The Red Wagon Estate Planning & Elder Law Show

Jeffrey Bellomo
  • 5.0 (10)
  • How To
  • Weekly

Hosted by Jeffrey Bellomo, Esq., CELA, LLM, and over 20 years of experience practicing in estate planning. We'll discuss all things Estate Planning and Law. Our mission is to help educate so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to you. We hope to answer your most burning questions and support you with a solution to estate planning that works for you and your loved ones.

  1. Oct 22

    Grief, Loss, and Legacy: Estate Planning Protects the People You Love

    Most of us think of estate planning as legal documents, tax considerations, and the protection of assets. When handled properly, estate planning is all those things. But there is another, more personal component to planning that is often overlooked. Estate planning can protect your grieving family from unnecessary stress, conflict, and difficult decisions while helping to ensure that your legacy lives on as you intended. What if you died suddenly without a Will or other planning documents in place? While dealing with profound loss and grief, your family would be forced to sort out a thousand details with banks, funeral homes, the court system, insurance companies, creditors, and others. Is anyone prepared to handle that? What if family members disagree? The uncertainty, chaos, and emotional toll of a sudden loss can overwhelm even the strongest families when they are unprepared and grieving.   Jeffrey Bellomo draws on decades of professional experience and his own family's history to illustrate how thoughtful planning and clear communication can reduce stress, avoid disagreement, and even bring comfort following the loss of a loved one.   WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (00:00) Episode introduction  (03:40) What if? Estate planning is an act of love (05:44) How grief affects judgment, stress, and family dynamics (07:51) Intestate succession, probate, and dying without a will  (09:04) Planning removes unnecessary stress from the grieving process  (11:42) Organized information and documents result from planning (13:04) Planning is about protecting people in addition to assets (15:24) What estate planning documents actually accomplish (16:37) Your legacy is more than money (17:44) What do you really want to leave behind? (21:10) Review and communicate your estate plan (24:13) The greatest gift you can give your family    ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language. Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Learn more about Olivia's House, a grief and loss center for children, at https://www.oliviashouse.org/ Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/ Life Care Planning The Three Secrets of Estate Planning Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390. Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/ X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/ Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

  2. Oct 8

    Smart Asset Protection: Building a Financial Foundation for Your Family

    Jeffrey Bellomo and attorney Tim Sechler explain how smart planning for asset protection can ensure that your hard-earned savings, property, and resources are passed to your beneficiaries upon your death. In short, asset protection can provide a significant leg up for your family and create a foundation for generational wealth.  A simple Will can only do so much, and there are dozens of trusts designed for dozens of objectives. But when you learn from an experienced estate planning and elder law attorney, you'll see that the right trust can provide flexibility, tax advantages, and protection from long-term care costs while also allowing you to retain significant control of your assets while you're still alive.  We hope you'll join us. For more Tim Sechler, check out our July 30, 2026, episode. And keep an eye out for future episodes featuring Tim and Jeff. In the meantime, Bellomo & Associates and the Sechler Law Firm both emphasize client education and encourage you to attend their free, no-obligation workshops.    SERVICE AREA AND WORKSHOPS The Sechler Law Firm primarily serves Butler, Cranberry Township, New Castle, Pittsburgh, Somerset, Wexford, and Warrendale. Learn more - Sechler Law Firm free workshops With offices in Lancaster and York, PA, Bellomo & Associates primarily serves families in York, Lancaster, Hanover, Harrisburg and Hershey. Learn more - Bellomo & Associates free workshops   WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (00:00) Introduction: Asset Protection  (03:57) Terminology matters – planning for desired outcomes  (06:31) Estate planning can protect from long term care costs (08:41) The typical irrevocable trust is a tax trust, not a grantor trust (09:45) A pure irrevocable grantor trust is an asset protection trust (10:47) Benefit: Retain control of your assets    (11:48) Benefit: Flexible, tax favorable  (13:27) Crisis planning is do-able, but risky and less protective     (18:16) Choosing the appropriate tool for asset protection (20:56) Can the trustee also be the grantor? (25:18) Would you rather have a tool and not need it, or not have it and need it?   ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language. Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/ Life Care Planning The Three Secrets of Estate Planning Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390. Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/ X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/ Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

