The Legacy of Love: Estate Planning Simplified for Mothers

Sara Ecklein

If something happened to you tomorrow… would your family know what to do? Estate planning can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to keep putting it off, thinking you’ll get to it tomorrow. You know it matters, but you’re not sure who to trust or where to start. Only 1 in 3 families have an estate plan in place. That statistic is sobering when you realize death is the only guarantee in life. Not taking action can cost your family time, money, and peace. The Legacy of Love podcast simplifies estate planning for mothers in the sandwich generation—those raising children while caring for aging parents—so you can plan with confidence, ditch the overwhelm, and leave a legacy that reflects your values and your vision. Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. In each episode, you’ll: • Learn from heart-led experts what a thoughtful estate plan really includes  • Navigate hard topics like challenging family dynamics and end-of-life care • Discover practical tools beyond your estate plan to reduce overwhelm, support your decision-making, and plan comprehensively with clarity and confidence Hosted by Sara Ecklein—a Licensed Professional Fiduciary, private trustee, and mother—this podcast offers guidance that goes far beyond legal documents. Because legacy isn’t a destination; it’s a living practice that evolves as you do. Don’t wait for a crisis to start your estate plan. Start today with intention, clarity, and love. 🎧 New here? Start with Episode 53: Estate Planning 101: Moms, What You Need to Know in 15 Minutes

  1. 09/22/2025

    Feel Like You’re the Family Glue? Why You Need More Than an Estate Plan to Stop Carrying It All

    Are you the one holding everything together, from aging parents to kids, finances, and emotions, and wondering how long you can keep doing it all? You're not imagining it: the pressure on women in the "sandwich generation" is intense. In this deeply validating conversation, host, Sara Ecklein welcomes Johanna Eigen, a systems integrator for families navigating special needs, aging parents, and estate complexity. Together, they dismantle the myth that you have to manage it all yourself and offer real solutions for bringing in help before crisis hits. In this episode, you'll discover: What it truly means to "hold the center" in your family and how to stop doing it aloneHow to recognize subtle red flags before they become full blown emergenciesA practical framework for mapping your family system, so you can breathe again and start getting supportPress play to hear how to shift from burnout to supported caregiving that honors your legacy and well-being. Connect with Johanna:  jeigenlife.com LinkedIn Email: Johanna@JEigenLIFE.com Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. Download The Legacy of Love Workbook A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones. Connect with Sara on LinkedIn If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one. Disclaimer This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

    36 min
  2. 09/17/2025

    The 3 Biggest Estate Planning Mistakes I See as a Trustee (And How You Can Avoid Them)

    Are you making one of these estate planning mistakes without even realizing it? You signed the documents. You checked the box. But what if your estate plan could still fail your family when it matters most? Even the most beautifully drafted plan can unravel if key, often overlooked, steps are missed. In this episode, host Sara Ecklein, professional trustee and founder of Trust & Honor, reveals the three biggest estate planning mistakes she sees again and again and how you can avoid them with a few simple steps. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why signing documents isn’t the finish line and the next step you can take today How to choose the right people to carry out your wishes (not just the ones you feel obligated to name) The one step most people skip that renders their trust useless and how to fix it Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Press play to protect your loved ones with a plan that works. Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. Download The Legacy of Love Workbook A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones. Connect with Sara on LinkedIn If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one. Disclaimer This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

    13 min
  3. 09/15/2025

    Estate Planning 101: Moms, What You Need to Know in 15 Minutes

    Are you putting off estate planning because it feels confusing, overwhelming, or just not urgent?  If estate planning feels overwhelming, you're not alone. In this special episode, Sara distills insights from over 50 expert conversations into the clearest, most actionable guidance for women raising kids and caring for aging parents. No fluff, just the essentials that cut through the noise and help you protect what matters most.  In this episode, you'll discover:  The three essential questions your estate plan must answerThe four key documents almost every family needs to get started Why pairing planning with education is the secret sauce to an estate plan that truly works Press play to finally understand estate planning in a way that feels doable and empowering.  Referenced In this Episode:  Ep 2 with Patricia De Fonte Ep 4 with Megan Moghtaderi Ep 11 with Ali Goff Ep 28 with Jen Gumble Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. Download The Legacy of Love Workbook A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones. Connect with Sara on LinkedIn If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one. Disclaimer This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

