Absolute Trust Talk

Absolute Trust Talk is your navigational compass that brings together the business of trusts, estate planning, and aging – your home base to find the knowledge you’re seeking on what lies ahead. With over 27 years of experience, Kirsten has seen her fair share of clients confused and overwhelmed with the complexity of estate planning and the challenges and obstacles that life can throw your way. On a mission to take her vast expertise and experience to a new level, Absolute Trust Talk host Kirsten Howe brings a thought-provoking, approachable, friendly voice to a wide variety of life and legacy planning topics. Through this series of podcasts, the Absolute Trust Talk team will connect with like-minded business professionals, industry leaders, and luminaries to spotlight how listeners can make educated and informed lifestyle and planning decisions. Living your best, quality life while preparing for the future doesn’t have to be stressful or hard, but it does have to be smart.

213: Choice in Aging: How Medi-Cal Programs Help Seniors Age in Place 10/14/2026

213: Choice in Aging: How Medi-Cal Programs Help Seniors Age in Place What if staying home as you age cost a fraction of what a nursing facility does? In California, a shared room in a skilled nursing facility averages about $130,000 a year. Choice in Aging's Medi-Cal waiver program works with about $6,000 per person per year to help people remain in their own homes, with the care, connection, and dignity they want. This week, Kirsten Howe sits down with Debbie Toth, President and CEO of Choice in Aging, a 77-year-old Bay Area nonprofit that helps older adults and people with disabilities live and age in community. Debbie explains how the Multipurpose Senior Services Program pays for support that traditional Medi-Cal won't, such as transportation, emergency response buttons, and home modifications. She also describes how California Community Transitions helps people move out of skilled nursing and back into the community, and why Choice in Aging is building a $32 million Aging in Place campus with housing and services right outside residents' front doors. If you're planning for your own future or caring for an aging parent, this conversation shows what's possible with the right support. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. In Part 2, Debbie shares the story behind Choice in Aging's intergenerational program. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:39 Kirsten introduces Debbie Toth, President and CEO of Choice in Aging, whose programs now reach Contra Costa, Solano, Napa, and Sacramento counties. 2:21 Choice in Aging's mission: helping people learn, grow, and age in community with dignity, and out of institutions. 2:33 77 years of evolving, from treating children with polio to the independent living movement to serving older adults. 3:51 The 1970s nursing facility exposés that pushed the California State Legislature to look for a better way. 4:33 How adult day health care works: skilled nursing staffing in a setting that looks and feels like a senior center. 5:06 Debbie's north star: no one should age or become disabled out of the ability to experience joy and community. 5:41 The Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP), and what a Medicaid waiver actually is. 6:08 Who qualifies: adults 60 or older on Medi-Cal who need hands-on help with at least two activities of daily living. 6:34 Complex care management, explained, and why so few people know what it is. 7:07 The biopsychosocial approach: the nurse looks at health, and the social worker asks what brings you joy. 8:02 Caregivers, transportation, training, and in-home hours: building a plan around the whole person. 8:36 What MSSP can pay for, from emergency response buttons to a tablet so Mrs. Smith can attend church on Zoom. 9:35 Why these services fall outside what traditional Medi-Cal pays for, and the paperwork that comes with a waiver. 10:53 The Medicare misconception: Medicare is health insurance, and Medicaid is what pays for long-term care. 11:27 The cost gap: about $130,000 a year for a shared skilled nursing room, versus $6,000 a year to help someone stay home. 12:08 Why funding still favors institutions over community, and why advocacy matters. 12:36 In more than 2,000 presentations, Debbie has never seen anyone raise a hand for a nursing facility. 13:42 California Community Transitions, California's version of the federal Money Follows the Person program. 14:24 How the program begins when someone in a skilled nursing facility says yes to exploring community options. 15:01 Housing, care teams, ramps, and grab bars: a transition that can take three months to two years. 16:46 Why words matter, and how ageism and ableism live in our minds until we train ourselves to see them. 17:49 Saving adult day health care, and the realization that Medi-Cal doesn't cover the true cost of care. 18:25 The SWOT analysis that uncovered nearly two unused acres, and the board's “let's just build housing.” 19:08 Accessible, affordable housing for older adults, and the secret sauce Choice in Aging has had since 1980. 19:37 The Aging in Place campus: housing with health, social services, transportation, and nutrition right outside the front door. 20:35 Thousands of funding streams for housing, and none for the services that keep people housed. 21:02 Where the campaign stands: about $17 million raised toward a $32 million goal. 22:14 Why the right donor could close the gap, and how listeners can help. 22:58 Where to find Choice in Aging, and how to join a lunch-and-learn tour of the adult day health care program. 23:58 Coming up in Part 2: a closer look at Choice in Aging's intergenerational programs. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/43295599

212: Childfree Wealth, Part 2: Pet Trusts, POAs, and Who Decides When You Can't? 09/29/2026

