By Lorie Jones, Fearless Financial Advisors
I heard about a lawyer who begins every will with this line:
“My dear children, first and foremost, I want you to know that you are the greatest joy in my life, I love you dearly and I am so proud of you.”
And I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.
It reminds me of the answers I hear all the time on my Fearless Females podcast. Whenever I ask, “What are you most proud of?” the answer isn’t a title or a bank balance—it’s always relationships. Family. Kids. Chosen family. Nieces, nephews, godchildren. Love.
I’ve seen this love in action: the auntie who drops everything to take your kid dorm shopping when you’re across the country. The cousin who sends a surprise check during finals week. The sibling who remembers birthdays even when you forgot your own. These connections matter deeply. They are everything.
And yet… too often, we don’t plan for what happens after we’re gone.
No one—literally no one—has ever said to me, “You know what I really hope happens after I die? That my kids spend the next ten years arguing over who gets the houseplants and never speak again.” But if your wishes aren’t written down, if your estate plan is chaos, if no one knows who gets what or why… that’s exactly what could happen.
So let me say this clearly: An estate plan isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s an act of love.
If you have young kids—especially if one spouse earns most of the income or stays home full-time—please, please have a plan. Life insurance, up-to-date beneficiaries, a named guardian. It’s not morbid. It’s mature. It’s your “just in case” file, so your family doesn’t have to figure it out in a panic.
If your kids are grown, I’m not losing sleep exactly-but let’s just say I’ve seen enough family drama to mentally cast the movie. I’ve seen what happens when families aren’t told why something was done a certain way. One wedding ring. Four kids. One angry Thanksgiving. Don’t put that kind of pressure on people who are grieving. If things are being divided unevenly—or even just emotionally—talk to your family. Trust me, communication now saves heartbreak later.
If your parents didn’t plan well and you’re currently trying to track down their accounts across three firms, two shoeboxes, and a stack of yellowed stock certificates in the garage—bring it to a financial planner. We’ve got spreadsheets, sharp eyes, and strong opinions on how to fix it.
You don’t have to do this alone. And you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to start. I can help you find an estate attorney that aligns with your goals. I’ve even sat in the room with clients to help facilitate those tough family conversations. Because that’s what this is really about: leaving a legacy of love, not confusion.
We’ve pulled together some great estate planning resources from our symposium—so head to the Estate Planning tab on our website to check them out. And if you’re not sure where to start, just ask. We’ve got a lineup of licensed pros who can help you turn “someday” into “done.”
One day, when I make my exit to that great chocolate-filled, zero-calorie heaven in the sky, I want my kids to remember the good stuff. That trip to London. The laughter. The unconditional love. Not a single argument about “who gets what.”
So if family matters to you—and I know it does—put a plan in place. Talk about it. Write it down. Your people will thank you.
And future-you? She’s going to be so proud you did.
If it is time to chat about your estate plan, or lack thereof, set up a time to chit-chat with Lorie.
