Plan for This Podcast – Full Episodes

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Plan for This Podcast – Full Episodes Welcome to the Plan for This Podcast playlist—the complete library of episodes dedicated to making estate planning, wil...

  1. MAR 2

    Can Your Kids Ignore Your Medical Directive? Plan for This Podcast

    What happens when a written “Do Not Intubate” order meets a hospital hallway filled with emotion? In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron analyze a powerful scene from The Pitt to explore one of the most difficult end-of-life decisions families face: whether to honor a parent’s written medical directive or attempt life-extending intervention in a crisis. The episode breaks down advanced healthcare directives, fiduciary responsibility, and the emotional conflict adult children experience when faced with letting a parent go. Marguerite explains why documents alone are not enough, you must appoint the right healthcare agent, someone capable of honoring your wishes even when emotions are high. They discuss: Do Not Intubate vs. emotional override The legal authority of written medical directives How children can unintentionally act for themselves instead of as fiduciaries Why professional healthcare agents may protect family relationships The difference between cure and comfort End-of-life planning is not about giving up. It is about sovereignty, dignity, and protecting the people you love from future conflict. If this episode resonates with you, share it with your family and start the conversation before crisis makes the decision for you. Welcome to the *Plan for This Podcast*—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, caregiving, and financial preparedness. Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most. 📌 In this episode: 00:00 – The Hospital Scene That Sparked This Discussion 01:10 – What “Do Not Intubate” Really Means 03:00 – Can Children Override Written Wishes? 05:00 – Fiduciary Duty vs. Emotional Decision Making 07:30 – When Adult Children Can’t Let Go 09:45 – Why Documents Alone Are Not Enough 10:25 – Choosing the Right Healthcare Agent 12:22 – Should You Appoint a Professional? 14:08 – Protecting Sibling Relationships 16:33 – Cure vs. Comfort: Hospice and Palliative Care 18:00 – A Graceful Exit and Final Reflections ✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel: - Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more) - Executor and trustee responsibilities explained - Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning - Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis 👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ Because when life asks, *“Did you plan for this?”*—you’ll be ready. #EstatePlanning #AdvancedHealthcareDirective #DoNotIntubate #EndOfLifePlanning #FiduciaryDuty #PlanForThis #HealthcareAgent

    19 min

  2. FEB 23

    Why a 100-Year-Old’s Story is the Ultimate Warning for Your Retirement

    Is your retirement fund ready for a $36,000 monthly bill? In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite Lorenz welcomes "Bow Tie" Tom Summers, an independent insurance agent, to pull back the curtain on the staggering costs of aging in California. Using the real-world example of Tom’s 100-year-old mother, they break down the math of 24/7 home care—which can reach over $433,000 per year—and compare it to the more cost-effective alternative of assisted living. They explore the "thought experiment" of your 90-year-old self and how to ensure your preferences for things like pets, plants, and even dark chocolate are respected. Key Takeaways: The ADL Trigger: Understand the 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and why you only need to struggle with two to trigger insurance benefits. Policy Types Explained: The difference between traditional LTCi, life insurance riders, and hybrid policies that return your premium to your estate. Cash vs. Reimbursement: Why a "cash indemnity" policy might offer more freedom (like taking a cruise!) compared to strict reimbursement models. The Inflation Factor: Why a 3% or 5% compound inflation rider is non-negotiable for long-term protection. Welcome to the Plan for This Podcast—your source for estate planning, insurance, and financial preparedness. Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect your legacy. 00:00 – The Thought Experiment: Your 90-Year-Old Self 01:02 – Introduction of "Bow Tie" Tom Summers 02:11 – The Power of Professional Networking & Trust 04:52 – Estate Planning as a Toolbox for Your Family 06:51 – Real-World Realities of Reaching Age 100 08:25 – Why Declining the Executor Role is Sometimes Best 11:40 – Organizing Family Support & Health Care Power of Attorney 13:44 – The $433,000 Annual Reality: Breaking Down At-Home Care Costs 16:12 – California Care Costs vs. Patient Initiative 19:20 – Navigating the Hospice Care System 22:08 – Why Many People Resist Long-Term Planning 24:12 – Marguerite’s Personal Experience with Long-Term Care Insurance 26:45 – How Long-Term Care Benefits are Triggered 28:40 – The 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Explained 32:03 – Using Insurance to Protect Retirement Assets 36:30 – The Critical Importance of Compound Inflation Riders 40:01 – Price Comparison: Home Care vs. Assisted Living 43:04 – Cash Indemnity vs. Reimbursement Policies 46:31 – Final Thoughts & Contact Information for Tom Summers Welcome to the *Plan for This Podcast*—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, caregiving, and financial preparedness. Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most. ✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel: - Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more) - Executor and trustee responsibilities explained - Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning - Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis 👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ Special Thanks to our Sponsors: Independent Trustee Alliance: trusteealliance.com Estate Sale Warehouse: estatesalewarehouse.com Because when life asks, “Did you plan for this?”—you’ll be ready. #EstatePlanning #LongTermCare #Insurance #FinancialPreparedness #AgingInPlace #PlanForThisPodcast

