Thoughtful Planning

Written by: Santiago and Honey Bueno
  • Summary

  • Life doesn’t always go as expected. That’s why planning for contingencies is so important. The Thoughtful Planning podcast will help you understand why having these conversations, and making these decisions are so important. Putting a plan in place gives your family peace of mind knowing and understanding your choices. Reduce stress and anxiety about finances, insurance, and your final wishes. Husband and wife hosts Santiago and Honey Bueno share the steps they’ve taken and explain the questions they are still considering. Create a plan now, while you’re able to thoughtfully consider how you’d like things handled. Santiago and Honey share advice with compassion and understanding. They know that hard conversations need to happen, but you don’t have to be alone as you begin your planning Journey.
    @Legacy Toolkit LLC 2024
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Episodes
  • If You're Incapacitated, Who Will Speak for You? S2EP32
    Dec 31 2024
    Episode Summary: In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago tackle a critical but often overlooked topic: Advance Care Directives. Together, they break down essential healthcare documents like living wills, medical power of attorney, and DNR orders, while sharing practical advice to empower you to take charge of your healthcare decisions. Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, this episode equips listeners with the tools needed to communicate their healthcare wishes effectively. Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your specific situation. Essential Question: What steps can we take to ensure that our healthcare decisions are honored, especially during critical moments when we may not be able to make them ourselves? Episode Highlights: What Are Advance Care Directives? Learn how these legal documents communicate your healthcare preferences and provide clarity for your family, friends, and healthcare providers. Common Healthcare Documents Explained: • Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates (Living Will): A living will that outlines your preferences for life-sustaining treatments. • Medical Power of Attorney: Designates someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. • Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate (OOH-DNR) Order: Specifies your wishes about resuscitation attempts. Note: The documents mentioned above are specific to Texas. Please consult your state’s requirements for equivalent forms. Practical Tips for Completing Advance Care Directives: • Use state-provided resources for forms and guidance. • Ensure documents are notarized and witnessed according to state laws. • Share your plans with your advocates and keep copies accessible. Digital Storage Options: Tools like My Directives and MedicAlert bracelets offer convenient ways to store and share your documents. Addressing Family Conversations: Discussing healthcare decisions with loved ones can be challenging but is vital to avoid confusion during emergencies. Recommended Resources: • Five Wishes: A comprehensive tool for discussing and documenting healthcare decisions. • Emory Center’s Critical Conditions Planning Guide: A detailed resource with hypothetical scenarios to consider. • AARP’s State-by-State Advance Directive Links: A directory for finding your state’s specific requirements. Advice for Listeners: Choose advocates who truly understand your values and wishes. Revisit your documents annually or after major life changes. Never assume—make your plans explicit to avoid burdening loved ones during difficult times. Call to Action: Take the first step today: visit AARP’s State Directory to download your state’s advance care directive forms. Share this episode with someone you care about and start the conversation about planning for the future. Connect with Thoughtful Planning: Website: Legacy Toolkit Facebook: Legacy Toolkit LinkedIn: Legacy Toolkit Resources Mentioned: My Directives MedicAlert Five Wishes Emory Center’s Critical Conditions Planning Guide Texas Advance Directives AARP’s State-by-State Advance Directive Links Thank You for Listening! Subscribe to Thoughtful Planning on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • Exploring End-of-Life Options S2EP31
    Dec 17 2024
    Summary: In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago delve into the complex and often misunderstood topics of Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) and Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED). As part of their journey in end-of-life planning, they discuss the emotional and legal intricacies of these options, providing insights to help individuals and families navigate these deeply personal decisions. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Always consult qualified professionals for your specific situation. Today’s Essential Question: What does it mean to truly have control over the way you die? And how do these options help you achieve that? Episode Highlights: Medical Aid in Dying (MAID): Legal in 11 U.S. jurisdictions as of December 2024, MAID allows terminally ill adults to self-administer prescribed medication to peacefully end their lives. Requires multiple doctor approvals, mental competency, and adherence to strict safeguards. Not all approved individuals choose to follow through; many seek peace of mind knowing they have the option. Resources: Compassion and Choices Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED): An option available without legal restrictions, allowing terminally ill or chronically ill individuals to hasten death by choosing to stop consuming food and water. Requires a strong support system, including caregivers and possibly hospice involvement. A slower process compared to MAID, often taking one to three weeks. Comparing MAID and VSED: MAID is faster and legally regulated, while VSED relies solely on individual choice and support. Both require mental competency and involve significant planning and communication with loved ones and professionals. Personal Reflections: Honey and Santiago share candid insights from their own discussions, touching on their preferences, challenges, and hopes for legislative changes in Texas. The emotional impact on families and caregivers is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of preparation and open communication. Key Takeaways from Honey and Santiago: Start having these conversations early to ensure clarity and alignment with loved ones. Document your wishes and consider recording videos to reaffirm your decisions for future reference. Explore resources like Compassion and Choices or speak to healthcare providers to better understand your options. Conclusion: This episode aims to shed light on end-of-life options, encouraging families to embrace proactive and compassionate planning. By understanding MAID and VSED, individuals can make informed choices that align with their values and needs. Connect, Subscribe & Follow Legacy Toolkit and Thoughtful Planning: Don’t forget to subscribe to Thoughtful Planning on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might find it helpful. Your legacy starts with the conversations you have today. Legacy Toolkit Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney Legacy Toolkit LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast Email: info@legacytoolkit.com Resources Mentioned: Compassion and Choices: https://compassionandchoices.org/our-issues/vsed/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • The True Cost of Not Having a Will S2EP30
    Dec 3 2024
    In this episode, Honey and Santiago visit with Jennifer Norton, founder of Norton Estate Planning and Elder Law Firm in Indianapolis, Indiana. With her expertise, Jennifer helps listeners understand the vital importance of having a will or trust and the nuances of probate. They dive into the complexities of estate planning, sharing actionable insights, real-life stories, and practical advice to make navigating this often-overwhelming process a little easier. Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Consult an estate or elder law attorney in your state for your specific situation. Today’s essential question: How important is it for you to have a will or trust? Episode Highlights: The Reality of Wills & Trusts: Jennifer explains the differences between wills and trusts, including how they guide the distribution of assets and their impact on probate processes. Probate Unveiled: What is probate, and why do many seek to avoid it? Jennifer provides a breakdown of the process and shares the potential emotional and financial costs. Real-Life Scenarios: Jennifer shares stories of how families can be affected when proper planning isn't in place, particularly in blended families or with disputes over assets. Guardianship and Minor Children: The crucial role of guardianship designations and how they protect children and their inheritance, even in the absence of a will. Debts, Assets, and Probate Fees: Who pays for outstanding debts after a death, and how can estate planning reduce the financial burden on loved ones? Benefits of a Trust-Based Plan: How trusts can avoid probate, save time, reduce costs and ensure privacy for families. Planning for Funerals and Beyond: Options like funeral pre-planning, using life insurance for funeral expenses and organizing assets to ease the burden on family members. Advice from Jennifer Norton: Organization is Key: Keep a clear record of assets, debts, and important documents to avoid a "morbid scavenger hunt." Have Difficult Conversations Early: Talk with family members about your wishes to avoid disputes later. Choose the Right Team: Select executors, trustees and guardians who are reliable and capable, even if they aren't family members. Trusts Can Save Time & Money: Although setting up a trust may seem costly upfront, it often saves significant time and expenses in the long run. Conclusion: This episode underscores the importance of proactive estate planning to secure your family’s future and peace of mind. Connect with Jennifer Norton: Website: https://www.estate-planners.org/ Phone: 317-572-8696 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nortonestateplanners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nortonestateplanners/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/norton-estate-planning-elder-law-firm-llc/ Connect, Subscribe & Follow Legacy Toolkit and Thoughtful Planning: Don't forget to subscribe to Thoughtful Planning on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review and follow us on social media for updates and more tips on end-of-life planning. Legacy Toolkit Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney Legacy Toolkit LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast Email: info@legacytoolkit.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr

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