Legacy Planning

If You Only Knew...(Rebroadcast)

As our wisdom grows so does our passionate desire to impart this wisdom on our loved ones. After all, I think most of our wisdom was gained by some hard knocks with good stories behind them. If we are sitting here one year from today, reflecting on the last twelve months, what did you do different over that time period? What were the outcomes? Can you say you lived Life on purpose?

Gratitude Isn't Always Easy (Rebroadcast)

This week Angela discusses the importance of gratitude, especially during challenging times. She shares insights from her coach, Lee Brower, about the different levels of gratitude and how to cultivate intentional gratitude to create a positive ripple effect in the world. The episode encourages listeners to practice random acts of kindness and shift their focus from consumption to making a meaningful impact.

What Do You Want Your Story to Be? (Rebroadcast)

In this episode, Angela encourages listeners to reflect on their lives and consider whether they are living with purpose. She shares an unusual obituary as a starting point for reflection and challenges listeners to envision their own lives and legacies, urging them to take steps to align their actions with their desired stories.
Key Takeaways 💡
Reflecting on others' lives, such as through obituaries, can provide valuable insights into our own lives and help us consider our purpose. The story of Pat Stocks, a 94-year-old woman whose obituary was shared on the podcast, serves as a reminder that life is short and encourages listeners to think about what they want their own stories to be.
It's important to periodically assess whether you are living the life you truly want and to align your actions with your values and goals. Many people get caught up in the busyness of life and fail to pause and reflect on whether they are living with purpose, often ignoring the signs that they may not be on the right path.
To gain clarity on your life's purpose, imagine yourself in your favorite place during your final days, looking back on your life and consider what you want your story to be. Then, assess whether you are currently living that story and identify any areas where you need to make changes.
We offer a tool called the "LifeScore Card" on our website (https://www.kennedy-financial.com/lifescore-card) to help individuals assess different areas of their lives and identify areas for improvement. This tool can provide a more detailed and nuanced understanding of how well you are living in alignment with your desired story.
Most people only get one chance to raise their kids, enjoy their grandkids, and experience retirement, so it's crucial to live with intention and purpose. Instead of simply going through the motions, strive to live a life that reflects your values and passions.
Writing your own obituary can be a powerful exercise to gain clarity on your priorities and identify areas where you may want to make changes in your life. This exercise can reveal discrepancies between what you consider important and how you are actually spending your time and energy.
The poem "The Dash" by Linda Ellis emphasizes that the most important aspect of a person's life is not their possessions or accomplishments, but how they lived and loved during the time represented by the dash between their birth and death dates. Listeners should reflect on whether they would be proud of how they spent their dash.

Where Are You Getting Advice?

In this episode, Angela discusses the importance of seeking sound advice and avoiding common pitfalls. She shares humorous anecdotes of bad advice and emphasizes the need to be cautious about the voices influencing our decisions. Angela highlights the significance of having a trusted team of professionals to address various aspects of life planning, including business, finances, and legacy.
Key Takeaways 💡
It is important to be mindful of the sources of advice we receive and how they impact our decisions, not only in faith but also in relationships, raising children, business, and financial matters. There is a lot of advice available on every topic, but it's crucial to discern whether it's accurate and appropriate for your specific situation, especially with the rise of AI and readily available information on the internet.
Relying solely on a single professional, even a trusted one, can lead to gaps and overlaps in financial plans because they may not have a holistic view or the necessary expertise in all areas. It is important to ensure that the professional is equipped with the right tools and knowledge to provide comprehensive guidance, as even well-intentioned professionals can give bad advice if they lack expertise in a particular area.
Bad advice from even skilled professionals can stem from two main reasons: they may not know what they don't know, leading them to offer advice outside their expertise, or the right questions are not being asked, resulting in a limited or biased perspective. For instance, asking a banker how to pay for a business succession plan may lead to solutions involving banking products, while a broader approach might consider tax benefits, insurance, or alternative funding methods.
As financial situations grow more complex, individuals outgrow the need for a single professional and require a team of experts, with a quarterback to lead the charge and coordinate efforts. The role of a life planner is to help individuals define what it means for them to live life on purpose, understand their future goals, current situation, family dynamics, and feelings about risk and money, and then identify the right professionals to involve at the appropriate times.
When seeking advice for business, money, or legacy matters, it's beneficial to consult with a life planner first to help formulate the right questions and avoid costly mistakes down the road. Life planners can help identify holes in financial plans, determine which professionals need to be involved, and ultimately guide individuals towards living life on purpose.

Should You Have a Family Meeting?