212: Childfree Wealth, Part 2: Pet Trusts, POAs, and Who Decides When You Can't? Most estate planning conversations start with who gets what. For childfree adults, a harder question comes first: who makes decisions for you when you can't make them yourself? In Part 2 of her conversation with Scott Barnes, CFP®, CLTC, Director of Financial Planning at Childfree Wealth, host Kirsten Howe moves from financial planning to the documents themselves — and to the people named inside them. Scott and Kirsten dive in where many childfree clients start: pets, and why a line in a will leaving an animal and $10,000 to a friend doesn't do what people assume it does. From there, they get into the fiduciary gap — siblings who are the same age as you are, nieces and nephews who may also be beneficiaries, and the reality that naming someone isn't the same as that person being able and willing to do the work. Scott also walks through Childfree Trust, the sister company to Childfree Wealth, which provides medical power of attorney services in all 50 states and D.C., and the care documents that tell a fiduciary which hospital you'd prefer, who your veterinarian is, and who walks the dog. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:40 Who Scott's clients are: adults who, by choice or by circumstance, will not be having children — and why that changes the estate plan. 1:20 Pets first. Clients with children assume a son or daughter will take the animals; childfree clients have no built-in pet sitter. 2:05 Scott: for a lot of childfree clients, the pets are the reason they do their estate planning at all. 2:50 Why leaving a pet and $10,000 to a friend in a will doesn't protect the animal — the money becomes that person's outright. 3:35 Nothing in a will stops that person from keeping the money and surrendering the pet to a shelter. 4:15 Scott's fix is a pet trust: a trust is about control, and control is what turns your intention into a guarantee. 5:00 Childfree clients often don't have obvious beneficiaries either — listen in as Kirsten weighs in on who struggles most with that list. 5:45 The question Scott hears more often than “who inherits” is: who will make decisions for me when I can't? 6:25 Why Scott pushes the medical and financial powers of attorney ahead of the will and the trust — incapacity is what actually happens to clients. 7:10 Childfree Trust, the sister company to Childfree Wealth, was built for people who have no one to name. 7:55 It operates in all 50 states and D.C., and it will serve as a client's medical power of attorney. 8:40 Most trust companies handle everything else but decline the medical POA role. 9:20 The exceptions: California's licensed professional fiduciaries, Arizona's fiduciary program, and a similar option in Washington. 10:00 Trust companies often won't take on the financial or legal power of attorney either. 10:40 Most people named in these roles don't actually know what the job requires of them. 11:20 The niece or nephew you name as your agent may also be your beneficiary — two interests that can pull in different directions. 12:00 Unless someone files a complaint, there is no practical way to enforce an agent's duty. 12:40 What a professional, objective fiduciary adds: your explicit written directions, followed. 13:20 Scott's caveat — naming a child isn't a guarantee either, because abuse of these powers happens in families too. 14:00 The blind spot in naming a sibling or a close friend: they're your contemporaries. 14:40 They won't be much help when you're 85 in a hospital bed, and Kirsten's suggestion to make a few young friends. 15:25 Naming someone isn't enough. They have to be willing to step up and get to work. 16:05 Scott served as financial power of attorney for his parents and grandparents, and deliberately declined the medical role. 16:50 Have the conversation while you can, so the person you named knows your wishes before the emergency. 17:30 What Childfree Trust clients receive: a will, medical and financial powers of attorney, and a revocable living trust. 18:10 Care documents: resuscitation preferences, a preferred CCRC or assisted living community, and which hospital to be moved to. 18:55 The pet section of the care documents — veterinarian, boarding, dog walker, cat sitter. 19:35 If a client never fills them out, the trust company hires care managers in the client's local community instead. 20:10 Why so many parents in their 70s and 80s keep their plans close to the vest, and what that costs the family in an emergency. 20:50 Knowing what the job involves makes it easier to accept, and why pre-planning a funeral is a gift to whoever survives you. 21:30 In the works, around the beginning of the year: the same service for people who do have adult children, including estranged ones. 22:10 Where to find Childfree Wealth, Childfree Trust, and Childfree Insights. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/43077618

211: Childfree Wealth: Who's Your Long-Term Care Plan If You Don't Have Kids?211: 09/15/2026

211: Childfree Wealth: Who's Your Long-Term Care Plan If You Don't Have Kids?211: Most people already have a long-term care plan. Yet they have never written it down, never funded it, and in many cases never said it out loud — it is simply the assumption that a son or daughter will step in when the time comes. Roughly 25% of U.S. adults do not have that assumption available to them. In Part 1 of her conversation with Scott Barnes, CFP®, CLTC, Director of Financial Planning at Childfree Wealth, host Kirsten Howe looks at what financial planning has to account for when there is no built-in safety net. Scott explains why disability and long-term care coverage move to the top of the insurance list while life insurance moves down, and why the hardest gap to fill is not the hands-on caregiving but the coordination — hiring the aides, running the schedule, getting someone to a doctor's appointment. He and Kirsten also get into the Die With Zero approach to spending intentionally, why planning software is not built for it, and the scarcity mindset that keeps people with more than enough money from spending any of it. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:05 Meet Scott Barnes, CFP®, CLTC — two decades in financial planning, plus a Certified in Long-Term Care designation. 2:05 Why Childfree Wealth exists: founder Dr. Jay Zigmont saw a gap in the market that nobody was serving. 3:00 Did you know? Roughly 25% of the U.S. is childfree — and the CFP curriculum never mentions them. 3:50 The definition matters: about 21% of people are childfree by choice, about 4% are childless by circumstance, and why Scott's team treats those groups differently. 5:05 What about people who haven't decided whether to have children? Listen as Scott talks about meeting clients where they are. 5:50 Kids are expensive — Scott's estimate for raising one to 18, and why geography changes the number. 7:00 No college fund, no 40-year grind: what "work-optional" actually looks like. 7:45 Why some of Scott's clients move states every two or three years — and skip buying a home entirely to keep that mobility. 9:05 Kirsten's addition: when kids aren't the focus, you're not planting yourself in the best school district you can afford. 9:40 Hobbies in the middle of a workday — Scott's cars, other clients' gardening and pottery — and the job flexibility that makes it possible. 11:00 The biggest planning assumption that changes: Bill Perkins' Die With Zero, and spending intentionally instead of building a legacy. 12:20 Every financial planning platform is built to maximize what you leave behind. None of them are built to help you spend it down. 13:20 Why Scott would rather give his nieces and nephews something in their twenties than leave it to them at 50. 14:40 Kirsten names the thing most families never say out loud: for a lot of people, the kids are the long-term care plan. 15:30 The childfree bingo card: "Who's going to take care of you when you get older?" 16:20 Disability and long-term care insurance move up the list. Life insurance moves down. 17:20 The part nobody budgets for: somebody still has to hire the caregivers and drive to the appointments. 18:40 Care coordination services: most policies now include an insurer-provided coordinator who finds home care or an assisted living facility for you. 19:30 Self-funding instead? Then the geriatric care manager is another cost on top. 20:15 Why waiting until a crisis costs the most: no transition, no shopping around, and care needed immediately. 21:00 Kirsten on Medi-Cal planning, and how many clients arrive only after things have already fallen apart. 21:50 "Soloists" — Scott's term for people aging without a partner or children — and why they need a funded plan, not an assumption. 22:40 Wealthy enough to self-insure, and still unwilling to spend a dollar of it. 23:15 Where the scarcity mindset starts: grandparents who lived through the Great Depression, and the habit passed down since. 24:10 "I know what your balance sheet looks like." The clients who will never run out and cannot stop worrying. 24:50 The window that matters: why your 40s and 50s is the time to buy, and what waiting until your 70s costs. 25:30 Coming next: estate planning for childfree adults. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/42920992