    47 min

  3. FEB 6

    Your Will, Your Pet, Your Fortune – What’s Actually Possible? | Plan for This Podcast

    Can you really leave your entire fortune to your dog? 🐶 In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald dive into the infamous case of Leona Helmsley—the "Queen of Mean"—who famously bequeathed $12 million to her Maltese, Trouble, while disinheriting her own grandchildren. They break down the legal realities of pet trusts, the thin line between personal sovereignty and mental incompetence, and why "controlling from the grave" often leads to years of expensive litigation. Whether you're a "pet parent" wanting to ensure your animal's care or someone reconsidering a family inheritance, this conversation highlights the importance of planning with a "cooler head". Key Takeaways: The Reality of Pet Trusts: In states like California, pet trusts are legal, but they require a human guardian to manage the funds. Capacity & Competence: If you plan on making "unusual" requests, getting a doctor’s letter of competence can protect your wishes from being challenged. Legacy vs. Control: Is your estate plan a gift to help your family thrive, or a "bomb" dropped behind you?. Welcome to the Plan for This Podcast—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, caregiving, and financial preparedness. Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most. ⏱️ Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – The $12 Million Dog: The Leona Helmsley Story 01:45 – When Courts Overrule Your Will 04:30 – Proving Competence for Unusual Requests 06:05 – How Pet Trusts Actually Work (Legal Requirements) 08:00 – The Ethics of Pet Guardianship & Maintenance Costs 09:30 – Planning for Long-Lived Pets (Birds & Tortoises) 11:15 – Real-World Case: Transitioning Pets for Seniors 13:15 – The Risks of Disinheriting Family Members 15:20 – How Attorneys Assess Mental Capacity 17:05 – Loving vs. Controlling from the Grave 18:30 – When to Review and "Dust Off" Your Plan 19:10 – Become a PlanFan and Join the Community ✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel: Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more) Executor and trustee responsibilities explained Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis 👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ Special Thanks to our Sponsors: Independent Trustee Alliance: trusteealliance.com Estate Sale Warehouse: estatesalewarehouse.com Because when life asks, “Did you plan for this?”—you’ll be ready. #EstatePlanning #PetTrust #LeonaHelmsley #WillsAndTrusts #LegacyPlanning #PlanForThisPodcast

    19 min

  4. JAN 29

    Dementia, Shame, and the Cost of Not Planning - The Gene Hackman story

    What happens when caregiving, aging, and cognitive decline are handled in isolation instead of with a plan? In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron examine a troubling real-world situation involving Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, using it as a lens to discuss how shame, privacy, and avoidance can quietly escalate into serious safety risks. They break down the dangers of relying on a single caregiver, especially when the healthier or younger spouse unexpectedly dies first, leaving the impaired partner alone without oversight. The conversation explores dementia, isolation, hoarding conditions, and why “we’ll handle it ourselves” often prevents the very help that could protect someone’s dignity and safety. This episode is a direct reminder that estate planning is not just about documents, it’s about building a care team, assigning real authority, and ensuring someone is truly checking in before a situation becomes dangerous. Welcome to the *Plan for This Podcast*—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, caregiving, and financial preparedness. Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most. 00:00 – The Shame Around Not Being Able to Keep Up 01:20 – Aging, Isolation, and Cognitive Decline 03:05 – When One Spouse Becomes the Only Caregiver 05:10 – Why Privacy Can Block Needed Help 07:25 – Dementia, Safety, and Hidden Red Flags 09:50 – What Happens When the Caregiver Dies First 12:10 – Why “Handling It Ourselves” Fails 14:35 – The Importance of a Real Care Team 17:05 – Trustee Responsibility and Checking In 19:10 – When Adult Protective Services Is Appropriate 21:35 – What This Case Teaches Families 23:40 – Final Takeaways 24:30 – Become a PlanFan and join the community ✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel: - Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more) - Executor and trustee responsibilities explained - Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning - Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis 👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ Because when life asks, *“Did you plan for this?”*—you’ll be ready. #EstatePlanning #WillsAndTrusts #Caregiving #FinancialPreparedness #PlanForThisPodcast

