Podcasts about resources tools links mentioned

Estate planning is an interesting topic, usually because most people immediately think we're talking about planning for their death. But what happens if you are unable to make decisions for yourself? Incapacity planning is one of the most critical planning strategies you can implement because things can be challenging for your family without it. In this new episode of Absolute Trust Talk LIVE, Kirsten takes a look at part two of the elder care journey. She discusses some real-life scenarios in which incapacity planning has been vital to take proper care of a loved one who can no longer make decisions for themselves legally. No matter what type of plan you have in place, incapacity is something that everyone should address because you just don't know when something could happen. We hope you will take some time to listen in and share this episode with your friends, family, and loved ones. Big Three from Episode #048: A written estate plan is critical when it comes to making decisions and acting on behalf of another person legally. If a document requires incapacity, it specifies precisely what that means. So, be sure to read the document carefully. Without the proper documentation, you will have to go to court. Time-stamped Show Notes: 2:57 – When do we know that someone has sufficient cognitive impairment that allows another person to step in and make decisions for them legally? 5: 07 – What are the different kinds of Powers of Attorney? 7:16 – Why is it critical for a person to have a written estate plan and Power of Attorney? 10:41 – How does someone go about getting the authority to do estate planning for someone else? 13:21 – What if a client doesn't have the legal capacity to understand what's going on or make a decision? 14:34 – What happens if an elderly parent makes changes to their estate plan at a time when they may not have legal capacity? 17:01 – What do we do if we have a power of attorney, and we also have the two doctor letters, but the bank we are dealing with still won't accept it? 19:19 – Is a written doctor note stating that a person can do estate planning valid? Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: Incapacity Planning Resources [Ad] If you become incapacitated without a plan, you don’t have time to wait. Support and care are needed right away. At Absolute Trust Counsel, we can help explore the available options that best meet your needs, so that if you become incapacitated, your life and the lives of your family members can proceed as desired. Schedule a free discovery call today, and let’s discuss how to protect your elder care journey.

The elder care journey is called a journey for a reason. It’s not linear, and many times people won’t know what will happen to them as they age. And while it is hard to predict, it’s not impossible to plan for, but it is essential to recognize that the type of care needed and how that care is paid for is a large part of the journey to help an older adult thrive. In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk LIVE, Kirsten discusses part one of the elder care journey that organizes and breaks down the different types of care available. We will discuss different scenarios, how each level of care applies, and, most importantly, how to pay for the different types of care needed. No matter where you or someone you know is in the journey, it’s important to address these topics should the need for care arise, so we hope you will take some time to listen in and share this with your loved ones. Big Three from Episode #047: The elder care journey is when a loved one starts to need more advanced help and medical care. Family members are just as much a part of the journey as the elderly family member. While the elder care journey is not linear, thinking about the progression as four different levels of care will help you understand the types of care available. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:28 – What is “the elder care journey”? 1:38 – Why do families need to think about this journey? 3:50 – What are the types of elder care available? How do you pay for it? 7:23 – Phase two of elder care tends to look like this. 8:46 – Who is our “go-to” for personal care/help for an older family member? 14:39 – What are the activities of daily living? How do they put an elderly family member in another level of care? 18:15 – What is boarding care? 20:20 – What is memory care? 23:55 – Kirsten shares more about a resource specific to veterans. 24:51 – What happens if an elderly family member needs care 24/7? 28:12 – Medi-Cal doesn’t kick in until this level of care. Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: Absolute Trust Talk Ep. 033 Learning the Language: Long-Term Care Insurance [Ad] No one knows what will happen as they age, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to be prepared. At Absolute Trust Counsel, we can help explore the available options that best meet your needs, so that if incapacity or elder care is needed, your life and the lives of your family members can proceed as desired. Schedule a free discovery call today, and let’s discuss how to protect your elder care journey.

For any business owner who’s taken a PPP Loan, you know exactly how challenging the application process was. Now that you may be looking to get that loan forgiven, unfortunately, the forgiveness application isn’t any less challenging or confusing. On top of that, if you don’t apply correctly, you will have to pay all the money back. In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk LIVE, we are happy to welcome guest Ed Gines, PPP Loan expert, and founder of Strategic CFOs. As the top resource supporting small business leader clients with high-level accounting supports and insights, Ed brings a wealth of information on each step of the PPP Loan forgiveness process like specific time limits, forgiveness percentage calculations, income caps, and more. If you feel like you’re lost in the process, unsure whether a PPP Loan is right for you or need help with the forgiveness application, this episode is for you. Ed’s expertise will ensure your loan is forgiven in full. Listen In! Big Three from Episode #046: Look out for the words FTE Reduction Quotient – Watch out for these words and ask your accountant! Remember “Safe Harbor 2” PPP Loans and Loan forgiveness is complicated, but there is help – don’t struggle, get the forgiveness you deserve and ask for professional help. Time-stamped Show Notes: 4:26 – What are some basic things that businesses should know about PPP Loan forgiveness? 6:22 – When is the ideal time to apply for forgiveness? 7:55 – Ed discusses how to calculate or figure out what percentage of you PPP Loan can be forgiven 10:48 – What is a cover period vs. a comparative period? 14:15 – What requirements – calculations, information, and data are required for forgiveness? 17:20 – Ed and Kirsten discuss the importance of spending the minimum amount of money on payroll in a specific 24-week time frame 23:20 – These are the application forms that you should know about for PPP forgiveness 27:18 – When does a business have to repay the portion of a PPP Loan that is not forgiven? 28:22 – How does an employee who was laid off during COVID and didn’t come back impact your forgiveness? 29:50 – Do bonuses paid out to employees’ impact percentage of forgiveness? 31:03 – Do employer 401k’s count in the forgiveness calculation? Episode #046 Freebie – Paycheck Protection Program Phases & FAQs Did you know that over 80% of businesses are confused by the entire PPP Forgiveness application process? Yes, that’s right; you are not alone. Today’s guest, PPP Loan expert, Ed Gines, gives exclusive access to his Paycheck Protection Program Phases & FAQs resource guide. This checklist breaks down the process and answers some of the most frequently asked questions about each step, helping you understand the process more thoroughly. Download your free copy now!  Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: Strategic CFOs [Ad] A lot of time and effort goes into building your business, and it’s important to not only protect it but clarify what will happen to it when you’re gone. An estate plan will address all issues involved and protect current and future owners if it is passed down. Schedule a free discovery call today, and let’s discuss the ins and outs of protecting your business and your needs.

