Jul 03, 2025•36 min•Ep. 141
Here’s a situation most people don’t really think about: what happens if one of your beneficiaries dies before you do? It’s not just a legal formality, it’s a scenario that can create confusion, delay, and unintended consequences for your estate plan. If your plan doesn’t account for this possibility, state law might decide where the money goes, and the results could be far from what you intended. In this episode, Nick breaks down what actually happens in these cases and why your estate document...
Jun 26, 2025•7 min•Ep. 140
A family business is often more than just an asset—it’s a legacy. But passing it on after the death of the owner can create big challenges, especially when some heirs want to keep it running and others want out. In this episode, we dig into the legal and practical issues of transferring ownership of a family business through an estate plan. We’ll look at common scenarios where one child is involved in the business while others are not, how to handle buyouts fairly, and how to avoid turning your ...
Jun 19, 2025•29 min•Ep. 139
When it comes to estate planning, assigning roles to your loved ones can feel overwhelming, especially when you're considering putting one person in charge of multiple responsibilities. In this mailbag episode, Nick addresses a common listener question: Can my daughter be both the executor of my will and my healthcare power of attorney? Or is that too much for one person? Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📜 Executor vs. healthcare POA—what's the real difference? 🧠 How to pick the...
Jun 12, 2025•6 min•Ep. 138
Losing a spouse is an emotionally overwhelming experience, and in the midst of grief, legal and financial matters often feel like the last thing anyone wants to think about. But making sure your estate plan reflects your new reality is one of the most important steps you can take after a loss. This episode walks through the essential updates and reviews that surviving spouses need to consider. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📋 Why reviewing fiduciaries is your first priority 🏛️...
Jun 05, 2025•26 min•Ep. 137
Today, Nick answers a thoughtful question from parents trying to strike the right balance: they want their kids to receive their inheritance at age 25, but also want to carve out early access for a first car or a home down payment. The catch? They’re worried about getting the numbers wrong, especially with inflation, rising costs, and the unpredictability of the future. Nick breaks down two smart strategies to help parents plan with confidence. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📆 ...
May 29, 2025•9 min•Ep. 136
When people hear the term “power of attorney,” they often assume it’s a one-size-fits-all document that gives someone authority to handle everything if they become incapacitated. There are actually two completely different types of powers of attorney. In this episode, Nick breaks down how each one has its own purpose, responsibilities, and potential pitfalls. You’ll learn how they’re different, what each involves, and why choosing the right person for each job can make a world of difference in h...
May 22, 2025•24 min•Ep. 135
When you set up a trust but don’t have a friend or family member you trust to manage it, what’s your next move? In this episode, we answer a question on a sensitive and critical decision in estate planning: how to choose the right corporate trustee? Should you go with a big national firm or a smaller local institution? Does it matter if you already have a relationship with the bank or company? Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔍 What to consider before choosing your trustee 🧑⚖️ ...
May 15, 2025•9 min•Ep. 134
When someone passes away, their bills and debts don’t just disappear, but that doesn’t mean their family has to rush to pay everything immediately. In this episode, we explain how debts are handled after death, what families (especially executors) need to do, and what to expect if no one has access to the deceased’s money yet. We’ll also clear up common fears about personal liability and explain how reimbursement works when someone covers bills out of pocket. Here’s some of what we discuss in th...
May 08, 2025•29 min•Ep. 132
Most parents try to split up everything evenly for their children but how do you do that with a home? While bank accounts and retirement funds can be easily divided, a house poses unique challenges. It’s a very common estate planning discussion in our office and one that we recently got asked about. What are the options for splitting a home between multiple children? You can’t exactly slice a house in half. Would they be forced to sell it? Today, we’ll walk through the practical and legal consid...
Apr 24, 2025•7 min•Ep. 131
Lending money to a child is common, whether it's for buying a home, starting a business, or getting through a tough financial patch. But when it comes time to plan your estate, that unpaid loan can create real complications. Should you forgive the debt when you die? Or treat it as an advance on that child’s inheritance and reduce what they receive? An estate plan will utilize two primary approaches to resolving these loans, and we’ll discuss the pros and cons to each. Here’s some of what we disc...
Apr 17, 2025•27 min•Ep. 129
What happens when your name is on a parent’s bank account or home as a co-owner, yet their will says everything should be split among the three siblings? That’s the situation we’re addressing in this video to help the co-owner understand what options you have when it comes to splitting the inheritance up. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 What happens when you're a co-owner on a parent’s bank account or home 🛡️ How to avoid family conflict with a clear, customized estate plan O...
Apr 10, 2025•7 min•Ep. 130
Even if you’re planning to leave everything to just one person, like an only child, it might feel like you don’t need an estate plan. After all, what could be simpler than passing everything on to a single heir? But estate planning isn’t just about how many people you’re leaving assets to. It’s about how you leave things, making sure your wishes are honored, minimizing complications, and protecting both you and your heir. In this episode, we unpack why an estate plan is still essential, even whe...
Apr 03, 2025•29 min•Ep. 128
What happens when you have assets in your name but you don’t really consider them yours? It’s not that uncommon to work with people who need to account for things like a parent’s home or a child’s bank account in their estate plan. In this episode, Nick answers a listener’s question about how to handle assets that fall into this category while avoiding confusion in the future. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: ⚠️ Legal & Tax Risks – The hidden dangers of holding assets for othe...