210: Aging in Place, Part 2: How JoeyCo Home Sharing Actually Works 08/18/2026

210: Aging in Place, Part 2: How JoeyCo Home Sharing Actually Works Once a student is living in your spare room and working for your household, the questions get practical fast. Can they have a friend over? What did the screening actually check? And if it stops working, how does it end? In Part 2 of her conversation with JoeyCo founder Alison Donnally, host Kirsten Howe asks all of them — and gets straight answers, including who tends to apply for these arrangements and, just as usefully, who doesn't. Every JoeyCo match rests on two agreements that reference each other — a lodging agreement and a household employment agreement — and Alison explains why, in California, housing offered because of the job puts a homeowner on firmer ground than a standard tenancy would, pointing to case law built around live-in building superintendents as the model. It's a practical look at what this arrangement asks of a household, and what it gives back. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:00 Who becomes a Joey? First-generation students, former family caregivers, future nurses, and business students who’ve run the numbers. 1:52 Kirsten asks the question every host wonders about: what happens when it just has to end? 2:11 Most endings aren’t dramatic — different directions, changing needs, and an amicable way out. 2:26 A core JoeyCo principle: “We’re not just moving someone in and saying good luck.” 2:40 Did you know? The lodging and employment agreements self-reference — and in California, that changes a host’s footing. 3:00 The live-in superintendent model: the apartment is available only because that person performs a role in the building. 3:27 What a real move-out looks like — turn in the keys, leave the space in good shape, move on. 4:04 “These are not squatters.” The interviews, references, and background checks behind every placement. 4:45 Do hosts and Joeys share meals? Some hosts simply want to cook for somebody again. 5:24 The kitchen table comes back — the Chronicle-profiled household now debates big national questions over dinner. 6:38 Does a Joey have to be a college student? Why having a school in the picture helps. 7:20 JoeyCo defines “student” broadly — and just placed its first educator, a kindergarten teacher. 7:50 What happens when a Joey graduates? One May grad is making the case for recent graduates. 8:45 A match no one could have planned: a student studying PTSD, placed with a family facing dementia. 10:43 How to get started at withjoey.com — real people behind every form, and a home visit for every match. 11:40 Why JoeyCo is focused on all of California for now, and what growing thoughtfully looks like. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/42478570

209: Aging in Place: How JoeyCo Matches Older Adults with Student Housemates 08/07/2026

209: Aging in Place: How JoeyCo Matches Older Adults with Student Housemates What if the answer to aging well at home isn't an expensive caregiver --- but a college student in the spare bedroom? In this episode, host Kirsten Howe sits down with Alison Donnally, founder of JoeyCo and a healthcare innovation veteran of Amazon Care and Kaiser Permanente. After three of her own family members experienced major health events while aging alone, Alison asked a question that wouldn't let go: if the au pair system gives American families relatively affordable live-in childcare, why isn't there an equivalent for older adults? Her answer is JoeyCo, which matches older adult homeowners ("hosts") with screened, vetted local students ("Joeys") who rent a room in the home and work for the household --- groceries, dog walks, trash cans, and the everyday help that keeps life running. Together, Kirsten and Alison break down what makes these arrangements actually work: the legal structure behind every match in California, the clear expectations set before anyone moves in, and the simple communication habits that keep small issues from ever turning into big ones. They also explore the deeper reason this model resonates: as we age, our world tends to get smaller. A little help --- and a little company --- can push it back open. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:30 Kirsten's focus for this episode series: not living longer, but living better --- all the way to the end. 1:05 Meet Alison Donnally, founder of JoeyCo, with a background spanning Amazon Care, Kaiser Permanente, the NFL, Tuck, and Wharton. 1:40 The concept in a nutshell: older adult "hosts" get affordable help at home, and student "Joeys" get a place to live and a job. 2:42 Alison shares the personal inspiration --- three family members, aging alone for very different reasons, each experienced a major health event. 3:25 "These are not healthcare things that are happening to my family members, until it is something that is healthcare." 3:50 The aha moment came from the au pair system: why not affordable live-in support for older adults, too? 4:52 How it works in California: lodging agreements, household employment rules, and keeping the complexity on JoeyCo's side. 6:45 Who becomes a host? Often women aging alone with an extra bedroom and a desire to help solve the housing crisis. 7:30 Another common host: a household where a family member is the caregiver for someone with dementia or a chronic condition. 8:05 Every match starts with one question: what would make this host come alive? 8:47 Kirsten's theater-line story --- Joeys aren't caregivers, but getting to a play matters, too. 9:45 Even chit-chat in line adds vibrancy to a life that can start to feel smaller with age. 10:21 "One by one, we lose our friends." Why JoeyCo is more than a business transaction. 11:42 Did you know? A room-for-chores swap isn't legally compliant in California --- every match takes two agreements: monthly rent from Joey to host, and biweekly W-2 payroll from host to Joey. 12:56 The house manual covers the roommate stuff up front: Wi-Fi passwords, fridge shelves, and clear expectations. 13:30 Weekly look-ahead meetings keep payroll accurate and schedules in sync --- flexibility requires communication. 13:55 The bathroom fan story: handling the little things before they become big things. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/42361325

208: Downsizing on Your Terms, Part 2: Buy First, Sell Later 08/03/2026

208: Downsizing on Your Terms, Part 2: Buy First, Sell Later In Part 1, host Kirsten Howe and real estate agent Nathan Jines of Jines Real Estate Group talked about why more people 55 and up are choosing to relocate --- and how to make that choice on your own terms. Now, in Part 2, they get into the how. Nathan's first piece of advice flips conventional wisdom on its head: if you're financially able, buy your next home first, start living your new life, and let a full-service team handle the sale behind you --- decluttering, staging, repairs, negotiations, all of it, even from across the country. He shares how bridge lenders make buying first possible, why his East Coast clients never have to come back, and the lesson his own parents learned on their way to a happy new life in Portugal. Kirsten and Nathan also explore what buyers in this stage of life are really looking for --- community and connection first --- including the story of clients who traded a 2,500-square-foot Oakland home for a 1,000-square-foot condo on Yerba Buena Island and gained the city lifestyle they'd been dreaming of. The through line: your health and peace of mind matter more than any house sale. If you missed Part 1, start with Episode 207 --- then come back for the practical playbook. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:40 To kick things off, Kirsten asks the big logistical question: if you own a house and want to buy another, what comes first? 1:05 Nathan's answer flips conventional wisdom: if you're financially able, purchasing first and knowing where you're going is exponentially better than selling first and moving twice. 1:40 A lesson from Nathan's own family --- his parents moved into an Airbnb first, and his stepdad later admitted he wouldn't have tried to sell their belongings; he would have just donated them. Today, they're happily settled in Portugal. 2:30 Did you know? Bridge lenders can use your current property as collateral to help you move into your next place. 3:00 Selling completely remotely --- Nathan's clients move to the East Coast and never come back. His team handles clearing out the house, staging prep, painting, landscaping, and inspections, while sellers review contracts, sign documents, and make decisions from anywhere. 4:10 Kirsten's takeaway: as the seller, you don't have to stick around if it doesn't work for you. 4:40 Why moving first makes the new life real: when you're spending time with the grandkids or relaxing by your new pool, you're not thinking about that old couch you've had for 30 years. 6:40 Some clients want to be hands-on with the decluttering, and the timeline is theirs, even if it takes six months to empty every closet. 7:15 Nathan's guiding principle: the mental and physical health of the person matters more than any house sale. 7:50 The emotional side of leaving --- for some, not being there to watch the furniture leave a 30-year home is much better emotionally. 9:30 Next, Kirsten and Nathan discuss trends in what 55-plus buyers are looking for—number one: people need relationships and community, whatever that looks like for them. 10:15 From 2,500 square feet to 1,000, one of Nathan's clients traded a Redwood Heights home full of wonderful things for a brand-new Yerba Buena Island condo with no garage, and got the San Francisco city lifestyle they wanted in their 60s. 11:30 “Lighten your life” --- Kirsten's word for the trend: get rid of things, get rid of obligations, and free yourself from the need to repair the roof while still owning your own place. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/42307740

