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004: Hey, Life Transitions are Normal. Here’s How to Cope With Them.

Absolute Trust Talk

Release Date: 04/19/2018

157: Avoiding Probate Hassles: Understanding California's 2025 Law Change show art 157: Avoiding Probate Hassles: Understanding California's 2025 Law Change

Absolute Trust Talk

A significant shift in California probate law is on the horizon, promising to make estate transfers more accessible for many homeowners. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into a game-changing legislation effective April 1, 2025. This new law allows for a simplified transfer of primary residences valued up to $750,000 to heirs—without the need for probate or a formal estate plan. They discuss how this expansion of the small estate affidavit and petition procedures can ease the burden on families, making property...

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156: Probate Alternatives: Real Estate Affidavits and Succession Petitions Explained show art 156: Probate Alternatives: Real Estate Affidavits and Succession Petitions Explained

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In the third episode of their probate alternatives series on Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into two streamlined legal procedures that help families avoid the costly and time-consuming probate process when transferring small real estate estates in California. They explain an affidavit procedure for properties valued under $61,500 and a petition for determining succession to property for estates under $184,500. The discussion covers the requirements for each method, including waiting periods, the role of a probate referee, and when each...

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155: Spousal Property Petitions: An Easier Alternative to Probate show art 155: Spousal Property Petitions: An Easier Alternative to Probate

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In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into the spousal property petition, a vital tool that offers a faster and more cost-effective way for surviving spouses to claim assets from a deceased spouse's estate. They break down the legal nuances, sharing practical examples of how this process works and how it can sometimes be used even after both spouses have passed away. With real-world scenarios and expert advice, this episode sheds light on probate alternatives that can ease the estate administration process for families. Whether...

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154: Unlocking Assets Without Probate: The Benefits of Using a Small Estate Affidavit show art 154: Unlocking Assets Without Probate: The Benefits of Using a Small Estate Affidavit

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Navigating the probate process can feel overwhelming, so what if there was a way to avoid it entirely? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, associate attorney Jessica Colbert and managing attorney Kirsten Howe introduce the small estate affidavit—an often overlooked yet highly effective tool for bypassing probate when certain conditions are met. Together, they break down what it takes to qualify for this process, explain how it works to transfer personal property without court involvement and point out some important details and potential challenges. Don’t miss this insightful...

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153: AB Trusts After 2013: What You Need to Do Now show art 153: AB Trusts After 2013: What You Need to Do Now

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Welcome back to Absolute Trust Talk! In this exciting episode, associate attorney Jessica Colbert steps into the spotlight for the first time, accompanied by managing attorney Kirsten Howe. Together, they continue the series AB Trusts: Do You Have One? Do You Need One? This episode uncovers the surprising reason many couples have AB trusts without realizing it, and what steps you should take if you find yourself in this situation. You’ll also learn why it might be time to reconsider an AB trust, especially if you are the surviving spouse and want to make changes. Don’t miss out on this...

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152: The Truth About AB Trusts: Will Your Wishes Be Followed? show art 152: The Truth About AB Trusts: Will Your Wishes Be Followed?

Absolute Trust Talk

Welcome back to Absolute Trust Talk with Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert! In this second episode of our AB Trust series, we dive into a vital question: Will your wishes truly be honored? While AB Trusts are a common estate planning tool for couples, they have potential challenges. One significant issue is when the deceased spouse's wishes are unintentionally—or even deliberately—overlooked or altered. Tune in as we explore how and why this happens and, more importantly, what steps you can take to ensure that your estate plan works exactly as intended.   ...

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151: Is an AB Trust Right for You? Essential Insights for Married Couples show art 151: Is an AB Trust Right for You? Essential Insights for Married Couples

Absolute Trust Talk

Married couples, is your AB trust still serving your needs, or has it outstayed its welcome? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert take a closer look at AB trusts, a once-standard estate planning tool. They discuss when an AB trust makes sense and when it might just add unnecessary complexity and cost. Tune in as they explain the key benefits of asset control after death, while also considering the downsides, such as tax filing requirements and maintenance expenses. Whether you're revisiting an existing trust or planning for the future,...

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150: Third-Party Trustees: A Smart Choice for Your Estate Plan? show art 150: Third-Party Trustees: A Smart Choice for Your Estate Plan?

Absolute Trust Talk

In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert continue their in-depth discussion on selecting a successor trustee, with a focus on third-party options. They explore key considerations when choosing a licensed professional fiduciary, breaking down the advantages and potential drawbacks of this option. Additionally, they provide insights into other alternatives, such as corporate trustees. Whether you're making this decision for the first time or revisiting your estate plan, this episode offers practical advice to help you choose the best trustee...

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149: Choosing a Child as Your Successor Trustee: Key Factors to Consider show art 149: Choosing a Child as Your Successor Trustee: Key Factors to Consider

Absolute Trust Talk

Are you considering naming a child as your successor trustee? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert explore the pros and cons of selecting a child for this crucial role. They break down key factors, including whether to name one child or multiple children as co-trustees, and the potential challenges that can arise, from sibling dynamics to administrative complexities. Tune in to gain valuable insights and ensure you make an informed decision about your trust’s future.   Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:45...

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148: How to Choose the Right Successor Trustee for Your Trust show art 148: How to Choose the Right Successor Trustee for Your Trust

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Are you prepared to name a successor trustee in your estate plan? Don’t worry if you’re unsure—this episode of Absolute Trust Talk will guide you through the process. We’ll break down the most important traits to look for in a successor trustee, such as trustworthiness, reliability, and the ability to seek professional advice when needed. Plus, we’ll share common pitfalls to avoid so you can make the best choice for your family’s future.   Time-stamped Show Notes:   0:00 Introduction 0:50 What is a Successor Trustee, and why is naming one essential for your...

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More Episodes

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:

  1. Transition, life changes, it’s NORMAL
  2. Take a break, taking your time is OKAY
  3. 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