Reasons to move out of California, or if you’re thinking more local, out of the Bay Area, may range from a lower cost of living, lower taxes, less crowding, retirement, following family, or simply a change of pace. But it’s no secret that the extensive list of things that need to be done for moving can be overwhelming. How do you start? Where do you start? And when planning ahead, how far in advance should you start? In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk LIVE, we are happy to welcome guest Scott Fuller, relocation expert and founder of LeavingTheBayArea.com. As the top resource for helping clients navigate the moving process systematically, Scott brings a wealth of information on the type of moving trends in the Bay Area and across the state. Scott and Kirsten will also examine how COVID-19 has impacted the market and the relocation process. Moving is a big job, but when you have the right plan and thought process in place, you will be able to smoothly check off all the “to-dos” on your list and move like a pro. Big Three from Episode #045: Moving isn’t just about logistics. It’s also about being mentally and emotionally prepared as well. Are you ready to move, but not sure where? Take time to sit down and visualize the process and visualize your goal for making a move. While there are a lot of people moving out of California, there are just as many relocating within the state to lower density areas – especially now with COVID. Time-stamped Show Notes: 3:29 – Who is moving out of California, and why? 5:02 – Are people moving just moving out of state, or are they moving to other parts of California? 6:23 – Scott discusses the impact COVID has had and will have on this California moving trend 7:43 – Scott shares some interesting stats and trends that are coming out of the bay area 10:07 – Kirsten and Scott discuss the most common relocation challenges today 15:27 – How far in advance should someone start planning a move? 17:35 – Scott discusses how to prep for moving your items 22:43 – Kirsten and Scott talk about some of the most popular out of state locations people are moving to Episode #045 Freebie – 12 Step Roadmap to Your Next Destination When moving, it’s essential to have a plan, something that breaks down the process and helps you transition from point A to B, and so on. And for the average person trying to develop that plan, and then put it into play can be daunting. Today’s guest, relocation expert Scott Fuller, is sharing exclusive access to his thoughtfully curated planning resource, “12 Step Roadmap to Your Next Destination.” This 12-step roadmap will help you break down each step of your next move making it more manageable and less stressful. It’s time to plan your move like a pro. Download your free copy now!  Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: Zumper.com LeavingTheBayArea.com U-Haul Migration Trends [Ad] No matter what the reason, moving can have a significant impact on your estate plan. It’s important to review your plan with your attorney to go over any positive or negative changes as well as strategies for helping to minimize the tax impact on your estate. As experts in California law, we can help modify or build an estate plan to meet your needs. Schedule a free discovery call today, and let’s get started!

Being named as the executor or trustee of an estate is a big job. There are many tasks and responsibilities to take care of. And on top of that, it’s hard to imagine being able to make these important financial and legal decisions while grieving. A lot of times, people have no idea where to start or what to do. Without basic knowledge of the trust and estate administration process, the whole experience can be overwhelming. In this new episode of Absolute Trust Talk LIVE, Kirsten dives into some of the most common mistakes that trustees and executors typically make that can also have serious consequences. With a little education and extra guidance, these mistakes can be avoided. Listen in to learn more about how you can navigate the estate and trust administration process like a pro. Big Three from Episode #044: It’s essential to understand your fiduciary duty event if you too are a beneficiary Record keeping is of utmost importance - you must be thorough and organized Being an executor or a trustee of an estate is a big and time-consuming job – you are responsible for an entire estate. It’s okay to ask for help and consult with your attorney. Time-stamped Show Notes: 1:49 – These are the categories trustees, and executors usually find the most trouble with 2:12 – What does it mean to have a fiduciary duty? 3:11 – What happens if a trustee is also a beneficiary? 6:39 – Here’s why record keeping as a trustee or executor is important 9:47 – Trustees and executors are entitled to compensation too, make sure you do this 11:25 – As an executor or a trustee your job is to protect and preserve the estate, here’s how [Ad] Take the stress out of the trust administration process.  At Absolute Trust Counsel, we have the experience and compassion necessary to make the complicated process, whether trust administration or probate, as efficient and stress-free as possible. Schedule your free discovery call today, and let’s get started on the right path. Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: Estate Administration

Individuals with special needs and their families face unique challenges when it comes to living, working, and even participating in their community, but it doesn’t mean that they can’t find independence. In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk Live, Executive Director of East Bay Innovations, Tom Heinz joins Kirsten to discuss his organization and the variety of programs they run designed to enable and empower persons with disabilities to live their most productive, independent and satisfying lives. While there are so many ways that EBI serves the special needs community, Tom and Kirsten will focus on services that include things like daily money management, disability benefits planning, and affordable housing. If you or someone you know is a person with special needs or a trustee of a special needs trust, this episode is a valuable resource. Big Three from Episode #043: Special needs persons can find affordable housing through HUD that provides rental subsidies to people who are low income. Yes, getting a job and making more money can impact your SSI or MediCal benefits, but it will not necessarily terminate them, and there are ways to plan and troubleshoot. Special needs individuals of all ages, with the right support, can work and live independently. Time-stamped Show Notes: 3:12 – How does EBI help disabled persons with affordable housing? 8:30 – This is the process for getting people section 8 vouchers 11:26 – Tom discusses how EBI also helps with disability planning 16:28 – These are the most common services that special needs trust beneficiaries use at EBI 19:24 – Tom explains how EBI is expanding its Case Management Services 22:51 – Are there concerns as an increasing number of people with disabilities become seniors in terms of housing and care? 25:01 – How does EBI help with employment? [Ad] Special needs planning is vital to maintaining a safe, comfortable, and healthy lifestyle for a person with disabilities, however, it needs to be done with extra thought and care to ensure they are still able to access necessary government benefits. At Absolute Trust Counsel, we can help navigate even the most challenging situations to ensure that a person with special needs will be able to thrive. Schedule your free discovery call today and let’s discuss your planning needs. Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: Disability 101: www.ca.db101.org EastBayInnovations.org Absolute Trust Counsel – Special Needs Tools

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Dementia, a spouse, partner, or family member is thrust into the caregiver role. They are just expected to know what to do and how to do it. There is no conversation about it. The caregiver's journey is lonely and challenging, taking on more and more responsibility as their loved fades away. You may feel angry, afraid, frustrated, and guilty for feeling these things all at the same time. And who is there to talk to when friends and family don't truly understand what you're going through?  In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk Live, guest Cheri Bailly-Jacob joins Kirsten to discuss the challenges and emotions that caregivers face, as written in her memoir, "Caregiver Confidential: Stories of Living with My Husband's Alzheimer's Disease." Whether your loved one was just diagnosed, or you've been caregiving for a while now, we hope this conversation with Cheri and her book will encourage and support you on your journey.  Big Three from Episode #042: Don't feel guilty for having negative emotions - it is normal! After the diagnosis find new activities that both you and your loved one can participate in. Read Cheri's book, whether you are a caregiver or not! Time-stamped Show Notes: 1:15 - Why did you write this book? 3:26 - What did Cheri first notice that makes her think something was wrong? It's not just about losing my car keys.  5:21 - Cheri shares how she brought up the subject checking on Bob's memory health  7:26 - These are the steps Cheri and Bob took to gain clarity on his diagnosis 12:37 - Kirsten and Cheri discuss one of the most important reasons to read her book - being thrust into the caregiver role 13:04 - Don't feel bad about negative thoughts and feelings as a caregiver. It's normal 14:03 - When do you talk about a diagnosis with friends and family? 15:40 - These are the most important things for caregivers to take care of in the early stages [Ad] If you find yourself lost, and don't know what to do or how to plan for a loved one who is suffering from Dementia, our team can help.  Schedule your free discovery call today, and let's talk through your situation and your concerns. Together we will put the right plan in place for you, your loved one, and your family. Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: Caregiver Confidential: Stories of Living with My Husband’s Alzheimer’s Disease      

