In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper engages with estate planning attorney Nicole Johnson to discuss the critical aspects of estate planning, including the importance of powers of attorney, wills, and trusts. They explore the emotional dynamics of family discussions around these topics, the implications of cognitive decline, and the necessity of having essential documents in place to ensure that individuals' wishes are honored. The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive planning and open communication within families to navigate the complexities of aging and legacy management.

Takeaways

• Estate planning is about honoring people's wishes and legacies.
• Powers of attorney are crucial for managing affairs while alive.
• Having essential documents in place prevents others from controlling your assets.
• Probate serves as an oversight to ensure proper handling of estates.
• Trusts provide privacy and can help avoid probate.
• Planning ahead can save families from emotional and financial strain.
• Legal capacity is essential for making decisions about estate planning.
• Open conversations about estate planning can ease family tensions.
• Understanding the tax implications of estate planning is vital.
• Proactive planning is better than waiting for a crisis.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Estate Planning and Its Importance
02:32 Understanding Powers of Attorney
04:54 The Role of Wills and Probate
06:56 Exploring Trusts and Their Benefits
09:41 The Importance of Pre-Planning
11:28 Navigating Family Dynamics in Decision Making
13:57 Addressing Cognitive Decline and Planning Ahead
16:08 The Role of HIPAA in Estate Planning
18:00 Cost Considerations for Estate Planning
18:35 Understanding Estate Planning Essentials
21:04 Navigating Property and Financial Decisions
25:07 Legal Capacity and Dementia
26:58 The Importance of Proactive Planning
29:17 Myths and Misconceptions in Estate Planning

Keywords

estate planning, powers of attorney, wills, trusts, healthcare decisions, cognitive decline, family dynamics, legal capacity, estate attorney, planning for aging

Resources

Garrity & Gossage, LLP

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey podcast, Lisa Harper engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kathy Vines, a Certified Professional Organizer®, the owner of Clever Girl Organizing®, and author of “Clever Girl's Guide to Living with Less: Break Free from Your Stuff, Even When Your Head and Heart Get in the Way.” They discuss the emotional complexities of letting go of belongings. They explore the psychological barriers that prevent individuals from decluttering, the significance of memorabilia, and the importance of purposeful possession. Kathy shares insights on how to navigate conversations with parents about inherited items, the necessity of having exit strategies for decluttering, and creative ways to make the process enjoyable. The discussion emphasizes the need for kindness towards oneself during the decluttering journey and the value of sharing stories behind cherished items.

Takeaways

• Letting go can feel emotional, especially during life transitions.
• Understanding our attachments to belongings is crucial for decluttering.
• Memorabilia often holds emotional weight that can be overwhelming.
• Photos should be evaluated for their current significance, not just nostalgia.
• Purposeful possession means understanding why we keep certain items.
• Future fear can prevent us from letting go of items we no longer need.
• Conversations with parents about inherited items should focus on their emotional value.
• Having an exit strategy is essential for effective decluttering.
• Making decluttering fun can help ease the emotional burden.
• Sharing stories behind items can enhance their value and connection.

Resources

Order Kathy's book, Clever Girl's Guide to Living with Less: Break Free from Your Stuff, Even When Your Head and Heart Get in the Way

https://www.clevergirlorganizing.com/living-with-less-book/

https://www.quicksandpod.com

@quicksandpod on FB and IG and YT

https://www.clevergirlorganizing.com

@kathyvinessays on IG

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode of the Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey podcast, host Lisa Harper speaks with Veteran Advocate, Toni Moses about the complexities of navigating VA benefits for veterans and their families. Toni shares her personal journey as a Service-Disabled Veteran and emphasizes the importance of understanding available resources, including the role of Veteran Service Officers. The conversation covers essential documentation needed for claims, recent legislative changes affecting veterans, and the significance of support for caregivers. Toni provides valuable insights and case studies to illustrate the impact of advocacy on veterans' lives.

Takeaways

• Toni Moses is a Service-Disabled Veteran and advocate for veterans.
• Navigating the VA benefits system can be complex and overwhelming.
• Veteran Service Officers are crucial for assisting with claims.
• Documentation like the DD214 is essential for filing claims.
• Recent legislation has expanded benefits for veterans and their families.
• The VA has expedited processes for elderly or terminally ill veterans.
• Caregivers can access benefits for in-home care assistance.
• Many veterans may not know they are eligible for service-connected benefits.
• Disabled American Veterans provide comprehensive support for veterans.
• It's important for families to stay informed about changes in veteran benefits.

Resources

Disabled American Veterans - Office Locator

https://www.dav.org/find-your-local-office/

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.