207: Downsizing on Your Terms: Moving After 55 07/07/2026

207: Downsizing on Your Terms: Moving After 55 When most of us picture an older adult moving out of a long-time home, we imagine a crisis — declining health, a loss of independence, a move someone else decided was necessary. This episode is about the opposite. Host Kirsten Howe welcomes back real estate agent Nathan Jines of Jines Real Estate Group to talk about homeowners 55 and up who are choosing to relocate — not because they have to, but because they want to. Nathan explains why this is his favorite group to work with, and why the most important question isn’t “where should I go?” but “what do I want this next phase of my life to look like?” Whether the answer is a view, a 1930s Mediterranean in Berkeley, or simply being closer to the grandkids, the move finally gets to be about you. Kirsten also flags the good half of Prop 19 — the chance for California homeowners to take their property tax base with them when they move. If you or someone you love is starting to think about a move later in life, on your own terms, this conversation is for you. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:40 Kirsten frames today’s topic — relocating by choice, not out of necessity. This isn’t about people moving into assisted living or a child’s home for care; that’s a different conversation for another day. 1:45 Who this episode is for — people 55 and up with good health who want a change. 2:50 The good half of Prop 19 — in California, relocating can let you take your property tax base with you, which gives real freedom to people in this stage of life. 3:25 Why 55-plus is Nathan’s favorite group to work with — at this stage, you don’t have to move; you GET to, and the goal is to design the lifestyle you want for the next phase. 4:30 The most important first question isn’t where to go — it’s what you want your next phase to look like and what excites you. 6:10 Moving to be near the grandkids — and the Texas “barndominium” one couple built after traveling out several times, buying land, and creating a home with all the features of a house that still qualifies as a barn. 8:15 Only move because it excites you — you no longer have to relocate for a job, a new baby, or the schools. The decision finally gets to be about the life you want. 9:05 Listen for more details about how Nathan takes the pressure off a big, stressful move — his goal is to help clients explore what’s right for them at their own pace. 10:00 Try before you buy — connect with a local agent and rent an Airbnb to “try on” a location, even one nearby. He shares a Berkeley client weighing city life in Rockridge against suburban Lafayette. 11:10 Don’t forget the commute — Nathan shares a story about a client who moved to San Jose just as his company called everyone back to the office, and grew tired of the hour-and-a-half drive. 12:05 Next, Kirsten and Nathan discuss the most daunting part — getting out of a home full of belongings, and why you don’t have to do it alone. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/41993380

206: Estate Planning Misses: The Mess You Leave Behind 06/20/2026

206: Estate Planning Misses: The Mess You Leave Behind In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, managing attorney Kirsten Howe shares an estate planning miss that has nothing to do with your documents — the literal, physical mess we tend to leave behind. Drawing on years of trust administration experience, Kirsten explains what really happens when one child is named trustee and inherits the job of emptying a home filled with decades of belongings: stalled home sales, frustrated siblings, and inheritances delayed by months. She also shares the story of a daughter trustee who nearly hauled a box of "trash" to the dumpster, only to find $2,500 in cash tucked inside. Her advice is refreshingly hands-on: start sorting through your own things now, one closet and one room at a time, so the people you love aren't left to do it for you. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:35 Kirsten introduces today's miss — this one isn't about what your documents say, it's about something you yourself can do, starting now. 1:05 The scenario she sees constantly: one child is named trustee, the family home is full of decades of belongings, and it can't be sold until it's cleared out — a job that typically lands on that one child. 1:55 A lose-lose bind: the other siblings often won't help, yet they'll complain if the trustee spends estate money to hire a professional to do it. 2:15 Why an inheritance can take six months instead of two — the first three months may go just to emptying the house. 3:05 Pro Tip: Start now, one closet and one room at a time: even Kirsten admits to three closets and three dressers of clothing she hasn't touched in years. 3:50 You don't have to do it alone — enlist a child or a friend, trade off helping at each other's homes, or hire a professional. 4:28 A cautionary tale: a daughter trustee, overwhelmed by boxes of old tax returns, bank statements, and decades-old books, nearly called for a dumpster — until she found $2,500 in cash in a box she assumed was trash. 5:40 The bottom line: take the job on now. Every bit you do eases the load on the child you've chosen as trustee, helps your kids get along after you're gone — and you might even enjoy revisiting old memories along the way. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/41707840

205: Estate Planning Misses: How to Document a Loan or Gift to Your Child 05/18/2026

205: Estate Planning Misses: How to Document a Loan or Gift to Your Child In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, managing attorney Kirsten Howe tackles a quietly common source of family conflict: parents giving money to their adult children without documenting whether it's a gift or a loan. Drawing on years of trust administration experience, Kirsten shares a real family story where canceled checks sparked a bitter dispute among siblings after their parents passed, and she walks through the simple documentation steps that could have prevented it. She also addresses a second pitfall most families overlook: when a loan is properly documented up front but the repayment activity isn't tracked, leaving trustees with no way to know how much, if anything, is still owed. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:35 Kirsten kicks off today's topic: what happens when parents give money to their adult children without documenting it — and why those transfers can become a problem after the parents pass. 1:05 A trend Kirsten has noticed: Bay Area parents helping adult children with home down payments—a generous move that can create complications during trust administration if it's not well documented. 1:55 Issue #1: Was it a gift or a loan? The first question Kirsten's firm runs into when reviewing a trust is the financial history. 2:15 A real family story: parents quietly helped one daughter with several checks during a rough patch. After the parents passed, the other siblings dug up the canceled checks and called them loans — and the family fight was on. 4:15 The takeaway: document it. Whether it's as simple as writing "gift" on the memo line, adding blanket gift language to your trust, or having a signed promissory note for a loan, make your intent clear in writing. 5:30 Issue #2: The loan was documented properly — a real promissory note, signed and everything — but that was years ago, and now nobody knows what's been paid back. 7:05 The fix: keep good records on both sides. A simple spreadsheet for the lender, canceled checks or equivalent for the borrower — without it, the trustee may have to assume nothing was repaid. 8:00 Why family loans need to be treated like business: the love and trust between parent and child don't survive the parent's death, and the next person at the table may see things very differently. 8:45 The bottom line: if money is moving between you and your child, document it like a business deal — so your family doesn't end up litigating it years later. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/41333650

204: Estate Planning Misses: Addressing Separate Property in a Joint Trust 04/08/2026