Dementia is a prevalent disease in our society, our country, and throughout the world. Even though millions of Americans are living with dementia, families are often in the dark. They don’t understand the impact on their loved ones, and they don’t know what’s coming as the disease progresses. Why? Well, there are many reasons, but most people just don’t want to face them. The problem with that is, by the time acute care is needed, it’s too late to plan appropriately, according to the wishes of the person suffering, which makes it harder for everyone. Joining Kirsten in the studio is Dr. Michelle Dhanak of ElderConsult Geriatric Medicine. Michelle has an extensive background in addressing complex medical and psychosocial issues in older individuals, and her unique focus and expertise in dementia and agitation have had a significant impact on improving care systems for challenging patients. Michelle believes that all older adults who are suffering deserve to live out the rest of their lives with dignity, respect, and self-efficacy. Throughout this episode, Kirsten and Michelle dive into what dementia really is, the different types, and how it impacts not only the person living with it but the loved ones who are making decisions and caring for that person. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the brain changes associated with dementia may begin 20-plus years before symptoms start appearing. It’s scary to know what could be happening in our heads. This episode is full of insights on how to plan and manage this difficult disease, so listen in and share it with your friends. Big Three from Episode #034: Families need to take the time to prepare for what to expect. If possible, don’t wait to plan and make decisions. Include the person who is diagnosed with the disease so they can decide what they want to happen. Ultimately, we all want the person with dementia to age in place and live out the rest of their life as comfortably as possible. Time-stamped Show Notes: 4:23 – What happens at the end of life for a person with dementia? 7:39 – This causes 50% of death in people with dementia. 11:20 – What role does hospice play for those with dementia? 15:15 – Michelle discusses how she works with families to prepare for dementia. 19:03 – What are neural psychiatric symptoms? 21:17 – Michelle shares insights on how to choose the right hospice. 25:41 – How do families deal with a new diagnosis of dementia? 29:25 – What is delirium? What is the impact? 33:37 – What should family members and loved ones keep in mind when making decisions for those with dementia? 36:44 – Michelle shares how people get on, and stay on, hospice. 39:30 – Since Medicare covers hospice, does that mean we don’t pay out of pocket? Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: https://www.elderconsult.com [Ad] It’s never too early or too late to put a plan in place. We can help ensure your wants, needs, and wishes are carried out the way you want them in the case that you’re not able to decide for yourself. Get started today by scheduling your free pre-consultation call. >> https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/.

Who needs to think about long-term care? That’s something for down the road. Or maybe you’re healthy, you have your wits about you, and you just don’t think that is something you will ever need. Well, believe it or not, 70% of people over the age of 65 will need long-term care at some point while aging. Unfortunately, health insurance doesn’t cover it, and Medicare and Medi-Cal may cover a small portion of care, but only if certain conditions are met. Joining us on the show today is long-term care insurance expert Patrick Johnson. Patrick has been in the financial planning marketplace for over 30 years and holds advanced degrees in life insurance and long-term care planning. In this episode, Patrick helps provide clarity about why people need long-term care coverage, the types of options that are available, and how they fit into the bigger picture of your future planning. Patrick also shares insights into the costs of long-term care and the next steps you should take to get the process of obtaining coverage started. We get it, long-term care insurance is a confusing topic, but today we unearth the answers you’ve been waiting for and share why everyone should think about planning for tomorrow today. Big Three from Episode #033: Do your homework and do your research to help determine the best solution for your needs. Seek a qualified professional who can help. Have a plan! Time-Stamped Show Notes: 3:30 – Why do people need long-term care? 4:30 – What types of care do long-term care insurance policies cover? 5:22 – What qualifies someone for long-term care in terms of a policy kicking in? 6:12 – Patrick discusses what an elimination period is as it relates to your policy. 8:05 – Patrick lays out the different types of long-term care insurance. 15:40 – What is a long-term care rider? 18:45 – When thinking about insurance, it’s important to clarify that you are talking about these two categories 21:43 – You could still qualify for long-term care insurance at an older age 22:55 – What is an annuity, and how could it help with long-term care? 26:38 – Patrick shares insights on one other financial vehicle that could be used 28:17 – Bottom line: What are the costs of long-term care? 30:14 – How do you find a new long-term care facility in California? 32:00 – What are the next steps in obtaining long-term care?   Episode 033 Freebie: What’s Your Plan Brochure Have you planned for your future? Have you thought about how you would finance long-term care if you were to need it? You have options, but you need to do your homework. Today’s guest and long-term care insurance expert Patrick Johnson is giving listeners exclusive access to his “What’s Your Plan” brochure. This document is a valuable resource to have on hand because it not only breaks down all the options available, but also, it compares the various solutions and explains who would benefit from each. Click here to download your free copy now!   Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: www.lookingforcare.com www.patrickjohnsonltc.com   [AD] Planning for long-term care can be confusing, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be. We understand the solutions available and can help ensure that you have control over your financing options and your plans. Click here to schedule a FREE pre-consultation to get started today. Let’s protect you and your needs.

If I were to ask you what you value about money, would you be able to answer? Your values are the things that are most important to you. Ultimately, they motivate and guide your decisions. As you grow up, your values may change, but by adulthood, our values are, typically, cemented as a part of our core selves. With that being said, it’s not always easy to unearth our true values and put them into words. In this episode of Deliberate Money Moves, we’re going to dig in and discuss how to unearth your values. To get the ball rolling, I will share an exercise that you can do right now to help you discover what these core values are. It won’t be easy, and usually, this is one of the toughest parts of the financial planning process, but once you get them down on paper, much of the heavy lifting will be done. So, grab a piece of paper, a pencil, and a quiet spot, and let’s dig in. Highlights from Episode #02: Understanding your values helps you commit to your long-term financial goals. Follow the value defining exercise as laid out in this episode to start verifying or clarifying your values. Your values don’t usually change over time, but your perception of them does. Time-stamped Show Notes: 1:06 – Joe shares a technique to recognize what you truly value? 2:06 – Is money an emotional or rational subject for you? Is one better than the other? 2:29 – Can you relate to this client story? 3:49 – Grab a piece of paper and pencil and try this exercise. 4:04 – Do your values change over time? Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: How To Define What You Want Out Of Life