    25 min

  5. JAN 22

    Facing Care Decisions? This Listener’s Dilemma Might Be Yours

    Welcome to the *Plan for This Podcast*—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, caregiving, and financial preparedness. Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most. 📌 In this episode: What happens when estate planning details are unclear, incomplete, or assumed instead of confirmed? In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron respond to a real PlanFan question that reveals how quickly everyday uncertainty can turn into legal, financial, and emotional stress. They break down how gaps in authority, outdated documents, and unspoken assumptions create delays and unintended consequences during moments of crisis. The conversation focuses on why “almost planned” is often more dangerous than not planning at all, and how clarity, not complexity, is the goal of effective estate planning. This episode is a practical reminder that planning is not about perfection, it is about removing uncertainty so families are not forced to make high-stakes decisions under pressure. Timestamps: 00:00 – The PlanFan Question That Starts It All 00:20 – Why Small Planning Gaps Become Big Problems 01:10 – When No One Has Clear Authority 02:05 – “We Thought We Had That Covered” 03:00 – How Assumptions Replace Real Planning 03:55 – The Emotional Cost of Uncertainty 04:55 – Clarity Matters More Than Complexity 05:55 – What Proactive Estate Planning Looks Like 06:55 – Key Takeaways for PlanFans 07:35 – How to Take the First Step (PlanFan CTA) ✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel: - Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more) - Executor and trustee responsibilities explained - Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning - Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis 👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ Because when life asks, *“Did you plan for this?”*—you’ll be ready. #estateplanning #planforthispodcast #planfan #lifeplanning #FamilyClarity #incapacityplanning

    8 min

  6. JAN 8

    Late-Life Planning and the Fear of Unknown Heirs | Plan for This Podcast Ep. 16

    What happens when your past creates heirs you never planned for? In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron unpack a complicated estate planning scenario involving anonymous sperm donation, hidden heirs, and the long-term consequences of silence in relationships. Using Brian’s story, they explain how heirs at law differ from named beneficiaries, why wills and trusts can still be challenged, and how fear of unknown claimants can quietly limit life decisions, including marriage, home purchases, and retirement planning. The episode also explores late-in-life relationships, separate versus shared trusts, and why honesty with a spouse is essential to effective planning. A PlanFan question closes the episode, addressing tenant rights when a long-time landlord passes away and why renters also need clarity around estate planning and legal protections. Welcome to the *Plan for This Podcast*—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, caregiving, and financial preparedness. Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most. 📌 In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction and overview of the case 01:20 – Anonymous donation and unintended heirs 03:05 – Heirs at law vs named beneficiaries 05:10 – Why trusts and wills can still be challenged 07:00 – The cost of silence with a spouse 09:10 – Late-in-life relationships and estate risk 11:20 – Separate trusts vs shared planning 13:30 – Fear of unknown heirs limiting life choices 15:10 – PlanFan question: tenant rights after death 17:05 – Why renters still need estate planning 18:50 – Key takeaways 20:05 – Standard PlanFan CTA ✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel: - Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more) - Executor and trustee responsibilities explained - Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning - Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis 👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ Because when life asks, *“Did you plan for this?”*—you’ll be ready. #EstatePlanning #HiddenHeirs #PlanForThis #HeirsAtLaw #LegacyPlanning #LateLifePlanning #PlanFan #EstatePlanning #WillsAndTrusts #Caregiving #FinancialPreparedness #PlanForThisPodcast

