As we say goodbye to 2024, I’m taking a moment to reflect on a year filled with meaningful transformations and incredible client stories. Every client I work with teaches me something new about resilience, love, and the importance of leaving a well-prepared legacy.
Here’s a glimpse into a few of the lives we’ve touched this year:
Client Stories and Highlights
Emma:
Emma reached out after her father’s passing, devastated and overwhelmed. As his primary caregiver during his final months, she was physically and emotionally drained, all while juggling motherhood, a demanding job, and preparing for surgery.
We stepped in to:
- Arrange copies of her father’s death certificate.
- Connect her with a trusted attorney to guide the estate administration process.
- Organize and prioritize tasks, helping her stay on track during this challenging time.
Mark:
Mark, named executor of his Aunt Carol’s estate, faced unique challenges. Living across the country, he had no prior knowledge of her financial situation and was left with disorganized documents and outdated asset records.
We helped Mark:
- Locate and transfer Aunt Carol’s assets to the estate account.
- Coordinate with a CPA to file her individual and estate tax returns.
- Prepare a clear summary for beneficiaries to provide transparency on the estate’s status and next steps.
With our guidance, Mark was able to confidently fulfill his role as executor without compromising the time and energy needed to focus on his growing and thriving business.
David:
David was tasked with managing his uncle’s estate, which involved multiple beneficiaries and a detailed inventory of belongings. To address this challenge, we leveraged Matterport technology to conduct a Legacy Scan of the home. This innovative solution allowed beneficiaries to virtually explore the house interactively in 3-D, no matter where they were located.
Beneficiaries could view items in the home, add notes, and tag items they wished to keep—all without the need to travel. This streamlined the tangible personal property selection and bequeathal process, saving time, reducing stress, and ensuring everyone felt included in the decision-making.
With this technology, David not only managed the estate efficiently but also provided his family with a modern way to connect with their shared heritage. (Click here and here to preview how Matterport works.)
Sophia:
Sophia, a teacher and volleyball coach, became executor after her mother’s passing, all while caring for her teenage sister. With an already packed schedule, she turned to us for help navigating the demands of estate administration.
We supported Sophia by:
- Organizing the estate’s assets and liabilities.
- Communicating with her attorney to keep things moving forward.
- Connecting her with a CPA for tax filings.
- Coordinating payment of final bills owed by the estate.
With our help, Sophia could focus on her teaching career and grieving process without feeling overwhelmed.
James:
James inherited the role of executor after his Aunt Linda’s death, only to be met with a mountain of medical bills, including a staggering $83,000 charge.
Here’s how we helped James:
- Sorted through and clarified each bill.
- Discovered billing errors and resolved insurance discrepancies.
- Negotiated many debts down to half their original amounts.
Through our guidance, James was able to manage the estate’s financial responsibilities with clarity and confidence.
Insights and Learnings
This year reminded me of the power of preparation and the importance of community. Each story is a testament to the difference we can make when we come together to navigate life’s most challenging moments.
Looking Forward to 2025
Exciting developments are on the horizon! From new workshops to enhanced services, we’re preparing to serve even more families and professionals in meaningful ways.
And here’s the big news—my book, Late to Your Own Funeral, is set to be released in 2025! This guide is designed to help you navigate the complexities of estate and legacy planning with humor, wit, and practical advice.
Want to stay in the loop? Add your name to our email list to be the first to learn more about the book’s release and pre-order opportunities.
Curious About Our Services? Let’s Connect.
We’re here to provide the support you need, whether you’re planning ahead or navigating the challenges after a loss. Here’s how we can help:
- Legacy Organization:
Gain peace of mind by organizing your important documents, tackling your estate planning to-do list, and addressing any gaps to ensure nothing is overlooked. We’ll be your accountability partner every step of the way, ensuring everything that needs to get done gets done—efficiently and effectively.
- After Loss Consulting:
Compassionate, practical guidance when you need it most. From managing administrative tasks to navigating legal and financial responsibilities, we’re here to ease the burden and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Click here to learn more about our services.
Wishing You a Joyous Holiday Season
As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank you for your trust and support throughout 2024. It’s been an honor to work with so many incredible clients and partners, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.
From my family to yours, I wish you a joyful holiday season filled with love, peace, and cherished moments. Here’s to a bright and promising New Year in 2025!