  3. Sep 24

    The Coordination Crisis: Estate Planning's Biggest Problems

    Jeffrey Bellomo explores what he calls "the coordination crisis" in estate planning. While a crisis can be revealed in different ways, it often happens when members of a family and their various hired professionals aren't communicating effectively or working from the same playbook. As a result, disconnected professionals, outdated plans, and even simple assumptions can cause big problems and leave families vulnerable to the loss of assets. As Jeff says, "The biggest mistake is assuming that somebody else is handling it or assuming that the professional that we are talking to knows everything about everything." Through a powerful real-life story, he explains why financial advisors, attorneys, health care providers, and families should honor respective areas of expertise. Along the way, Jeff illustrates the importance of coordinated planning, assigned responsibilities, and conscientious preparation in successful estate planning.  Watch for Jeff's forthcoming book, "The Coordination Crisis." A Fork in the Road by Jeffrey R. Bellomo and Daniel D. Hill   WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (00:00) Introduction: The Coordination Crisis (03:30) Poor coordination causes the biggest estate planning problems  (06:00) Why professionals should stay in their own lanes (08:24) How advice can cost families money (15:16) Why professionals must stay in their own lanes (18:03) Unfunded trusts, beneficiary mistakes, and outdated plans (21:22) Coordination, responsibility, and preparation matter   ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language. Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/ Life Care Planning The Three Secrets of Estate Planning Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390. Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/ X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/ Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

  4. Sep 10

    The Beware of Series Pt. 2: I'll Fix It Later

    Jeffrey Bellomo continues his "Beware of Series" by challenging more common assumptions that can derail your best intentions for estate planning. Too many of us assume that we do not need to update the documents we had drawn up years ago or that we can figure out an estate plan when the need arises. And that's why too often families are left without the flexibility they thought they had, or never knew they wanted. By definition, planning is preparation, forethought, groundwork—it's something that you do before it's needed, because the future is not set. Think about your goals. What are your desired outcomes? Planning makes sure that your attorneys, financial advisors, accountants, family members, and others are all in sync. Planning isn't about predicting the future, it's about preserving choice and flexibility when the future arrives. If you missed it, see our previous episode, "The Beware of Series, Part 1: Assumptions Can Be Costly" and watch for more detail on related topics in Jeffrey Bellomo's upcoming book, THE COORDINATION CRISIS.   What You Need to Know (00:00) Introduction: The Beware of Series, Part 2 (02:58) Beware: The documents are done; I'm all set (05:43) Beware: Comparing this Trust (or Will) with that Trust (or Will) (08:53) Beware: My existing Power of Attorney will work when I need it (11:30) Beware: Estate planning can begin upon death (13:38) Beware: Knowing professionals constitutes an estate plan (15:29) Beware: I don't need help with estate planning (16:39) Beware: My documents constitute a complete plan (17:40) Beware: All I need is a Will (19:56) Beware: One-size-fits-all estate planning (22:09) The purpose of planning is to preserve choice and flexibility in the future   ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language. Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/ Life Care Planning The Three Secrets of Estate Planning Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390. Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/ X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/ Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

  5. Aug 27

    The Beware of Series Pt. 1: Assumptions Can Be Costly

    In Part 1 of "The Beware of Series," Jeffrey Bellomo challenges many of the assumptions that can sabotage your family's estate plan. Even with the best intentions, family members and legal professionals can fail to create a comprehensive plan based on the family's goals. They can fail to use an appropriate range of planning tools. They can fail to keep plans updated over time. They can fail to protect assets in a way that preserves choice and flexibility before and after death. This valuable series, inspired by Jeff's soon-to-be-released book, can help you avoid common assumptions and costly mistakes. He discusses what to look for in a law firm, why you should not rely only on Medicaid crisis planning, the importance of coordination and communication among the family and their legal professionals, and how assumptions about the future can be risky and reckless. Watch for Part 2 of this series as well as Jeff's upcoming book: THE COORDINATION CRISIS.   WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (00:00) Introduction: The Beware of Series (03:40) Beware: We do that, too (07:41) Beware: We are cheaper than they are  (10:10) Beware: You don't need a trust (12:47) Beware: Crystal ball law    (17:11) Beware: One-size-fits-all estate planning  (20:47) Beware: The dusty binder on the shelf  (22:28) Beware: The kids will work it out      ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language. Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/ Life Care Planning The Three Secrets of Estate Planning Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390. Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/ X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/ Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