Many people are lawful owners of firearms. And if you are the lucky inheritor of a firearm in the state of California, it is your responsibility to ensure the transfer is handled legally – within the scope of state and federal laws. Interestingly enough, rules regarding such transfers largely depend on your relationship to the testator and the type of firearm bequeathed. In today’s episode, we are excited to welcome associate attorney Joseph Fenton of Campbell Green LLP to the show. While Joseph represents clients in probate, trust administration and litigation, protected proceedings, and elder law, he also has unique expertise in the laws governing ownership and transfer of firearms. Unlike other assets you list in your estate plan, you might not be able to simply give a beneficiary a firearm, even if it’s been legally documented. Joseph and Kirsten discuss the specific rules that need to be followed to properly transfer firearms in the state of California and how firearms are included in an estate plan. Joseph also defines the many potential problems that could arise, and the careful consideration that needs to be made when the executor is handling the firearm. Whether you are a gun owner, a family member of someone who is, or the representative of an estate that involves a firearm, this podcast is the resource you need to make sure all processes and procedures remain compliant with the necessary laws. Big Three from Episode #031: If you have firearms and believe in the right of firearm ownership for whatever reason, and you want to pass your firearms on, it’s essential to understand that you must legally do so. And if you can’t legally do so, you shouldn’t try to work around the law. It’s to the benefit to all who enjoy firearm ownership to realize that we have to follow specific rules. Always have your Firearms Safety Certificate. If you don’t have one, take the test. It is a simple test that anyone can pass. Anyone and everyone who touches a firearm in California should already have this! If you don’t know how to handle or proceed with a firearm, seek help. Time-stamped Show Notes: 3:48 – What is the key difference in these terms – firearms vs. guns? 4:03 – What rules do you need to follow to transfer firearms in California? 4:21 – Where do firearms fall into an estate plan? How should it be included? 5:26 – Joseph recommends using this specific language as a “plan B” if a firearm can’t transfer as planned. 6:38 – What is a gun trust? What is the problem with gun trusts in California? 8:51 – So, what happens to firearms after someone passes away? 10:25 – As soon as you recognize a firearm is included in an estate, you should first do this before proceeding. 11:51 – How should one go about securing a firearm? NOTE: You CANNOT learn this on the Internet! 12:34 – Joseph discusses the importance of cataloging the firearms that are part of the estate. 13:57 – It’s important to recognize the places you cannot have firearms stored. 14:40 – Is a preowned gun worth less than a new one? 17:12 – What four things do you have to do to get rid of an assault weapon when someone passes away? 20:26 – These documents from the Bureau of Firearms will aid you in transferring firearms, other than assault weapons. 20:40 – What happens if you find evidence of firearms but you cannot locate them? 24:20 – How do you properly transfer firearms to another person? 26:30 – How do you transfer firearms specifically to the immediate family that has a right to own them? 29:04 – So, what happens to the gun after transfer? Episode #031 Freebie: Are you an executor of an estate that includes a firearm? While they do require special consideration, it is possible to safely and legally transfer possession. Normally the transfer of gun ownership is handled by a Federal Firearm Licensed (FFL) dealer. The gun is held by the dealer during the mandatory 10-day waiting period and the parties are required to complete a Dealer’s Record of Sale (DROS). That initiates a background check with the state Department of Justice. In addition, gun purchasers are required to secure a Firearm Safety Certificate before taking possession of the gun. However, those rules do not apply to the transfer of a firearm by gift, bequest, intestate succession, or other means if specific requirements are met. Click here to download your FREE copy of Stick to Your Guns: How to Handle Firearms in an Estate checklist to understand what these requirements are and to help get the process started. If you’re new or inexperienced with handling firearms, then you’ll definitely want to have this resource on hand. Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: CA Department of Justice: https://oag.ca.gov/firearms The Following Forms Mentioned in This Episode Can Be Found Here: https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/forms Bureau of Firearms Form 53 – Automated Firearms Request Form Bureau of Firearms Form 4546 – Notice of No longer in Possession Bureau of Firearms Form 116 – Personal Firearms Eligibility Form Bureau of Firearms Form 4544A – Interfamilial Transfer Form Firearms Safety Certificate Program FAQs: https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/fscpfaqs Blog Post: https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/california-regulates-the-inheritance-of-guns/

Aging is a natural part of life, and it is one that certainly deserves respect. All of our elders should be able to thrive throughout their later years. There is no one who believes in this philosophy more than our latest Absolute Trust Talk guest, Nicole Howell. Nicole is executive director of Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa and Solano Counties and is responsible for ensuring that the 13,000 residents of long-term care in her community have access to the highest level of care and respect, and above all, can live free of abuse and neglect. She joins us in the studio to talk about how the Ombudsman Program came to be and the work that they do to connect with older adults and help them live their best lives. “Ombudsman,” pronounced “om-buds-man,” means an advocate, a person who investigates an individual’s complaints and ultimately helps settle them. If you or a loved one is struggling to stay connected with the opportunities or activities available or is dealing with neglect and abuse, then this is an episode you will want to tune in to.  Big Three from Episode #030: Aging is a normal and natural yet distinct phase of life. It’s okay to be planning for our own aging process and to be mindful of who we are as people and what we are hoping for the future, and that we might not be as we once were. Bottom line: Make the appropriate plans so your life can be as comfortable as possible when the time comes for the end.   Time-Stamped Show Notes: 3:54 – How do ombudsman services fit into the long-term care landscape? 6:12 – Other than providing ombudsman services, what does Nicole’s organization do? 12:19 – What exactly does “ombudsman” mean? 15:09 – How does Ombudsman get involved in a concern? 19:00 – Nicole discusses what happens when it’s time for a solution to be presented. 20:52 – What happens when a facility is resistant to a particular solution? 25:37 – Nicole shares some of the most common concerns her team works with. 32:40 – Are ombudsman services available across the country? 35:04– Nicole shares her thoughts on the governor of California’s Master Plan on Aging.   Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: www.CCOmbudsman.org Master Plan on Aging