    15 min
  4. 09/10/2025

    Did You Complete Your Estate Plan? Mom’s, Here’s How to Prepare Your Successor Trustee for the Job

    If something happened to you tomorrow, would your successor trustee know exactly what to do, or would they be left overwhelmed and unprepared? Estate planning isn't just about signing documents, it's about setting your loved ones up for clarity and peace during some of life’s hardest moments. This episode speaks directly to women balancing family and caregiving, offering practical steps to ensure your successor trustee isn’t lost in a maze when the time comes. In this episode, you will: Discover what actually happens when a successor trustee becomes activated Learn the key details your trustee needs beyond your estate planning documents Walk away with a step-by-step action plan to organize and communicate critical information now, not later Press play to learn how to create a clear roadmap that empowers your loved ones to honor your wishes with confidence and ease. Referenced in this episode: Episode with Adam Zuckerman: Innovative Tools for Estate Planning: Make Your Legacy CLEAR and Easy to Navigate DM Sara on LinkedIN for the LEGACY Framework Download Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. Download The Legacy of Love Workbook A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones. Connect with Sara on LinkedIn If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one. Disclaimer This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

    17 min
  5. 09/08/2025

    Why Pushing Your Aging Parents Into Estate Planning Doesn’t Work And What To Do Instead

    Have you tried talking to your parents about estate planning, only to be met with resistance or emotional shutdown? If you're a mom juggling caregiving, work, and your own family, these conversations can feel like walking a tightrope. In this episode, host Sara Ecklein is joined by Jill Mastroianni, former practicing estate planning attorney and host of the Death Readiness Podcast, to explore why traditional approaches often backfire and the unseen emotional dynamics at play when aging parents resist planning their future. In this episode, you’ll discover: A mindset shift that transforms hard conversations from confrontation into collaboration  The real reason your parents may seem “in denial” and what’s actually happening beneath the surface  The single most important step to take if you’re unsure whether your parents still have legal capacity to plan or what to do if it’s already too latePress play to learn how to support your aging parents with more empathy, clarity, and collaboration without pushing or power struggles. Referenced in this episode:  Episode 17: How Powers of Attorney Work, When to Use Them, and When It’s Too Late to Get One Episode 28: How to Protect Your Aging Parents and Avoid Probate Court DM Sara on LinkedIn for the Free LEGACY Framework download Connect with Jill: DeathReadiness.com The Death Readiness Podcast Email: jill@deathreadiness.com  Linkedin Facebook Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. Download The Legacy of Love Workbook A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones. Connect with Sara on LinkedIn If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one. Disclaimer This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

    34 min
  6. 09/03/2025

    Stressed Out by Caregiving? 5 Quick Tips for Moms to Reclaim Their Energy

    Between caregiving, motherhood, and the mental load of “doing it all,” it’s easy to forget your needs.  In this heart-felt, honest episode, host Sara Ecklein shares five quick and practical tips that are helping her manage stress while navigating a big life transition and how you can use them too. In this episode, you will: Learn how to find micro-moments of calm when life won’t slow downDiscover a simple mindset shift to release the pressure of perfectionUnderstand why caring for yourself is key to building a meaningful legacy Hit play now to discover 5 simple ways you can feel more resourced, grounded, and supported in the messy middle of life.  Books Referenced in this Episode: Do Less by Kate Northrop Fair Play by Eve Rodsky Boundary Boss by Terri Cole Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. Download The Legacy of Love Workbook A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones. Connect with Sara on LinkedIn If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one. Disclaimer This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