In this episode Angela discusses the importance of having family meetings, especially as children grow older and move out. She emphasizes the need for proactive communication within families to address important life decisions, end-of-life wishes, and potential conflicts that may arise after a parent's passing. She also encourages families to have open and honest conversations to ensure continued harmony and support.
Key Takeaways 💡
Family meetings are often perceived negatively due to past experiences, but they become increasingly important as children leave home to proactively address family matters, rather than reactively dealing with issues as they arise. Husbands and wives, despite living together, often spend significant time apart, leading to independent thoughts and goals that may not be communicated effectively, highlighting the need for open discussions.
It is important to openly discuss life wishes, such as preferences for end-of-life care, to avoid potential conflicts among family members, as assumptions about what a parent wants can lead to disagreements. Children need to hear directly from their parents about their wishes, ensuring everyone is on the same page and minimizing the risk of disputes after the parents are gone.
Parents should consider the potential impact of their decisions on family relationships after they are gone, as disagreements over estate money and end-of-life wishes can cause dysfunction and hardship among siblings and other relatives. Taking the initiative to communicate these decisions can foster wisdom and prevent future conflicts, ensuring the family remains united.
It is crucial to have a plan in place for long-term care assistance, including who will make medical and financial decisions if the parents are unable to do so, to avoid burdening children with difficult choices. Communicating these plans and wishes can alleviate stress and potential conflicts among family members, especially when differing financial situations and opinions exist.
Naming one child as the executor of an estate can create added pressure and potential resentment among siblings, especially if they have busy lives or differing financial needs. It is important to discuss these roles and responsibilities openly to avoid overburdening one child and causing conflict among the others.
Families should discuss potential tragedies, such as the death of a child, to ensure that guardians are in place for any young grandchildren and that the grandparents' desire to see them is known. Proactive communication can turn potential stress, tension, and disarray into a proactive approach that strengthens family relationships and ensures everyone is prepared for unforeseen circumstances.
When conducting family meetings, it may be beneficial to initially exclude in-laws, ex-laws, and outlaws to focus on the immediate family's boundaries and concerns. If you are struggling with how to have these conversations, seek guidance to help your family continue to live life on purpose and prevent family relationships from crumbling after you are gone.

Thinking About Gifting to Your Children?

This week Angela discusses the complexities and risks involved in gifting significant assets to children, such as land or businesses. She emphasizes the importance of proper planning and professional advice to avoid costly tax consequences and unintended liabilities. The episode focuses particularly on the tax implications of gifting versus inheriting assets and the importance of understanding cost basis.
Key Takeaways 💡
Many parents consider gifting significant assets like land, money, or business interests to their children as they age, but often do so without seeking comprehensive advice, which can lead to costly mistakes. Even when advice is sought, it is frequently from professionals who may not have a holistic understanding of estate and tax planning, resulting in overlooked risks.
Gifting assets without proper planning can expose the family to various risks including lawsuits, creditor claims, divorce risks affecting gifted assets, business liabilities of the recipient, and strained family relationships. Additionally, gifting can unintentionally disinherit grandchildren or transfer assets to unintended parties, such as a new spouse of a child’s widow(er).
One of the most significant and common financial pitfalls of gifting assets is the increase in taxes, particularly due to the transfer of the original cost basis to the recipient. When a gifted asset is sold, the recipient pays capital gains tax based on the original purchase price, which can be much higher than if the asset was inherited.
Cost basis is the original value of an asset for tax purposes, usually the purchase price minus any depreciation taken. When an asset is gifted, the recipient inherits the donor’s cost basis, meaning they may face large capital gains taxes upon sale. In contrast, if the asset is inherited after the donor’s death, the cost basis is stepped up to the asset’s fair market value at the time of death, potentially eliminating capital gains tax if sold immediately.
This difference in cost basis treatment between gifting and inheritance can result in significant tax savings if assets are held until death rather than gifted during life. For example, land purchased decades ago often has a very low cost basis compared to its current market value, so gifting it can trigger large capital gains taxes for the recipient upon sale.
Even if the family does not plan to sell the gifted assets, the cost basis remains important for other reasons, such as depreciation recapture on inherited rental properties or equipment. Inherited assets receive a stepped-up basis, allowing heirs to depreciate the asset anew, which can provide substantial income tax savings over time.
Farmers and ranchers may not realize they can depreciate certain components of their land, such as nutrients, which can offer additional tax benefits. This is an often-overlooked opportunity that can improve cash flow and reduce tax burdens across generations.
Angela stresses the importance of not making gifting decisions alone or without thorough professional guidance. While gifting can be beneficial in some cases, it must be done strategically to avoid unintended tax consequences and other risks. There are creative planning strategies available to mitigate these issues, especially in states like Texas.
The podcast concludes with a reminder that tax laws are complex and constantly changing, and that even accountants and tax professionals may not have complete knowledge of all relevant details. Therefore, a holistic life planning approach involving multiple professionals is essential to protect family wealth and minimize tax liabilities.