204: Estate Planning Misses: Addressing Separate Property in a Joint Trust In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, managing attorney Kirsten Howe tackles one of the most common — and commonly overlooked — estate planning scenarios: what happens when one spouse inherits money, assets, or real estate after a joint trust is already in place. Kirsten breaks down the difference between separate and community property in California, explains why adding inherited assets to a joint trust doesn’t change their character but does affect who controls them, and walks through the two practical solutions her firm recommends. She also reveals a lesser-known complication: that even when a trust document grants one spouse sole trustee authority over a separate property account, the financial institution may not honor it, and why that matters more than most clients realize. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:43 Kirsten kicks off today's topic: what to do when one spouse inherits significant assets while the couple already has a joint trust in place. 1:30 A quick primer on California community property law — what qualifies as separate property, what doesn't, and why it matters for this conversation. 2:20 The common scenario: a couple has a joint trust covering all their assets, then one spouse receives a big inheritance. What now? 3:05 Here's what surprises most people: adding separate property to a joint trust doesn't change its legal character. It's still yours. But there's a catch. 3:50 The catch: a joint trust has two co-trustees, and trust-held property typically requires both signatures — meaning your spouse now has a hand in decisions about your inheritance. 4:45 One solution many clients choose: a standalone separate property trust just for the inherited assets, where you're the only trustee — fully in control, no co-signature required. 5:30 Did you know? You can title an inherited account within a joint trust as one spouse's separate property — but whether your financial institution will honor that is a different question entirely. 6:10 The fine print: even if your trust document names you as the sole trustee of a specific account, your bank's legal department may still require both spouses to sign. 6:55 The bottom line: before adding separate property to a joint trust, ask yourself two things — do you want full control, and what will your financial institution actually allow? Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/40777060

203: Estate Planning Misses: How to Make Cash Available Immediately After Death 03/26/2026

203: Estate Planning Misses: How to Make Cash Available Immediately After Death In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, managing attorney Kirsten Howe tackles one of the most overlooked practical challenges in estate planning: making sure your loved ones have access to cash immediately after you die. Kirsten walks through why the most common account structures — trust-held accounts, individually owned accounts, and pay-on-death designations — all come with delays that can leave families unable to cover urgent expenses, such as funeral and burial costs. She then breaks down the one strategy that actually works, adding a trusted co-owner to a small joint checking account, and explains the legal implications of joint tenancy and right of survivorship that every family needs to understand before going this route. Kirsten also explains why keeping the account balance modest matters and why leaving a written statement of intent is essential when there is more than one beneficiary. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:43 Why having cash readily available immediately after death is a problem many families don't anticipate. 1:30 Yes, you can prepay for funerals, burials, and cremations — but this episode focuses on those who haven't done that. 2:15 How trust-held accounts work at death: the successor trustee gains access, but only after a death certificate is obtained — which can take two to three weeks. 3:10 Accounts held in your own name are even slower. Why? The law requires a 40-day waiting period before anyone can access them. 4:00 Pay-on-death beneficiary accounts also require a death certificate, making them similarly slow in a time-sensitive situation. 4:45 The joint account strategy: adding a trusted person as a co-owner gives them immediate access — no death certificate required. 5:50 Did you know? When you add someone to an account, and you die, that account legally belongs to the co-owner through right of survivorship. 7:00 Why this strategy still works in practice: most families handle it correctly, but the key is the conversation — and keeping the account balance modest. 8:10 If you have more than one child or beneficiary, it’s important to document why you added one person to the account so there are no surprises. 9:00 The cash-at-home option is possible but not recommended due to security and safety risks. 9:30 The bottom line: a small joint account with a trusted co-owner is the most reliable way to make cash available immediately after death. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/40634825

202: Estate Planning Misses: The Timeshare Problem No One Talks About 02/26/2026

202: Estate Planning Misses: The Timeshare Problem No One Talks About That timeshare you've been putting off dealing with? It could become a probate headache for your family. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, managing attorney Kirsten Howe breaks down the two types of timeshares — traditional deeded ownership and modern points-based systems — and explains why both need to be addressed in your estate plan. She walks through what's involved in transferring a timeshare to your revocable living trust, why it matters to act while you're alive, and what really happens when a timeshare is left unaddressed after someone dies — including the possibility of probate in multiple states. Plus, she covers your real options for getting out of a timeshare and the scams to watch out for along the way. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:43 To get things started, Kirsten highlights why timeshares matter in estate planning. 1:15 What is a timeshare? Deeded real estate ownership that is shared with other families. 2:38 Points-based timeshares are a modern alternative in which you purchase annual points rather than owning real estate. 3:18 Transferring a timeshare to your revocable living trust requires contacting the resort company and retitling the property. 4:44 Did you know? When your timeshare is in Florida, Hawaii, or another state, you need a deed prepared by someone licensed in that state. 5:30 The big miss: What happens when clients put off dealing with their timeshare, and it’s left unaddressed after they die? 7:10 Even if your California trust is set up perfectly, out-of-state timeshare real estate can trigger probate in each jurisdiction. 8:15 The other miss: Why many clients say buying the timeshare was the real mistake—rising fees, declining use, and no easy way out. 9:53 Your exit options: give-back programs, selling on the resale market, and why you probably won’t recoup your original investment. 10:58 Unsolicited calls offering to help you get rid of your timeshare are a red flag. 11:15 The charity myth: why donating your timeshare to charity isn’t the easy solution people think it is. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/40246110

201: Estate Planning Misses: What Happens When Your Custodial or 529 Account Has No Successor 02/12/2026

201: Estate Planning Misses: What Happens When Your Custodial or 529 Account Has No Successor In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, managing attorney Kirsten Howe continues her estate planning misses mini-series by tackling custodial accounts and 529 education plans. While these accounts are incredibly popular for saving for children, most people don't realize a critical legal distinction: you don't actually own them. This misconception leads to a costly problem when account owners die without proper succession planning. Kirsten shares real cases from her practice where families ended up in probate court—spending thousands of dollars in legal fees just to access money intended for their children's education. The good news? This problem is completely avoidable with one simple form at your financial institution. Kirsten walks through exactly what you need to do for existing and new accounts, plus provides a bonus warning about donor-advised funds with similar risks. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:10 What custodial accounts are and how they work—an adult manages money that legally belongs to a child 1:45 Age limits for custodial accounts in California: children can access the money at 18 or 25 2:15 Understanding 529 education accounts and why contributions are considered gifts 2:45 The common misconception clients have about 529 accounts: thinking the money is still theirs when, legally they've given it away 3:33 Where the trouble starts when a custodian or 529 owner dies without proper succession planning 4:15 The probate court reality: families need court intervention to fix these problems even without a full probate 5:00 The costly consequence of missing this planning step: spending thousands to access thousands 6:04 The simple solution is designating a successor owner for 529 accounts using forms from your financial institution 6:45 How to protect custodial accounts by designating alternate custodians 7:15 Action step for existing accounts: call your financial institution to verify you've designated successors 8:00 Donor-advised funds present similar succession planning challenges 8:21 Final reminder: talk to your financial advisor about donor-advised funds to ensure you've dotted all the I's and crossed all the T's Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/40088900

