Demystifying Estate Planning with Andreea Vladescu
Real Connections: CAWEE Voices
Release Date: 04/14/2025
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info_outlineEpisode Summary
Estate planning is something we all know we should do, yet many of us put it off. In this episode, host Janine Harris sits down with guest Andreea Vladescu CPA, a seasoned Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), to break down estate planning into simple, actionable steps. With over 25 years of experience in accounting, tax planning, and financial management, Andreea shares practical advice on how to protect your wealth, minimize taxes, and ensure a smooth transition of assets to your loved ones.
Timestamps
00:23 - Andreea’s background – 25+ years in accounting, tax planning, and financial reporting.
02:05 - Common estate planning challenges – probate, tax confusion, and family conflicts.
04:06 - The importance of having a will – and what happens if you don’t.
06:10 - How to minimize probate fees – wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations.
10:08 - Business owners & estate planning – why planning ahead is crucial.
Key Takeaways
✅ Why estate planning is crucial – it's not just for the wealthy or elderly
✅ Common mistakes people make, including waiting too long to plan
✅ Probate explained – what it is and how to minimize its impact
✅ Practical tax-saving strategies to help you prepare for the future
✅ The importance of a will and how to structure it for your unique situation
✅ Life insurance as a key estate planning tool
Andreea also shares real-life scenarios where estate planning (or lack thereof) had a major impact on families and small business owners.
Rapid Fire Round
🔥 One thing people get wrong about estate planning? Thinking it’s only for the wealthy.
🔥 Who would Andreea have dinner with? Queen Elizabeth II.
🔥 Go-to comfort food? Chocolate.
🔥 Life advice? Don’t wait for the perfect moment - create it and live it!
Listen now and take step toward securing your financial future!
📌 Connect with Andreea Vladescu
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreeavladescu/
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Credits
Hosted by Janine Harris. Special thanks to Andreea Vladescu for sharing her talent with us.