    10 min
  7. 09/01/2025

    Feeling Overwhelmed by Estate Planning? This 6-Step Framework Will Help You Start Today & Plan with Confidence

    Feeling overwhelmed by estate planning and unsure where to begin, especially while juggling kids and caring for aging parents? You’re not alone. Many delay planning because it feels too complicated, emotional, or just plain scary. But what if there was a clear, empowering path that helped you move from intention to action without the confusion? In this episode, you will:  Discover the 6 simple steps of the LEGACY Framework to guide your estate planning journeyLearn from real-life stories what not to skip and whyIdentify the next small (but powerful) action you can take today to begin your plan  Press play to finally understand what estate planning looks like when it’s rooted in love, clarity, and confidence, no legal jargon required. 👉 DM Sara on LinkedIn for your free LEGACY Framework download Referenced in this episode: Episode 2: Estate Planning With Heart: Create an Estate Plan for Your Life, Legacy, and Peace of Mind Episode 4: Planning for Peace: Estate Planning Essentials (Living Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Securing Your Legacy) Episode 15: Innovative Tools for Estate Planning: Make Your Legacy CLEAR and Easy to Navigate Episode 17: How One Conversation Transformed a Father-Daughter Relationship And What It Teaches Us About Legacy Episode 28: What Most People Get Wrong About Estate Planning—and How Education Can Protect Your Legacy Episode 46: The Power of Intention: How Moms Can Shape a Legacy That Lasts Beyond a Lifetime Episode 47: Why “Set It and Forget It” Estate Planning Is Failing Women Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. Download The Legacy of Love Workbook A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones. Connect with Sara on LinkedIn If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one. Disclaimer This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

    12 min
  8. 08/27/2025

    Think You’ve Done Enough? Why Your Estate Plan Might Still Fail the People You Love Most

    Is your estate plan truly aligned with your values, or was it just another box to check off the to-do list? Many people assume they’re “covered” because they have a will or trust in place. But without integrity—the alignment between your documents, decisions, values, and the people involved—your plan could leave behind legal messes and fractured relationships. This final episode of our three-part series on intentional planning uncovers what most families don’t realize until it’s too late: why integrity is the key to a legacy that lasts. In this episode, you’ll discover: How integrity acts as the glue that holds your plan and your legacy togetherWhy misalignment between your documents, decisions, team, and values can lead to family heartbreakWhat a real-life, integrity-filled plan looks like and how you can create that same sense of peace and clarity for your family Listen now to learn how estate planning with integrity creates a legacy defined by clarity and love. Referenced In this Episode:  The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. Download The Legacy of Love Workbook A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones. Connect with Sara on LinkedIn If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one. Disclaimer This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

    13 min

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About

If something happened to you tomorrow… would your family know what to do? Estate planning can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to keep putting it off, thinking you’ll get to it tomorrow. You know it matters, but you’re not sure who to trust or where to start. Only 1 in 3 families have an estate plan in place. That statistic is sobering when you realize death is the only guarantee in life. Not taking action can cost your family time, money, and peace. The Legacy of Love podcast simplifies estate planning for mothers in the sandwich generation—those raising children while caring for aging parents—so you can plan with confidence, ditch the overwhelm, and leave a legacy that reflects your values and your vision. Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. In each episode, you’ll: • Learn from heart-led experts what a thoughtful estate plan really includes  • Navigate hard topics like challenging family dynamics and end-of-life care • Discover practical tools beyond your estate plan to reduce overwhelm, support your decision-making, and plan comprehensively with clarity and confidence Hosted by Sara Ecklein—a Licensed Professional Fiduciary, private trustee, and mother—this podcast offers guidance that goes far beyond legal documents. Because legacy isn’t a destination; it’s a living practice that evolves as you do. Don’t wait for a crisis to start your estate plan. Start today with intention, clarity, and love. 🎧 New here? Start with Episode 53: Estate Planning 101: Moms, What You Need to Know in 15 Minutes