200: Why Your Health Savings Account Needs a Beneficiary 02/12/2026

200: Why Your Health Savings Account Needs a Beneficiary We've reached a huge milestone here at Absolute Trust Counsel—drum roll, please—the launch of our 200th Absolute Trust Talk episode! What started as an idea while driving down the road after a guest appearance on a financial advisor's radio show has become a trusted resource for thousands of listeners over the years. Kirsten's dream was always to have a platform where she could share the expertise of smart professionals she knows—financial planners, accountants, insurance experts, and fellow attorneys—with anyone who could benefit from their knowledge, and to explore the myths, misconceptions, and commonly overlooked estate planning details. From all of us at Absolute Trust Counsel, we want to say THANK YOU! We are deeply grateful to everyone who watches, listens, comments, subscribes, and shares our slice of the airwaves. And speaking of commonly overlooked details, in this celebratory episode, Kirsten continues her "Estate Planning Misses" series by tackling Health Savings Accounts. While HSAs offer valuable tax benefits, there's a simple estate planning step most HSA owners completely overlook—and skipping it could create unnecessary tax bills and legal headaches for the people you leave behind. Kirsten explains why naming a beneficiary on your HSA is essential, what happens if you don't, and the critical difference between how spouses and non-spouses are treated. Unlike IRAs, non-spouse beneficiaries face an immediate tax hit that wipes out the account's value. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 2:06 Kirsten's vision for educating listeners through expert knowledge 3:28 The pandemic pivot to video and thank you to the audience 5:27 Introduction to the Estate Planning Misses series 5:45 What Health Savings Accounts are and who qualifies for them--you need a high-deductible health insurance plan to participate 6:42 The tax advantages that make HSAs attractive: pre-tax contributions and tax-free spending on medical expenses 7:12 Why HSAs typically don't hold large amounts--the 2026 contribution limit is $4,400 for individuals, and balances roll over year to year 7:42 How HSAs are similar to IRAs: pre-tax money, annual contribution limits, and special treatment for surviving spouses 8:12 The critical difference: when non-spouse beneficiaries inherit an HSA, they immediately owe income tax on the entire balance--unlike IRAs 8:47 Why you must designate a death beneficiary on your HSA, even though it's not a large account 9:17 The spouse advantage: married HSA owners should always name their spouse as beneficiary to avoid tax consequences and legal complications 9:52 Making it easier for your executor or trustee: why proper beneficiary designation simplifies estate administration 10:17 The action step: if you have an HSA, check whether you've named a beneficiary--and if you haven't, you can do it today Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com. /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/40087940

199: Your Power of Attorney Is Valid—So Why Won't Anyone Accept It? 01/14/2026

199: Your Power of Attorney Is Valid—So Why Won't Anyone Accept It? A new client recently asked Kirsten a question that resonated: "What can we do so we don't face the same pushback I did when my mom's bank wouldn't accept her power of attorney?" It's a frustration many families face—you have all the right documents, but when it's time to use them, banks and institutions push back. In this quick-tips episode, Kirsten Howe explains why powers of attorney are the most problematic basic estate planning document—not because they're poorly drafted, but because they require acceptance from a third party who doesn't know you to trust that your agent is legitimate. She walks through the bank's perspective on why they hesitate, and shares practical strategies to make sure your documents actually work when you need them most, including re-signing your POA periodically, keeping assets in your trust, and filling out your bank's own power of attorney form. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:24 The client question that inspired this episode: "What can we do to avoid the hassle I had with my mom's power of attorney?" 1:52 To get things started, Kirsten talks about what a power of attorney is and how it should work. 2:28 Next, let’s discuss why powers of attorney are the most problematic estate planning document 3:18 The bank's perspective: Why financial institutions push back even on legally valid documents 4:09 Kirsten's own experience challenging powers of attorney—why healthy skepticism is prudent 6:15 Re-sign your power of attorney every year or two to keep it fresh and current 6:45 Keep assets in your trust—banks respond more favorably to successor trustees than POA agents 7:45 For accounts outside your trust, consider adding your child as a signer 8:00 Fill out your bank's own power of attorney form—they can't question their own paperwork Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/39731150

198: California's Medi-Cal Asset Limit Returns in 2026—Are You Prepared? 01/07/2026

198: California's Medi-Cal Asset Limit Returns in 2026—Are You Prepared? Federal Medicaid cuts have dominated the news cycle, but there's a California-specific change that's barely getting attention—and it could blindside thousands of current Medi-Cal recipients. Starting again in 2026, the state is reinstating asset limits for Medi-Cal long-term care coverage, a requirement that was eliminated just two years ago. In this episode, estate planning attorney Kirsten Howe unpacks what this means if you or someone you love relies on elderly or disabled Medi-Cal benefits. She explains the $130,000 asset threshold, which assets remain exempt, and why your 2026 annual eligibility report could jeopardize your coverage. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:02 What's getting lost in the headlines: California's quiet asset limit reversal versus the federal Medicaid funding cuts everyone's talking about 1:56 Understanding MAGI Medi-Cal: the income-based coverage created under the Affordable Care Act for lower-income Californians 2:17 Why long-term care Medi-Cal is different—and why the returning asset test only affects elderly and disabled recipients 3:16 Back to strategic planning: what the 2026 deadline means for anyone hoping to qualify for Medi-Cal in the future 3:35 Kirsten walks through the exempt asset list—your home, vehicle, prepaid funeral arrangements, burial plot, small life insurance policies, and retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s 4:55 The annual report risk no one is discussing—how your 2026 eligibility filing could trigger a coverage loss 5:36 You qualified then, but will you now? Why meeting past requirements won't protect current Medi-Cal recipients under the new rules Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/39653200