Join us for an encore edition of Absolute Trust Talk Episode #029 featuring Dori Sproul of the Alzheimer's Association of Northern California.    Dori is a featured speaker at our upcoming Elder Advocacy & Law Boot Camp on September 18, 2019. She will be discussing effective communication strategies for those who suffer from dementia.    Over 5 million people all across our country have Alzheimer’s. The scary part is that many people don’t quite understand the disease and confuse it with other health issues or even normal signs of aging. Kirsten and guest Dori Sproul, family care specialist with the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California, team up to discuss the disease and to educate listeners on a multitude of topics about this life-changing condition. Kirsten and Dori begin their discussion defining exactly what Alzheimer’s is and what it does to the body. Dori then goes on to share the importance of her organization and details how the Alzheimer’s Association helps families and individuals impacted by the illness. Dori highlights vital warning signs, how a patient is diagnosed, the advantages of being diagnosed early, and how crucial it is to plan ahead financially if at all possible. One in three seniors who die each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It is the fourth leading cause of death in the state of California alone. Alzheimer’s is a rapidly growing national health crisis, and the more we all understand, the better. We recommend listening and sharing this episode, because one way or another, this disease touches us all. Big Three From Episode #029: If possible (with early diagnosis), plan ahead with your family. If you notice warning signs, talk to a physician. If you are a caregiver, you are not alone! FOCUS Your Business and Continue to Provide Innovative Solutions For Critical Elder Care Issues. We’re thrilled to announce to you that we’re bringing a unique educational event to our community this fall called, Elder Advocacy & Law Boot Camp! Our goal is to build Contra Costa’s most important annual gathering of long-term caregivers, geriatric case managers, social workers, and nursing home administrators to learn about effective tools and resources for urgent matters facing our elders. This is a one-day educational experience aimed at strengthening your elder care solutions. For more information or to take advantage of our early bird pricing click here. We can’t wait to see you there! Time-Stamped Show Notes: 2:15 – Over 5 million people all across our country have Alzheimer’s. Dori explains what Alzheimer’s is and what it does to the body, and identifies the ways in which Alzheimer’s differs from other dementias. 5:59 – Dori discusses what her organization does and how it helps those who have Alzheimer’s and their families. 11:15 – Dori describes the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and explains how these differ from normal signs of aging. 22:30 – Dori and Kirsten discuss how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed in a patient. 27:35 – Dori identifies the advantages of getting a firm Alzheimer’s diagnosis and early detection. 30:08 – Dori explains what a mild cognitive impairment diagnosis looks like. 36:30 – Kirsten and Dori discuss the importance of planning ahead financially if possible. 39:55 – Dori describes what families experience when they get in touch with the Alzheimer’s Association. 48:00 – Dori discusses other community resources available to seniors in need. Episode #029 Freebie: Know the 10 Signs As mentioned in this episode, signs, and symptoms of Alzheimer’s can be confused with normal signs of aging. Regardless, it’s a growing epidemic, and it’s important to be able to understand and recognize key warning signs of the disease. Absolute Trust Talk guest Dori Sproul works hard to educate clients, the community, and all who contact her through the Alzheimer’s Association on tips, tools, strategies, resources, and all aspects of this illness. Today, she is sharing an exclusive tool with listeners called “Know the 10 Signs – Because Early Detection Matters” — a detailed checklist to help you identify the early signs of Alzheimer’s. Click here to download your checklist now! Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: TrialMatch – website tool to match with clinical trial 1.800.272.3900 – Alzheimer’s Association Help, Crisis, and Resource Line to address questions or concerns 24 hours a day ALZ.org – educational content, tools, and resources

    Join us for an encore edition of Absolute Trust Talk Episode #028 featuring elder care expert Francesca Vogel of Home Care Assistance.   Home Care Assistance and Francesca will be joining us as platinum sponsors of our Elder Advocacy & Law Boot Camp on September 18, 2019.   In episode 28 of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten welcomes Francesca Vogel, home care liaison for Home Care Assistance, to the show. Francesca works with seniors and their families to help navigate their specific care needs. Francesca is such a valuable asset in her field, not only because of her 24 years of health care experience but her vast knowledge base and her endless network of connections across the state of California and beyond. Discussing home care and even potential end-of-life care is not an easy subject for people, but it’s something that every family should talk about, so they know and understand their options. Kirsten and Francesca dive into what services a home care assistant provides, who looks for home care, the questions to ask when looking for the right caregiver, the differences between home care and hospice, and why it’s not recommended to hire just a friend or neighbor. Whether you are in the middle of working these issues out with the seniors in your life or are only in the planning stages, this is an episode not to be missed. Top Three From Episode #028: Ask questions Use your resources – Google and Yelp reviews, professionals like bankers and attorneys Remember you are never alone   FOCUS Your Business and Continue to Provide Innovative Solutions For Critical Elder Care Issues. We're thrilled to announce to you that we’re bringing a unique educational event to our community this fall called, Elder Advocacy & Law Boot Camp!    Our goal is to build Contra Costa’s most important annual gathering of long-term caregivers, geriatric case managers, social workers, and nursing home administrators to learn about effective tools and resources for urgent matters facing our elders.    This is a one-day educational experience aimed at strengthening your elder care solutions. For more information or to take advantage of our early bird pricing click here.    Time-stamped Show Notes: 3:24 – What’s happening in someone’s life when they should be thinking about home care? 6:07 – What kinds of services are a professional caregiver hired for? 9:28 – Francesca defines the difference between hospice and home care. 12:10 – Kirsten asks Francesca to discuss who works for and with Home Care Assistance. 20:14 – What do people need to be thinking about when looking for home care assistance? 22:05 – What kind of questions should potential clients ask about how a client care manager works? 23:12 – Why someone should not just hire a friend or neighbor to give home care assistance. 28:55 – When you need to hire home care, do you sign a contract? 35:50 – What do you do when an elderly client is against care? Episode #028 Freebie: “We all lose our keys and forget where we put our reading glasses as we get older. It’s normal.” In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, home care expert Francesca Vogel highlights how vital it is to educate seniors and their families on their care options and to provide tools to help them age as happily, healthily and comfortably as possible. Family members will see their elder loved ones start to lose their memories and automatically think the worst, but that’s not always the case. As discussed in today’s episode, Francesca is sharing a guide with listeners called How to Spot the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s. It goes through the various things you might be seeing in your loved one and offers a step-by-step guide to help notice the first signs of Alzheimer’s or determine if there might be something else going on. Click here to download your copy now! Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: Book Series by Home Care Assistance Founder Mind Over Gray Matter – Mentioned https://homecareassistance.com

Are you worried that you will end up spending all of your savings on nursing home care? Yes, nursing home care does cost A LOT of money. And a high number of us will eventually be in a nursing home at some point. But it is possible, with proper planning, to become eligible for Medi-Cal if you are not already. In this episode, we will discuss long-term care for disabled people over 65. We will break down what Medi-Cal is and how it differs from Medicare. We will also talk about how to become eligible and dispel some common myths and misconceptions regarding how Medi-Cal works. Big Three from Episode #027: Medi-Cal and Medicare are not the same things A lot of times, people are already eligible It’s important to see what your options are in terms of long-term care insurance Time-stamped Show Notes: 1:55–What is Medi-Cal? 2:58–This is the difference between Medicare and Medi-Cal 6:56–Here’s how you become eligible for Medi-Cal 8:34–What assets can you have to qualify for Medi-Cal? 13:21–Kirsten highlights a common misconception on exempt assets 16:35–What should you do if you have too much income? Episode #027 Freebie: Wonder what type of assets you’re allowed to have to be eligible for Medi-Cal? Click here to download our FREE resource, Medi-Cal Resource Limits for Nursing Home Care–it lists all the exempt assets you can have. Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: Helping You With Effective Medi-Cal Planning Strategies More on Medi-Cal Eligibility Planning