  6. Aug 13

    Coordinated Estate Planning: Preparing Your Family Hero

    What does it mean to be a fiduciary, power of attorney, proxy, executor, or trustee? Attorney Jeffrey Bellomo explains why estate planning documents and powers are only as effective as the people who execute them. The key is to coordinate planning and prepare someone, a family hero, who understands the role, the family's wishes, practical details, and the boundaries of their authority. You'll learn how important communication is for a family when estate planning. Good communication helps the family hero avoid confusion, family conflict, and costly mistakes. Jeff also discusses the benefits of The Red Wagon Club and how The Family Hero Workshop evolved while he was working on his upcoming book, THE COORDINATION CRISIS.   WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (00:00) What does it mean to be a fiduciary, power of attorney (PoA), executor, or trustee? (03:15) The Red Wagon Club and The Fiduciary Workshop (05:28) The Family Hero Workshop prepares the family hero (08:24) The role of the family hero (10:28) Estate planning binders aren't enough (11:59) Planning is "love made visible," but should PoA be given early?  (16:23) What should family members know about your wishes? (17:49) The problem with forced distributions    (18.58) Clear communication can prevent confusion and family conflict (22:27) What are the risks or liability for the fiduciary? (24:01) Families and professionals need to coordinate planning (26:04) Prepare your family's hero   ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language. Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/ Life Care Planning The Three Secrets of Estate Planning Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390. Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/ X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/ Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

  7. Jul 30

    Best Practices in Estate Planning: New Ideas Result in Win-Win for Attorneys and Clients

    Host Jeffrey Bellomo and guest Tim Sechler of the Sechler Law Firm explain why traditional estate planning consultations often leave families confused and facing overwhelming legal fees. As an alternative, both of their law firms use free group workshops to make sophisticated estate planning easier to understand and more affordable for clients.  Similarly, Jeff and Tim employ a game-changing "fully loaded toolbox" approach to estate planning so that their clients are sure to have the right plans in place to protect their families.  This is a terrific behind-the-scenes look at how Jeff and Tim continue to pursue, develop, and share best practices that strengthen their businesses and serve the best interests of their clients.   The Sechler Law Firm is headquartered in Warrendale (PA) with satellite offices in the Pittsburgh area. To sign up for Tim's workshops, visit https://sechlerlawfirm.com/ or call (724) 841-1393.   WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (00:00) Introduction: Tim Sechler of the Sechler Law Firm (03:19) How Tim's personal experience shaped his career   (06:10) The problem with traditional client decision making   (08:49) Workshops improve decision making and reduce estate planning costs  (11:26) Like-minded attorneys sharing best practices   (13:56) How "good, better, best" options create confusion   (15:42) The game-changing "fully loaded toolbox" approach to estate planning   (18:50) Increasing efficiency and cutting costs by more than 50%  (22:40) A win-win and renewed enthusiasm for helping people    ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language. Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/ Life Care Planning The Three Secrets of Estate Planning Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390. Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/ X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/ Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

  8. Jul 16

    Running the Extra Miles: Rethinking Physical Therapy for Runners

    This one falls into the "anything else we want to talk about category," as Jeff tells the story of how chronic pain nearly derailed his running goals. After dropping 100 pounds and finishing his first marathon, Jeff developed knee and shin pain that traditional therapies could not fix.  Enter Bonnie Wilder, DPT, the physical therapist and coach behind Running the Extra Miles. Dr. Wilder showed Jeff that his debilitating pain cycle would continue as long as he only addressed his symptoms. Instead, her work with Jeff focused on biomechanics and the root cause of his knee and shin pain.  As a runner and Division 1 athlete, Dr. Wilder knows from experience that recurring injuries and setbacks can be frustrating. As a result, she has developed an evidence-based approach to efficient, personalized rehab and training. You can connect with Dr. Wilder and Running the Extra Miles via email (preferred) and the social media channels below: Email: connect@runningtheextramiles.com @bonniewilder.dpt on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok   WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (00:00) Introduction: Bonnie Wilder, DPT  (02:28) Physical therapist and run coach   (05:30) From D1 athlete to marathoner   (07:00) Reaching thousands of runners with virtual PT  (09:31) How Jeff found relief from chronic knee and shin pain  (11:44) Personal experience meets PT meets entrepreneurship  (14:10) Biomechanics and fixing the root cause of pain   (16:12) Progressive overload and updating therapies as needs change    (17:53) Rethinking traditional running therapies  (19:41) A public journey and a public thank you  (20:50) How to reach Dr. Bonnie Wilder and Running the Extra Miles  (22:07) Providing inspiration for runners everywhere    ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language. Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/ Life Care Planning The Three Secrets of Estate Planning Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390. Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/ X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/ Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

See All (158)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Hosted by Jeffrey Bellomo, Esq., CELA, LLM, and over 20 years of experience practicing in estate planning. We'll discuss all things Estate Planning and Law. Our mission is to help educate so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to you. We hope to answer your most burning questions and support you with a solution to estate planning that works for you and your loved ones.

Information

You Might Also Like