197: O.J. Simpson's $58 Million Problem: What His Probate Teaches Us 12/15/2025

197: O.J. Simpson's $58 Million Problem: What His Probate Teaches Us In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe returns with the latest development in the ongoing O.J. Simpson probate saga. Over 18 months after his April 2024 death, headlines announced that the executor of O.J.'s estate had "agreed to pay" the Goldman family close to $58 million—but what does that actually mean? Kirsten breaks down the reality behind the sensational headlines, explaining what happens when an executor accepts a creditor's claim versus actually paying it. With O.J.'s estate valued at just $1-2 million against a $58 million accepted claim, she reveals who really gets paid first in probate and why the Goldmans may see almost nothing despite "winning." Tune in for a real-world lesson on why probate takes so long and how creditor claims actually work. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:45 Key lesson #1: O.J. died in April 2024, and over 18 months later, his probate is still ongoing—proof that probate takes a long time 1:30 The headline that grabbed attention: "Executor agrees to pay $58 million to the Goldman family" 2:00 Listen in as Kirsten provides some background on the Goldman family's 1997 civil judgment of $33 million against O.J. for the deaths of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson 2:45 Next, let’s discuss how the judgment grew to $117 million with nearly 30 years of accumulated interest, and the creditor's claim was filed in July 2024 3:30 What really happened: The executor accepted the claim at $58 million (disputing the interest calculation), but this doesn't mean writing a check 4:15 The reality check: O.J.'s estate is worth only $1-2 million—nowhere near the $58 million claim 4:45 Key lesson #2: Who gets paid first in probate—executors, attorneys, court fees, and expenses come before any creditor claims 5:30 Why the headline was misleading and what this case teaches us about probate and creditor claims Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/39411835

196: Bitcoin Demystified (Part 3): Currency, Sustainability, and Social Impact 11/24/2025

196: Bitcoin Demystified (Part 3): Currency, Sustainability, and Social Impact Can Bitcoin actually function as real money—and is it destroying the planet? In Part 3 of our cryptocurrency series, host Kirsten Howe continues her conversation with Jirayr Kembikian, CFP® and Managing Director of Citrine Capital, to answer these critical questions. Jirayr systematically breaks down the seven properties that define ideal currency—durability, divisibility, portability, verifiability, scarcity, established history, and ease of use—then compares Bitcoin against both the U.S. dollar and gold. Bitcoin outperforms the dollar on almost every measure and beats gold in critical areas like portability and verifiability. You'll discover why no one can walk into Fort Knox to verify reserves, how Bitcoin's network validates itself every 10 minutes, and why the fixed supply cap means higher prices can never inflate availability (unlike gold mining). But the real surprises come when Jirayr addresses Bitcoin's environmental critics. Learn how mining operations now capture harmful methane from landfills and gas flaring, why Bitcoin uniquely utilizes stranded energy that nothing else can access, and how 55% of the network runs on renewable power—advancing clean energy in unprecedented ways. The conversation extends to Bitcoin's profound social impact: providing financial access to over a billion unbanked people worldwide and offering economic freedom to those living under authoritarian regimes. From Block (formerly Square) integrating Bitcoin into millions of point-of-sale terminals to El Salvador's adoption as legal tender, Bitcoin is moving from investment vehicle to functional currency faster than most realize. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:38 Breaking down what makes "good money"—the seven research-backed properties of ideal currency compared across Bitcoin, gold, and the dollar. 3:05 Gold's fatal flaw: incredibly heavy and expensive to transport across countries, while Bitcoin enables instant, costless transfers worldwide. 5:18 Start listening now to learn more about why Bitcoin's 21 million supply cap is unchangeable. 5:51 The track record gap—gold's thousands of years of proven use versus Bitcoin's 15-year history remains its biggest weakness. 6:49 Survival needs drive Bitcoin adoption in the Global South, whereas in the West, it is adopted as a store of value. 8:58 Block (formerly Square) just integrated Bitcoin into millions of point-of-sale terminals—a massive shift for real-world payments. 10:17 The merchant advantage: significantly lower fees plus immediate settlement, versus waiting days for credit card deposits. 11:00 Lightning Network explained—designed for fast, cheap, everyday transactions rather than long-term value storage. 12:00 The ESG dilemma—energy consumption concerns initially kept sustainably-focused investors away from Bitcoin. 12:50 The surprising discovery: Bitcoin mining operations now capture harmful methane from landfills and gas flaring, actively reducing emissions. 15:31 How Bitcoin mining accelerates renewable energy—co-location with solar and wind projects makes them profitable sooner while eliminating transmission costs. 15:47 Financial freedom for billions: over 1 billion unbanked people gain access to banking, while those under authoritarian regimes escape government financial control. Get in touch with Jirayr! Managing Director & Co-Founder Citrine Capital CitrineCapitalAdvisors.com [email protected] 415.494.8262 Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/39153765

195: Bitcoin Demystified (Part 2): The 3 Ways to Own Bitcoin 11/12/2025

195: Bitcoin Demystified (Part 2): The 3 Ways to Own Bitcoin Ready to own Bitcoin but not sure where to start? In Part 2 of our cryptocurrency series, host Kirsten Howe continues her conversation with Jirayr Kembikian, CFP® and Managing Director of Citrine Capital, to break down the three distinct ways to acquire and hold Bitcoin—each with its own unique trade-offs. Jirayr walks through everything from Bitcoin ETFs (the easiest and most familiar option) to exchange custody and self-custody, explaining why he believes "the only wrong answer for Bitcoin allocation is zero." He reveals the critical phrase Bitcoin purists use—"not your keys, not your coins"—and why understanding custody matters for your financial security. You'll discover why Bitcoin-only exchanges are safer than multi-crypto platforms, learn about the estate planning risks of keeping Bitcoin on exchanges, and understand why a 2-3% allocation keeps you market neutral. Perhaps most surprising: you don't need $112,000 to get started. Bitcoin is divisible into 100 million Satoshis, meaning you can start with as little as $10 through dollar-cost averaging. Whether you're considering your first Bitcoin purchase or evaluating your current approach, this episode provides the practical guidance you need to make informed decisions about cryptocurrency ownership. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:58 Bitcoin ETFs approved last year—the easiest approach using familiar brokerage accounts. 2:57 ETF advantages: Clean titling for trusts, beneficiary designations, and zero complexity beyond buying and holding. 3:58 ETF trade-offs: Not actual Bitcoin in your possession, custodial risks, and varying expenses depending on the fund. 4:41 Buying Bitcoin on exchanges—the historically most common method before ETFs existed. 5:23 Critical recommendation: Bitcoin-only exchanges minimize attack vectors compared to multi-crypto platforms. 6:23 Exchange custody risks: Customer lockouts, poor service, theft, and loss of funds plaguing the space. 7:22 The worst form of ownership: Keeping Bitcoin on exchanges presents maximum vulnerability. 7:54 "Not your keys, not your coins"—the phrase that defines Bitcoin security philosophy. 8:35 Estate planning dangers: Exchanges often restrict account titling and lack beneficiary options. 10:00 Self-custody—the superior method that requires responsibility and practice, like learning to drive. 10:45 The wallet analogy: Cash in your possession versus cash floating in cyberspace at the bank. 11:15 Self-custody advantages: Complete control means only you have access to your Bitcoin. 11:45 Self-custody risks: Lost passwords mean lost Bitcoin forever with no password reset option. 12:35 How Citrine Capital has allocated Bitcoin since 2020 for clients who didn't opt out. 13:56 Surprising reality: Most clients use ETFs despite self-custody being theoretically superior. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/39009980