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Are you struggling with your aging or taking care of an older loved one? Aging can be overwhelming, but you and your loved ones don’t have to stop living life to the fullest, just because getting older throws you a curveball or presents challenges. If you have the right guidance, direction, navigation, and sound advice from the get-go, you, your family, and your loved ones don’t have to suffer. In today’s episode, Kirsten welcomes Licensed Family Therapist, certified Professional Care Manager, and founder of Eldercare Services, Linda Fodrini-Johnson, to the show. Linda has become a pioneer in geriatric care management, not just in the greater Bay Area, but across the country, with her firm becoming one of the largest care management and home care agencies, which is now celebrating 30 years of practice. Kirsten and Linda will explore what geriatric care is, the available resources, and how you and your family can formulate a plan to move forward with long-term care, no matter what stage of planning you and your loved ones are in. Are you ready to continue living a comfortable, fulfilling life? Or, help a loved one who deserves to? Then it’s time to press play and listen in! Highlights from Episode #026: Life doesn’t have to end. You can bring joy to your life and continue to live a FULL life if you have good direction and navigation. Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish. Get good advice in the beginning. Time-stamped Show Notes: 3:06 – Linda shares what geriatric care is and the other resources that her company, Eldercare Services, provides. 4:55 – Kirsten asks her to share how she got into eldercare. 6:24 – Linda highlights what an aging lifecare associate is. 11:21 – What are standard areas of knowledge that an individual needs to have, to be in this type of profession? 14:45 – Linda shares what families need to think about when it comes to quality of life for an aging parent. 19:07 – What are some transitions that families have to plan for with long-term care? 27:40 – What happens when a parent transitions into a child’s home? 35:04 – Linda and Kirsten discuss the importance of a trial run. 39:00 – How eldercare services can help a family save money Episode #026 Freebie: Mom is Moving In – The Rewards, Concerns and Realities It’s great that you have the opportunity to take care of a family member or loved one, and it may seem like the best option at the moment, but when it comes down to it, have you stopped to think about how it will impact daily living? Today’s guest, and geriatric care expert, Linda Fodrini-Johnson, is sharing with listeners her checklist resource, “Mom Is Moving In – The Rewards, Concerns, and Realities.” This is a valuable tool in helping you to think about and explore important aspects of having a loved one move in. Click here to download your copy. Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: Eldercare Services 1808 Tice Valley Blvd Walnut Creek, CA 94595 info@EldercareAnswers.com (866) 587-4930 https://eldercareanswers.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Episode #4 of Field Tested brings you the cold hard facts of the roof coating industry. Host Jesse Martinson shares what the roof coating industry looks like from an expert point of view and discusses the most prominent issue he sees within the industry. He talks about a recent client case study that demonstrates how the wrong product wastes time and money, and later, Jesse shares how the wrong product can impact your business and how to find the right roof coating to protect your business.  Big Three from Episode #004: Know what you’re buying Go to a products website and dig for the technical data Know the perm rating number the lower the better – below 1, think 0.999 or even lower Time-stamped Show Notes: 1:03 – Jesse highlights the roof coating landscape in the industry from an expert point of view 2:51 – This is the biggest issue that the coating industry has across the country 4:28 – Jesse shares a recent warranty case study that happens way too often to many clients and contractors he works with 8:52 – How to understand what kind of roof coating you’re buying 9:49 – This is the number one thing you need to know when choosing a roof coating 13:05 – How the wrong product will impact a contracting business Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: https://surecoatsystems.com The science behind the SureCoat Systems Product Line: https://surecoatsystems.com/the-science-behind-our-single-ply-roofing-formula/

Absolute Trust Talk Host Kirsten Howe brings you a powerful new episode featuring Michael Crvarich, Vice President of Legacy Giving at the John Muir Health Foundation. Michael started his career as a public accountant specializing in high-end financial and estate tax planning at international accounting firms such as Ernst & Young and Arthur Anderson. After eight years he found a new opportunity in the Office of Gift Planning at the University of Washington. Over the last eighteen years, Michael has worked with individuals and families at the University of Washington, University of California, Irvine, and the John Muir Health Foundation to help implement a values-based approach to philanthropy known as Legacy Planning.  Legacy Planning is a donor-centered approach that recognizes that philanthropic decisions are connected to an individual’s core value system and seeks to integrate the intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical dimensions of a person with an organization’s core social mission. In this episode, Kirsten and Michael dive into the details behind this gift planning approach, how the landscape has shifted with recent changes in law, and how families can successfully go about becoming involved in charitable giving. Highlights from Episode #025: What is your WHY behind your donation? Share it with your family members – it gives them opportunities to share your values and what’s important to you. It can provide a sense of pride and inspiration to others who hear your story and your WHY. Don’t be afraid to ask the charities you support to help you with the process of sharing their history and your reason for supporting them. Time-stamped Show Notes: 3:28 – Michael highlights the mission of the John Muir Health Foundation 6:37 – Kirsten and Michael discuss how the changes in tax law have had an impact on charity 10:30 – Michael shares what he has seen because of the changes in tax law 17:55 – What is the John Muir Health strategy on growth? 19:09 – Michael shares some of the growth accomplishments built out of the successful partnerships of the John Muir Health Foundation 21:49 – Michael discusses vehicles in which families can get involved in charitable giving Episode #025 Freebie: Don’t miss out on the chance to plan, build, and share your legacy planning story. Along with this episode, legacy planning expert and guest Michael Crvarich is offering exclusive access to a few valuable planning tools: A Workbook on creating a family mission statement – This resource allows you and your family to go through the process of identifying shared vision, values, goals, and purposes. It will then guide you in crafting your mission statement, tagline, or phrase for your family. A variety of E-Booklets that explore the different ways of giving under the new tax law. Visit givehealthjmh.org/Legacy for a look at these and other informative tools. 1-hour consultation – For anyone interested in exploring values-based philanthropy and giving, or to discuss philanthropy in general. Call John Muir Health Foundation at 925-947-4449 or email Michael.Crvarich@givehealthjmh.org and mention the Absolute Trust Talk podcast.   Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: John Muir Health Foundation  

Over 5 million people all across our country have Alzheimer’s. The scary part is that many people don’t quite understand the disease and confuse it with other health issues or even normal signs of aging. Kirsten and guest Dori Sproul, family care specialist with the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California, team up to discuss the disease and to educate listeners on a multitude of topics about this life-changing condition. Kirsten and Dori begin their discussion defining exactly what Alzheimer’s is and what it does to the body. Dori then goes on to share the importance of her organization and details how the Alzheimer’s Association helps families and individuals impacted by the illness. Dori highlights vital warning signs, how a patient is diagnosed, the advantages of being diagnosed early, and how crucial it is to plan ahead financially if at all possible. One in three seniors who die each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It is the third leading cause of death in the state of California alone. Alzheimer’s is a rapidly growing national health crisis, and the more we all understand, the better. We recommend listening and sharing this episode, because one way or another, this disease touches us all.  Big Three From Episode #023: If possible (with early diagnosis), plan ahead with your family. If you notice warning signs, talk to a physician. If you are a caregiver, you are not alone! Time-Stamped Show Notes: 2:15 – Over 5 million people all across our country have Alzheimer’s. Dori explains what Alzheimer’s is and what it does to the body, and identifies the ways in which Alzheimer’s differs from other dementias. 5:59 – Dori discusses what her organization does and how it helps those who have Alzheimer’s and their families. 11:15 – Dori describes the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and explain how these differ from normal signs of aging. 22:30 – Dori and Kirsten discuss how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed in a patient. 27:35 – Dori identifies the advantages of getting a firm Alzheimer’s diagnosis and of early detection. 30:08 – Dori explains what a mild cognitive impairment diagnosis looks like. 36:30 – Kirsten and Dori discuss the importance of planning ahead financially if possible. 39:55 – Dori describes what families experience when they get in touch with the Alzheimer’s Association. 48:00 – Dori discusses other community resources available to seniors in need. Episode #023 Freebie: Know the 10 Signs As mentioned in this episode, signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s can be confused with normal signs of aging. Regardless, it’s a growing epidemic, and it’s important to be able to understand and recognize key warning signs of the disease. Absolute Trust Talk guest Dori Sproul works hard to educate clients, the community, and all who contact her through the Alzheimer’s Association on tips, tools, strategies, resources, and all aspects of this illness. Today, she is sharing an exclusive tool with listeners called “Know the 10 Signs - Because Early Detection Matters” — a detailed checklist to help you identify the early signs of Alzheimer’s. Click here to download your checklist now! Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: TrialMatch – website tool to match with clinical trial 1.800.272.3900 – Alzheimer’s Association Help, Crisis, and Resource Line to address questions or concerns 24 hours a day ALZ.org – educational content, tools, and resources