The Griever's To-Do List (Rebroadcast)

This episode focuses on the importance of life planning to prepare for unforeseen circumstances like illness or death. Through the story of Maria and her husband Tom, the episode highlights the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges faced by families without proper planning.
Key Takeaways 💡
The episode emphasizes the importance of taking action to prepare for unforeseen life events, such as illness or death, to reduce the burden on loved ones. Angela encourages listeners to reflect on their responsibilities and take proactive steps to care for their families.
Maria's story illustrates the challenges of navigating life after her husband Tom suffered a severe stroke, which left him physically impaired and behaviorally changed. Their retirement dreams were disrupted, and Maria had to manage alone, highlighting the unpredictability of life.
Maria faced a steep learning curve in managing financial and estate matters after Tom's passing, despite having a financial cushion from selling their business. This underscores the need for a comprehensive retirement and estate plan.
The episode discusses the limitations of Medicare and health insurance, which often do not cover long-term care needs. Maria had to navigate the complexities of Medicare, Medicaid, and out-of-pocket expenses during a health crisis.
Financial planning challenges included managing the proceeds from their business sale, understanding tax implications, and dealing with inflation's impact on savings. Maria also had to make difficult decisions about social security and her late husband's belongings.
The emotional and logistical burden of funeral planning and addressing her own future needs led Maria to realize the importance of having a plan in place. The episode stresses that planning is a gift that provides peace and allows survivors to thrive.
Angela encourages listeners to consider what should be on their 'griever's to-do list' to avoid placing unnecessary burdens on family members during difficult times. Proactive planning can ease the challenges faced by survivors.

Paralyzed by Estate Planning

This episode focuses on estate and legacy planning. Angela discusses the challenges of estate planning, including procrastination and complexity, and provides actionable steps to simplify the process using a structured approach.
Key Takeaways 💡
Angela highlights that 68% of Americans lack a valid Will, with procrastination being a major factor, especially among those earning over $80,000 annually. She emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue to avoid leaving loved ones unprepared.
The concept of a legacy planning process is introduced to help individuals navigate the complexities of estate planning. Angela stresses that taking the first step and engaging actively in the process is key to overcoming procrastination.
Angela presents the acronym W.W.T.C. (Who Gets What, When, and Under What Terms and Conditions) as a simple framework for estate planning. She encourages listeners to jot down their thoughts without overthinking to make the process less intimidating.
Listeners are advised to start estate planning by identifying 'who' they want to include in their estate.
The next step is determining 'what' each person or cause will receive. Angela advises being specific about allocations without worrying about equal distribution at this stage.
Angela discusses the importance of deciding 'when' beneficiaries will have access to their inheritance, distinguishing between access and outright ownership. She also addresses common fears about how beneficiaries might use their inheritance.
The 'terms and conditions' for each beneficiary are explored, with Angela acknowledging that family dynamics can complicate these decisions. She encourages listeners to document their concerns and wishes to ensure clarity.
Angela shares a story about Sister Mary to illustrate the importance of taking action in estate planning, even if the approach is unconventional. This underscores the need to prioritize planning to avoid future complications.
The episode concludes with Angela emphasizing that estate planning is an act of love for those left behind. She encourages listeners to use the provided tools to ensure their wishes are honored and family conflicts are minimized.

Understanding How Other Generations Think About Money

There is an ongoing disconnect between generations and the way they think about a lot of things, including money. This is evident in any family, so the good news is that you are not alone.
 
About the Podcast 🎙
Angela discusses generational perspectives on money, exploring how different generations approach finances, savings, and legacy planning. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences to foster better communication and financial planning within families.
Key Takeaways 💡
The Silent Generation's financial habits were shaped by the Great Depression and World War II, leading to frugality, hoarding, and a reluctance to discuss money. This lack of communication often leaves heirs unprepared for managing their financial legacies.
Baby Boomers, influenced by their parents' experiences, often prefer to spend their wealth rather than leave it behind. Despite being the wealthiest generation, many lack proper financial legacy planning and face health issues that necessitate long-term care planning.
Millennials, shaped by a spending culture and their parents' financial support, now make up 75% of the global workforce. They prioritize work-life balance but often struggle with saving for retirement and rely on diverse, sometimes unreliable, sources for financial advice.
Gen X, often overlooked, is characterized by self-reliance and skepticism due to challenges like student loans and the Great Recession. Many are now at their peak earning age but feel unprepared for retirement, with a significant portion lacking a retirement plan.
Gen Z, despite their youth, shows a proactive approach to finances, with 54% holding investments. However, they face challenges with information overload and need guidance to make informed financial decisions.
Understanding generational financial perspectives can help families break cycles of misunderstanding and foster better communication. Angela emphasizes the importance of making money serve individuals rather than the other way around.