    22 min

  7. 12/25/2025

    Why “My Kids Will Handle It” Isn’t a Plan | Plan For This Podcast Ep. 14

    Most families never clearly talk about care-giving until someone is already overwhelmed. In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron open with a short comedic clip from Joe DeVito to highlight a serious truth: many parents assume their children will “just take care of things,” while adult children assume they will figure it out later. From there, the conversation deepens into the real cost of silence. Marguerite explains how care-giving often begins gradually, how capacity loss quietly triggers legal and financial authority, and why relying on family alone can create burnout, resentment, and unintended tax and planning consequences. Ron adds perspective on how guilt replaces clarity when expectations are never discussed. This episode is a compassionate but direct reminder that care-giving is not a moral obligation, it is a logistical reality that requires honest conversations and proactive planning to protect everyone involved. Welcome to the *Plan for This Podcast* your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, care-giving, and financial preparedness. Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most. 📌 In this episode: 00:00 – Opening clip and the humor behind care-giving assumptions 01:18 – Why families avoid care-giving conversations 02:45 – “My kids will take care of me” and other unspoken beliefs 04:10 – How care-giving quietly begins 05:40 – When help turns into responsibility 07:05 – Caregiver burnout and emotional toll 08:35 – Capacity loss and legal authority triggers 10:05 – Fiduciary roles and financial consequences 11:40 – Tax and income implications of care-giving 13:05 – Why relying only on family creates risk 14:40 – How silence becomes guilt 16:10 – Turning obligation into clarity 17:45 – What families should discuss now 19:05 – Key takeaways 20:10 – Standard PlanFan CTA ✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel: - Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more) - Executor and trustee responsibilities explained - Family care-giving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning - Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis 👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ Because when life asks, *“Did you plan for this?”*—you’ll be ready. #caregiving #EstatePlanning #FamilyConversations #PlanForThis #IncapacityPlanning #CaregiverBurnout #AgingParents #PlanFan #LifePlanning #EstatePlanning #WillsAndTrusts #Caregiving #FinancialPreparedness #PlanForThisPodcast

    25 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    No Will, No Trust | The Zappos Founder’s Cautionary Tale | Plan for This Podcast 15

    What happens when someone with immense wealth, influence, and creativity dies without a will or trust? In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron unpack the estate planning fallout following the death of Tony Hsieh, founder of Zappos, and why his lack of formal planning led to years of probate chaos, public scrutiny, and emotional strain on his family. They explain how handwritten notes, verbal promises, and informal records failed to hold up in court, leaving Tony’s parents navigating complex probate proceedings, disputed assets, and unresolved questions about ownership. The conversation also expands into modern planning realities, including digital passwords, intellectual property for creators and entrepreneurs, and why estate planning is not about age, but responsibility. This episode is a powerful reminder that without clear documents, your legacy can become a legal mess, no matter how good your intentions were. Welcome to the *Plan for This Podcast*—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, care-giving, and financial preparedness. Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most. 📌 In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction: why Tony Hsieh’s estate matters to everyone 01:10 – Who Tony Hsieh was and why his case is unique 02:40 – Dying without a will: what actually happens 04:05 – Probate court explained through the Hsieh case 05:35 – Handwritten notes, sticky notes, and verbal promises 07:10 – Real estate bought for friends and ownership confusion 08:55 – Why probate becomes public and expensive 10:20 – The emotional toll on surviving parents and families 12:00 – Digital passwords and access problems after death 13:30 – Why password managers matter in estate planning 15:05 – Intellectual property and creator estates 16:40 – Estate planning is not about age or net worth 18:05 – What Tony’s case teaches entrepreneurs and creatives 19:35 – How planning protects privacy and legacy 21:00 – Final thoughts and key lessons 21:55 – Standard PlanFan CTA ✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel: - Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more) - Executor and trustee responsibilities explained - Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning - Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis 👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ Because when life asks, *“Did you plan for this?”*—you’ll be ready. #estateplanning #willsandtrusts #caregiving #financialpreparedness #PlanForThisPodcast #estateplanning #TonyHsieh #probate #planforthispodcast #NoWill #legacyplanning #digitalassets #entrepreneurlife #ipprotection #podcast #planfan

    29 min
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Plan for This Podcast – Full Episodes Welcome to the Plan for This Podcast playlist—the complete library of episodes dedicated to making estate planning, wil...

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