When a family is grieving the loss of a loved one or an older couple is ready to move on to the next chapter in their lives by downsizing their lot, it can be overwhelming. Where do you start when you have a whole lifetime of stuff? Professional estate organizer Meg Connell joins Absolute Trust Talk host Kirsten Howe in the studio for an all-new episode to discuss the estate organizing process. With over 20 years of organizing experience, eight years of experience at a Fortune 500 consulting firm, and a degree in interior design and architecture, Meg, along with her team at TheOrganizedOne, brings unique qualifications to the estate distribution process. In this episode, Meg shares what it is that an estate organizer does, the steps that her team goes through, and how she determines what distribution process might be necessary for one family versus another. Meg also discusses how she works with other professionals and outside resources to help fully manage the tangible property items of an estate. Top Takeaways Episode #022: 1. Plan ahead! Don’t leave your family with a mess. 2. It’s only stuff. Time-stamped Show Notes: 3:07 – What is an estate organizer? 9:40 – Is there a demand for an estate organizer when the children or heirs are living far away? 13:26 – What is the process an estate organizer goes through when the occupant has passed? 17:40 – Meg describes how an estate organizer bills for the work done. 18:29 – Kirsten and Meg discuss how to determine whether an estate sale is necessary and what the alternatives are. 24:43 – Where do you start when you walk into a home, and it’s packed to the gills with stuff or a hoarding situation? 29:40 – Meg shares some of the most interesting things she has found in a home. 34:45 – Why it’s important to have a plan for personal property 40:01 – How long does an estate organization project take? Episode #022 Freebie: Getting estate affairs in order is no easy task, regardless of whether the person is still alive or not. Absolute Trust Talk guest and estate organizing professional Meg Connell is sharing a resource guide exclusively for listeners. This resource guide lists places that can help you with your estate planning and estate organizing – even your estate clean outs. If you don’t know who to talk to or how to get started, this tool is for you and your family. Click here to download your copy now! Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: The White Elephant Sale – Oakland Museum East Bay Depot  

In episode 19 of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten welcomes Francesca Vogel, home care liaison for Home Care Assistance, to the show. Francesca works with seniors and their families to help navigate their specific care needs. Francesca is such a valuable asset in her field, not only because of her 24 years of health care experience but her vast knowledge base and her endless network of connections across the state of California and beyond. Discussing home care and even potential end-of-life care is not an easy subject for people, but it’s something that every family should talk about so they know and understand their options. Kirsten and Francesca dive into what services a home care assistant provides, who looks for home care, the questions to ask when looking for the right caregiver, the differences between home care and hospice, and why it’s not recommended to hire just a friend or neighbor. Whether you are in the middle of working these issues out with the seniors in your life or are only in the planning stages, this is an episode not to be missed. Top Three From Episode #019: Ask questions Use your resources – Google and Yelp reviews, professionals like bankers and attorneys Remember you are never alone Time-stamped Show Notes: 3:24 – What’s happening in someone’s life when they should be thinking about home care? 6:07 – What kinds of services are a professional caregiver hired for? 9:28 – Francesca defines the difference between hospice and home care. 12:10 – Kirsten asks Francesca to discuss who works for and with Home Care Assistance. 20:14 – What do people need to be thinking about when looking for home care assistance? 22:05 – What kind of questions should potential clients ask about how a client care manager works? 23:12 – Why someone should not just hire a friend or neighbor to give home care assistance. 28:55 – When you need to hire home care, do you sign a contract? 35:50 – What do you do when an elderly client is against care? Episode #019 Freebie: “We all lose our keys and forget where we put our reading glasses as we get older. It’s normal.” In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, home care expert Francesca Vogel highlights how vital it is to educate seniors and their families on their care options and to provide tools to help them age as happily, healthily and comfortably as possible. Family members will see their elder loved ones start to lose their memories and automatically think the worst, but that’s not always the case. As discussed in today’s episode, Francesca is sharing a guide with listeners called How to Spot the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s. It goes through the various things you might be seeing in your loved one and offers a step-by-step guide to help notice the first signs of Alzheimer’s or determine if there might be something else going on. Click here to download your copy now! Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: Book Series by Home Care Assistance Founders Mind Over Gray Matter – Mentioned https://homecareassistance.com          

In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten welcomes attorney Bob Gonser to the show. Bob’s practice focuses on matters involving disputes between investors and their financial advisors. Bob typically works on a contingent fee basis and has successfully handled hundreds of cases for his clients whose investement accounts have been mismanaged resulting in the loss of irreplaceable assets.   Kirsten and Bob discuss many topics surrounding his specialty, beginning with who is most likely to be victimized by financial advisors who do not act in the best interest of their clients.. Bob then shares the different types of situations he sees his clients in and how they decided they were in over their heads and needed legal help. Later Bob weighs in on the do’s and don’t’s when looking to hire an advisor or broker and what you should regularly do to stay on top of your portfolio.   Top Take Aways from Episode #018: Remain aware of your situation Remain involved Don’t be afraid to ask questions Keep your children involved or (if you’re the kids) make sure you stay involved in your parent’s finances so you know how to put all the pieces together   Time-stamped Show Notes: 3:02 – Bob shares why senior citizens are the most common group of people he works with in regard to the loss of money in investments 4:20 – Kirsten asks Bob to share how clients come to the ultimate conclusion that they are in enough trouble and they need legal help 5:17 – Why senior citizens should not have volatile investments 8:44 – Bob discusses the different types of situations he sees and the types of advisors responsible for taking advantage of investors 11:08 – What “suitable” means regarding an industry standard for advisor-client relationships 15:00 – Bob defines the difference between the fiduciary and suitable standards in terms of responsibility of advisors to their clients 17:03  – Kirsten asks Bob to share what else he sees advisors doing wrong in his practice 19:56 – This is the most important thing you can do when looking to hire an advisor or broker 24:27 – Bob highlights what an investor should stay on top of when they finally hire an advisor or broker   Episode #018 Freebie: It’s great to have a financial professional to turn to when it comes to making investment decisions, but it’s also important to maintain involvement in your portfolio activity. Absolute Trust Talk guest and attorney Bob Gonser is sharing exclusive access to his portfolio maintenance tool called the Investment Portfolio Check-Up. This questionnaire is designed to help you see any red flags or things you might not recognize in your portfolio. To help ensure the safety of your financial investments we urge you to listen in to this episode and then download the Investment Portfolio Check-Up tool here.   Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: Finra.org – Broker Check  