Mar 27, 2025•7 min•Ep. 127
A well-drafted trust should protect your assets, ensure your wishes are followed, and make things easier for your loved ones. However, even estate planning attorneys can make mistakes that lead to costly problems. In this episode, we’ll cover four major mistakes attorneys make when drafting trusts—so you can recognize and avoid them in your own estate plan. Here’s some of what we cover: ✅ Fund Your Trust: Unfunded trusts force assets into probate. 🔄 Plan for the What-Ifs: Backup trustees & ...
Mar 20, 2025•24 min•Ep. 126
When it comes to children’s inheritance, should they all receive their share at the same time, or should each child wait until they reach a specific age? In this episode of Complete Estate Planning, Nick answers a common question: Is it fair for older children to receive their inheritance while younger siblings wait? Here are some of the key topics we’ll cover: 💰 Should all kids inherit at the same time? Pros & cons of different approaches ⚖️ Fair vs. equal: Why these aren’t always the same...
Mar 13, 2025•10 min•Ep. 125
One of the biggest decisions a married couple faces when setting up an estate plan is whether to create a joint trust or separate trusts. The right choice depends on several factors, including how they manage their finances, asset ownership, and estate planning goals. In this episode, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each option and discuss when a joint trust makes sense versus when separate trusts are the better choice. A joint trust can be ideal for couples with shared finances and assets...
Mar 06, 2025•23 min•Ep. 124
We talk a lot about estate planning on this show, but what about the other side of the equation- inheritance? Today, we’re diving into how people screw it up. There are plenty of ways to go wrong, but we’re breaking down the five biggest mistakes Nick sees people make when they receive an inheritance. Contact: 513-463-6789 info@CincinnatiEstatePlan.com https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/contact/...
Feb 20, 2025•22 min•Ep. 123
Many people start out with a will, but is there a time when it makes sense to upgrade to a trust? Is it possible, and what does that process look like? We’ll walk you through the steps, share when it might be the right time to make the switch, and explain how to make it happen in today's show. Contact: 513-463-6789 info@CincinnatiEstatePlan.com https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/contact/...
Feb 06, 2025•21 min•Ep. 122
Understanding whether a Special Needs Trust is necessary can be complex, especially if your child isn’t receiving Social Security Disability benefits. In this episode, we explore the purpose of Special Needs Trusts, how they work, and why they might still be a crucial part of your financial plan. Don't miss these valuable insights to help secure your child’s long-term care and financial stability. Contact: 513-463-6789 info@CincinnatiEstatePlan.com https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/contact/...
Jan 23, 2025•22 min•Ep. 121
Estate planning covers a wide range of scenarios, and most often, it involves taking care of your family or spouse. But what happens if you’re not married and still want to ensure your partner is provided for? In this episode, we’ll explore key considerations, differences, and arrangements to keep in mind when planning for such situations. Contact: 513-463-6789 info@CincinnatiEstatePlan.com https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/contact/...
Jan 10, 2025•21 min•Ep. 120
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes the unexpected can happen. Today, we’re discussing a tough scenario: what if you undergo surgery and don’t make it? Tune in as we explore key estate planning precautions you can take to prepare for such situations. Contact: 513-463-6789 info@CincinnatiEstatePlan.com https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/contact/...
Dec 26, 2024•30 min•Ep. 119
What happens when your spouse passes away? What comes next? In today's show, we'll discuss some important action steps to take, key estate planning documents to review, beneficiary designations to consider, and much more. Contact: 513-463-6789 info@CincinnatiEstatePlan.com https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/contact/
Dec 12, 2024•32 min•Ep. 118
How many 'what-ifs' do you need within your estate plan? In this episode, we’ll dive into the importance of contingencies in estate planning and walk you through the step-by-step process Nick and his team follow to ensure every detail is covered. Contact: 513-463-6789 info@CincinnatiEstatePlan.com https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/contact/
Nov 26, 2024•26 min•Ep. 117
We’re always talking about how important it is to have an estate planning attorney. But what if your attorney is actually screwing some things up? Today, we’re diving into 8 ways they might be getting it wrong. Contact: 513-463-6789 info@CincinnatiEstatePlan.com https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/contact/
Nov 14, 2024•29 min•Ep. 116
Are you considering tackling your estate plan on your own? While it's certainly possible, the dangers of DIY estate planning often hide beneath the surface. In today's episode, we're going to bring some of those issues to the forefront and share why working with an estate planning attorney is well worth it. Contact: 513-463-6789 info@CincinnatiEstatePlan.com https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/contact/...
Oct 31, 2024•23 min•Ep. 115
As the election approaches, many are wondering how the outcome might affect their finances and taxes- but have you thought about your estate plan? In this episode, Nick covers some of the potential estate planning implications of both candidates and what their policies could mean for you. Tune in to stay informed and prepared. Contact: 513-463-6789 info@CincinnatiEstatePlan.com https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/contact/...
Oct 18, 2024•28 min•Ep. 114
You’ve established your estate plan- does that mean you’re all set? Not quite! Regularly reviewing and updating your estate plan is important. But when should you do this? In today’s episode, we’ll discuss some key moments in life that call for updates and guide you through the regular review process. Contact: 513-463-6789 info@CincinnatiEstatePlan.com https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/contact/...
Sep 26, 2024•19 min•Ep. 113
Is privacy a concern for you in estate planning? In this episode, we dive into essential strategies to protect both your family's confidentiality and your estate. Tune in to learn how proactive planning can shield your family from the public eye and avoid complications down the road. Contact: 513-463-6789 info@CincinnatiEstatePlan.com https://cincinnatiestateplan.com/contact/...
Sep 12, 2024•18 min•Ep. 112
