Life Planning

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.

Finding Peace in Turbulent Times (Rebroadcast)

The water in life gets rough from time to time. When we take our eyes off of the horizon, we tend to suffer. And like being sea sick, you may feel that you probably aren’t going to recover until your feet hit dry land. This week we share some tips to help you find peace during turbulent times.

No Time to Die (Rebroadcast)

Like the title of a James Bond movie, we live in a day and age where it can seem like there is no time to die. There seems to be so many obligations that need our attention. Do you care about your family? Then you don’t want to miss this week’s episode of Life Planning 101.

What Isn't New in D.C.?

This week, Angela discusses key financial and legislative updates, including the Corporate Transparency Act, Social Security Fairness Act, Secure Act 2.0, the impact of executive orders on financial markets, and more.
 
Key Takeaways 💡
The Corporate Transparency Act, though not currently enforced, could impose significant fines and prison time for non-compliance. A new rule is expected by March 21st, and Congress is discussing potential changes or elimination of the act, which could benefit businesses.
The Social Security Fairness Act addresses unfair provisions like the windfall elimination provision and government pension offset, benefiting 3.2 million people retroactively from January 2024. Listeners are encouraged to check their eligibility for potential benefits.
The Secure Act 2.0 introduces automatic enrollment in retirement plans and increased catch-up contributions for employees aged 60-62, effective in 2025. These changes provide an opportunity to maximize retirement savings.
Executive orders are creating uncertainty in financial markets, with reactions depending on whether policies are pro-business. Angela emphasizes the importance of seeking opportunities amidst the chaos and adapting to the evolving landscape.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 faces slow progress for extension in Congress due to political strategies and reconciliation bill complications. Angela highlights the implications for business deductions, tax brackets, and the challenges of balancing the budget.
Angela stresses the urgency of addressing the debt ceiling and the limited timeframe Congress has to achieve proposed goals. It's important to stay informed about tax cuts and legislative changes through reliable resources.
Listeners are urged to adapt to inevitable changes and find growth opportunities, quoting Jack Canfield. Proactive planning is recommended to navigate the ongoing changes from Washington.

Are You Taking Your Financial Supplements? (Rebroadcast)

Recently I was speaking with a client about how important it is to take preventative measures in regard to health - eating right, exercising, and taking the right supplements. It is just as important that we take preventative measures in regard to our finances - planning for the worst-case and best-case scenarios, exercising good financial habits, and revisiting your plan on a regular basis to make necessary changes.

Family Disaster Planning (Rebroadcast)

You have great power over the destiny of your family. In fact, you have the ability save your family… or destroy it. Too many of us make all the excuses in the world to not work on our estate plan or just throw darts at an attorney, get documents in place, and say we have one. Neither of these add up to a Family Disaster Plan.

Getting in Financial Shape

Getting in financial shape is tough. The problem with getting in financial shape is that most people don’t really give it a go until the pain is bad enough. Here’s a news flash…this is not good!
 
About the Podcast 🎙
Angela discusses the challenges of achieving financial stability and compares it to physical fitness. The episode focuses on the importance of discipline, prioritization, and long-term planning to improve financial health. Angela shares insights, real-life examples, and actionable tips to motivate listeners to take control of their financial future.
Key Takeaways 💡
Angela highlights the common struggle with New Year's resolutions, particularly in fitness and financial goals, noting that many people fail to follow through as the year progresses.
Financial fitness, like physical fitness, requires effort, discipline, and a focus on various areas such as budgeting, estate planning, retirement readiness, and asset protection.
Achieving financial goals is a long-term process that often requires individuals to reach a point where the pain of not changing outweighs the pain of making changes.
Many people only take financial action during significant life events or crises, which is not ideal for long-term stability.
Angela emphasizes that financial stability requires prioritization and commitment, and excuses for inaction are not valid.
Listeners are encouraged to identify what they need to do to prioritize financial stability, such as using reminders of loved ones or seeking accountability from others.
Listeners are encouraged to find motivation to improve their financial situation and are directed to the organization's website for additional resources.

Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days (Rebroadcast)

More than just lyrics to a song, these words really hit home. The only way our country and our world will get better is by each of us starting in our own homes and own communities. It starts with us. There are people and things that you hold very dear to your heart. Take some time this week to write them down and share them with your family. This week we revisit our most downloaded podcast of all time.
 
About the Podcast 🎙
This episode explores the concept of addressing life's 'messes' to live purposefully. The discussion covers themes like personal fulfillment, managing priorities, and finding one's destiny, with practical advice for achieving balance and internal happiness.
Key Takeaways 💡
Life's 'messes,' like a cluttered garage, can cause stress and overwhelm, and addressing them is essential for moving forward and living purposefully. Many people fail to achieve New Year's resolutions due to a lack of planning and accountability.
Angela uses a metaphor of driving with a visor down to illustrate how people often avoid focusing on the big picture and instead get caught up in daily clutter, preventing them from achieving larger life goals.
The song 'Grandpa, Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days' reflects nostalgia for simpler times and societal changes. Angela connects its themes to modern issues, such as the loss of clear moral boundaries, and encourages listeners to focus on making positive changes in the present.
Living in one's calling leads to internal joy, and being present is crucial for happiness. Addressing past messes and future uncertainties allows individuals to fully engage in the present and live intentionally.
True happiness stems from internal fulfillment rather than material possessions. Listeners are encouraged to visualize their ideal life and build it around internal joy, following John Maxwell's advice to 'begin with the end in mind.'
The concept of 'unacceptable regrets' is introduced, emphasizing the importance of addressing them to avoid future disappointment. Progress, rather than perfection, is key to feeling successful.
A practical tool for maintaining balance is focusing on three key areas of life each day. This approach helps avoid overwhelm and ensures attention to priorities like work, family, and personal growth.
The episode concludes with a reflective poem about perseverance and striving for goals, along with a blessing from Romans 15:13.

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.

What is Your Money For?

Your money should help you pursue your objective. That purpose may be different for everyone, but how your money relates to it should be the same. Your plan should include well-defined core values, a written statement of financial purpose, and a purposeful financial plan.

How Do You Live Your Best Life?

Your core values should serve as the foundation for your entire life. Instead of just living on a whim, or going through the motions, or doing things simply because the world tells you that’s what you should be doing, your core values should sit firmly in the driver’s seat of your life.

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?