In episode 15 of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten welcomes financial planning and investment professional John O’Dea of Summit Financial Group to the show. John’s focus is the wealth accumulation and protection needs present for individuals who own and operate a business. He has over a decade of experience working to simplify investment, insurance, and succession planning concepts. Kirsten and John start out by discussing how to begin business succession planning for parents who own a business and want to transition it to their children but may not have planned for it yet. The discussion then dives deep into analysis of each step – valuation of a business, what the parents need to retire comfortably, how to add other professionals into the mix, and how to make the process fair for children who might not work in the family business.    Big Three from Episode #015: Start with goals and objectives – normal planning goals and processes Solve for what mom and dad need or must get Then indicate key paths to take   Time-stamped Show Notes: 2:46 – John jumps right into discussing how he gets started when helping clients transition a business. 6:24 – John shares how vital the EBITDA/MEBITDA calculations factor into cash flow. 8:45 – Kirsten asks John to share what other surprises arise in this planning. 12:12 – What comes after figuring out what the parents must get in order to step away from the business? 16:25 – What happens if there is a gap between what a client wants vs. what value there really is in their business? 18:10 – John discusses how to close a gap ensuring that assets last as long as needed. 28:07 – John shares how to communicate or incorporate transitioning parties. 31:53 – What are the most common conflicts in this process? 38:45 – How exactly do you transition a company to a new generation? 43:09 – John shares a couple of other common surprises uncovered when doing the business transition and succession planning.   Episode #015 Freebie: The Retirement Income Challenge Retirement is something that individuals and couples work their whole lives for. When you stop working, you still need to live – there are still monthly expenditures, but that paycheck disappears. In conjunction with this episode, Absolute Trust Talk guest John O’Dea shares a key tool that he uses in his practice, The Retirement Challenge white paper. This document helps prospective retirees understand some of the challenges they are up against and describes some of the strategies available to address these challenges. Click here to gain exclusive access to your own copy of The Retirement Challenge white paper.   Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in This Episode: Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz  

In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten welcomes Walnut Creek family attorney Ariel Brownell Lee into the studio.  During her conversation with Kirsten, Ariel touches on all aspects of a prenuptial agreement. While discussing the pros and cons, Ariel reveals just how much a prenup can, and can’t, protect. Kirsten and Ariel explore the overlap between estate planning and divorce by examining community property, characterization of assets, and the protection a postnup can offer married couples years into their marriage. Later, Ariel weighs in on what couples heading for divorce should think about and offers actionable tips and tools. Big Three From Episode # 007: Have the uncomfortable conversations with your spouse Plan ahead, even if it seems like something you don’t need to think about, you do. Always seek counsel. Don’t try and do the work on your own. It’s more efficient to do it right the first time than to hire someone to clean up your mistakes. Time-stamped Show Notes 2:55 – What kinds of couples need a prenuptial agreement? 3:50 – Ariel talks about the pros of a prenup 4:20 – Ariel talks about the cons of a prenup 5:30 – Ariel and Kirsten discuss what a prenup protects 6:15 – Spousal support gets tricky here – don’t think you need it, but do you? 8:09 – Ariel highlights the things a prenup doesn’t protect 9:09 – Kirsten talks about community property, the magic number 8 and post nuptial agreements 10:59 – What’s the difference between prenups and postnups? 12:02 – How to ensure your prenup is enforceable – hint: the answer isn’t online. 14:30 – Ariel roadmaps what a divorce looks like with a prenup and without a prenup 19:00 – What should couples think about when they are heading for divorce? 24:06 – What does child custody look like in divorce? 27:54 – What are other custody disputes? 33:13 – Ariel talks ladies in law Episode # 007 Freebie: Heading for divorce is an emotional time and getting your head in the game is not always the easiest. Your judgment is probably clouded whether or not the separation is mutual. If you are heading down this road, it’s time to get started and get ahead of the game. Family lawyer and Absolute Trust Talk guest Ariel Brownell Lee has put together a free pre-divorce checklist and roadmap. These take a bit of guesswork out of your future. From issues to consider, to documents to gather, Ariel provides and a broad overview of what to expect from filing to judgment. Ariel hopes these tools will bring a little bit of support and a little bit of certainty to you about starting the process.  Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in this Episode: A Seat at the Table: http://cwlseatatthetable.blogspot.com

In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten welcomes Certified Financial Transitionist® Gary Gardner into the studio. As part of the first graduating class of the Financial Transitionist Institute (a division of the Sudden Money Institute) Gary was drawn to the process that uses the “touchy, feely side of the brain,” as he likes to say – guiding clients through the transitions in life on a much higher emotional level.   Gary and Kirsten discuss the unique niche of the financial planning world that is financial transition. Gary highlights the importance of human relationship in this planning process and reveals that it is truly the why behind the what that drives people to cope and move through life transitions in various ways that he has observed over the years. Most importantly, Gary reveals that life transitions, whether the death of a loved one, retirement, a job change, etc., are NORMAL and it’s okay to ask for help to work through them on your own time and on your own terms.   Big Three From Episode # 004: Transition, life changes, it’s NORMAL Take a break, taking your time is OKAY You’re not alone   Time-stamped Show Notes 2:16 – Gary talks about how his approach to financial planning is different from the norm and his evolution into a Certified Financial Transitionist® 3:45 – Implementation in a person’s life much more relevant with this type of coaching 8:09 – Gary shares research into the life transitions a widow goes through with the death of a spouse 10:24 – The spectrum of handling a huge life stressor 14:00 – Gary shares how his specialized approach helps move these transitions along for clients 17:27 – Gary discusses what happens during the first meeting with clients 20:14 – Gary’s number one question he asks his clients –What’s on your mind? 24:11 – Kirsten discusses the estate planning side of the process when working with recently widowed, grieving clients 25:26 – Gary recommends this mindset when approaching transition 27:50 – Gary breaks down the meaning behind DFZ – his resource tool 40:00 – How do you think about your own preparations for death? Episode # 004 Freebie: “The next time you find yourself wading through the quick sand I hope you’ll pull up the Decision Free Zone.” – Gary Gardner(CeFT) No matter which life transition you’re in: whether it be the grieving over the death of a loved one, retirement, significant job change or if you’re just at a point in life where you just don’t know what to do, stop. Take a minute, breath, and pull up this tool. Dump your brain into the Now, Soon, and Later – no matter how silly or minute that thing in your brain might be – and get yourself to a point where you say okay, I can move forward from here.   Resources/Tools/Links Mentioned in this Episode: Dick Wagner: Financial Planning 3.0: Evolving Our Relationships with Money David Allen – Getting Things Done Sudden Money Institute – Susan Bradley Life&Wealth Advisors