Are We There Yet? (Rebroadcast)

What is it about our minds that make us more impatient the closer we get to our goal? We all want to get where we are going “yesterday.” The problem sometimes develops that we become so focused on “getting there,” that we forget to be a human being in the midst of it. We become a human doing instead.
 
 
About the Podcast 🎙
This episode explores the importance of living intentionally and enjoying the journey of life rather than rushing toward goals. Angela reflects on themes like impatience, the overwhelming nature of to-do lists, and the need to prioritize meaningful experiences over tasks.
Key Takeaways 💡
Impatience is a universal experience, whether in children eagerly awaiting a destination or adults anticipating significant life events like retirement. This impatience often detracts from enjoying the present moment.
People often become so focused on achieving their goals that they forget to enjoy the journey, turning into 'human doings' rather than 'human beings.' This mindset can lead to stress and a lack of fulfillment.
The overwhelming nature of to-do lists and societal pressure to accomplish tasks can prevent individuals from appreciating life. Proactive life planning, such as budgeting and estate planning, can help alleviate this stress.
Life humbles individuals as they age, prompting a reevaluation of priorities. True fulfillment comes from embracing meaningful moments and relationships rather than merely completing tasks.
The fast pace of modern life, driven by technology and multitasking, often detracts from quality time with loved ones. Reflecting on screen time and being more intentional with technology can help reclaim meaningful experiences.
Slowing down to appreciate the present moment is essential.
Angela introduces a new approach to life planning, focusing on tools and challenges to help listeners live purposefully rather than adding more resolutions to their to-do lists.
Visualizing one's last day on earth and considering potential regrets can provide clarity on what truly matters. Reflecting on life goals and aligning actions with values is crucial for living intentionally.
Creating a daily habit to identify and embrace priorities can help individuals stay aligned with their values. Simple reminders or rituals can reinforce intentional living.
The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to ask themselves daily how they will embrace their priorities, emphasizing the importance of living with purpose and intention.

Why Haven't You Updated Your Estate Plan?

Updating your estate plan may be hard. Scratch that. It will be hard. Family dynamics aren’t always easy. And when you add money to the equation, well...it can change everything and not always for the better.
 
About the Episode 🎙
Angela discusses the complexities of estate planning, focusing on family dynamics, fairness versus equality, and the importance of proactive communication. She shares a cautionary tale to highlight the consequences of procrastination and offers actionable advice for addressing common estate planning challenges.
Key Takeaways 💡
Procrastination in updating estate plans often stems from emotional or family-related issues rather than financial concerns. Angela emphasizes that excuses for delaying estate planning are just that—excuses.
Family dysfunction, such as substance abuse, divorce, or poor decision-making, can complicate estate planning. Angela advises against appointing multiple family members as trustees to avoid conflicts during the estate settlement process.
Fairness and equality in asset distribution can be challenging, especially when children have differing life circumstances. Angela highlights the importance of addressing these issues openly to prevent misunderstandings.
A cautionary tale illustrates the consequences of delaying estate planning. A father’s failure to communicate his intentions led to tragic outcomes, including his son’s substance abuse relapse and his daughter’s heartbreak.
Angela stresses the importance of saying 'no' to children with substance abuse issues and including specific language in trusts to ensure their needs are met responsibly. Professional guidance can help manage these situations effectively.
Facing difficult family dynamics head-on is crucial to prevent negative consequences after one’s passing. Avoiding these issues can lead to discord and unfulfilled legacies.
Estate planning is not just about money but about leaving a meaningful legacy. Angela encourages listeners to ensure their legacy is honored and celebrated positively, rather than allowing financial matters to create family discord.
Surrounding oneself with knowledgeable professionals is essential for addressing complex family and financial situations. These experts can provide valuable support in areas like financial management and substance abuse recovery.

Your Digital Legacy

The loss of a loved one can be a difficult time for someone. And not knowing the details associated with their loved one’s digital legacy can make an already challenging time potentially more difficult and more expensive. Kate Hufnagel, The Digital Wrangler, joins us this week to share some tips.