194: Bitcoin Demystified (Part 1): Why 1 in 7 Americans Own Bitcoin 10/28/2025

194: Bitcoin Demystified (Part 1): Why 1 in 7 Americans Own Bitcoin Did you know that 1 in 7 Americans now own Bitcoin? If you've been curious about cryptocurrency but don't know where to start, this episode is for you. Host Kirsten Howe sits down with Jirayr Kembikian, CFP® and Managing Director of Citrine Capital, to demystify Bitcoin and explain why it's fundamentally different from every other cryptocurrency on the market. In this conversation, Jirayr introduces his "three buckets" framework for understanding the crypto landscape and explains how Bitcoin's fixed 21 million supply cap, national debt concerns, and unlimited money printing are driving unprecedented adoption. He reveals the shocking truth that almost a third of all dollars ever created were printed in just the last five years, and why Bitcoin's proof-of-work system makes it the most secure computer network in the world. Whether you're a complete beginner or have been crypto-curious for years, this episode provides a grounded, practical perspective on what Bitcoin is, why it matters, and what it could mean for your financial future. This is Part 1 of our cryptocurrency series—stay tuned for upcoming episodes on how to own, acquire, and store Bitcoin safely. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:43 Why Bitcoin exploded over the last decade, built on decades of failed projects before launching in 2009. 2:45 Why everyone gets Bitcoin wrong at first—it requires understanding math, cryptography, engineering, and energy simultaneously. 3:43 The "three buckets" framework: Bitcoin (hardest money with 21 million cap), stablecoins (dollar-pegged), and all other crypto (centralized authorities that can negate transactions). 6:03 What backs Bitcoin: How proof-of-work energy consumption secures the network and makes it the most secure computer network in the world. 7:34 Other cryptocurrencies' harsh reality: Constant hacks, downtime, and mysterious blockchain reversals. 7:46 The economic pressure driving Bitcoin adoption: National debt over $30 trillion makes printing money mathematically inevitable. 10:21 The jaw-dropping stat: Almost a third of all dollars ever created were printed in the last five years. 11:03 Basic economics: Growing demand meets Bitcoin's fixed supply that cannot increase. 11:31 Preview: How to own, acquire, and store Bitcoin—covered in upcoming episodes. 11:51 Bitcoin's transparent 100-year distribution schedule fixed in code versus unpredictable dollar printing. 12:18 The halving cycle: Every four years, new Bitcoin supply gets cut in half, creating scarcity by design. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/38811145

193: URGENT: California Medi-Cal Asset Limits Return in 2026 - How to Prepare NOW 09/29/2025

193: URGENT: California Medi-Cal Asset Limits Return in 2026 - How to Prepare NOW California is quietly bringing back asset limits for Medi-Cal long-term care coverage in 2026, and current recipients could be in for a devastating surprise. Here's what's happening: California eliminated asset limits for elderly and disabled Medi-Cal recipients in 2024, but those limits are returning in 2026. If you currently receive long-term care Medi-Cal benefits, when you submit your annual eligibility report next year, you could lose your coverage if your assets exceed the new limits. In this critical episode, estate planning attorney Kirsten Howe explains the $130,000 asset limit returning for single individuals, why 2025 is your last opportunity to transfer assets without penalties, and the difference between regular Medi-Cal and long-term care Medi-Cal coverage. She also covers exactly which assets will count against you, which are exempt, and essential planning strategies to protect your benefits before the deadline. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:02 Federal vs. state changes: distinguishing between well-publicized federal Medicaid cuts and California's hidden asset limit reversal 1:56 MAGI Medi-Cal breakdown - how Obamacare's expanded coverage works for healthy, low-income individuals 2:17 The crucial distinction: long-term care Medi-Cal covers far more than basic health insurance, serving elderly and disabled populations 3:16 Planning becomes essential again - why future Medi-Cal eligibility will require strategic asset management 3:35 Listen in as Kirsten explains more about exempt assets that may include a house, car, prepaid funeral, burial plot, small life insurance, and retirement accounts 4:27 Currently, 2025 offers no asset limits, exempt status for all assets, and penalty-free transfers 4:55 Next, Kirsten talks about the annual report trap that could devastate current recipients in 2026 5:36 Qualified yesterday, disqualified tomorrow: how current beneficiaries risk losing coverage despite meeting past requirements Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/38397710

192: Your Healthcare Voice (Part 3): Understanding Assisted Suicide, Euthanasia, and End-of-Life Options 09/05/2025

192: Your Healthcare Voice (Part 3): Understanding Assisted Suicide, Euthanasia, and End-of-Life Options In the final episode of our comprehensive healthcare planning series, Kirsten and Ariana tackle one of the most misunderstood areas of healthcare planning: life-ending decisions. This episode cuts through the confusion to deliver clear, factual information about California's End of Life Option Act, the strict requirements for assisted suicide, how passive and active euthanasia differ, and why many people don't actually qualify for the options they think exist. You'll also learn how California compares to other states and what alternatives exist internationally. Whether you're planning for yourself or helping a loved one understand their options, this episode provides essential information about one of life's most difficult decisions. Knowledge is power—especially when it comes to maintaining control over your final chapter. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:09 Three categories of life-ending decisions explained: assisted suicide, passive euthanasia, active euthanasia 2:12 Passive euthanasia defined - withdrawal/withholding of life-sustaining treatment (legal in California) 3:07 What is active euthanasia? Many people don’t realize it’s not legal in the United States 3:39 California's End of Life Option Act (2016) - medical aid in dying requirements 4:49 Strict eligibility requirements: terminal illness (6 months or less), California residency, cognitive capacity, physical ability 5:02 The three-request requirement: two oral requests 48 hours apart, plus one written, witnessed request 6:29 Physician responsibilities and the right to decline participation 7:35 California vs. Oregon comparison - residency requirements and waiting periods 9:37 Geographic distribution of assisted suicide laws across the United States 10:29 Active euthanasia discussion - the dementia dilemma and client concerns 11:40 European options for active euthanasia: Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Spain legal frameworks 13:27 Practical considerations for California residents seeking international options 15:12 The importance of knowledge and control in end-of-life planning Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/38097000

191: When Rock Royalty Gets Estate Planning Right: Lessons from Ozzy Osbourne's $230M Legacy 08/26/2025

191: When Rock Royalty Gets Estate Planning Right: Lessons from Ozzy Osbourne's $230M Legacy In this all-new episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and Associate Attorney Ariana Flynn explore a refreshing change of pace: a celebrity estate plan that appears to have been well-structured and executed effectively. Following the July 22, 2025, passing of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, his $230 million estate seems to be transitioning smoothly without probate litigation or family disputes. The hosts examine what the Prince of Darkness did right, from clear beneficiary designations to keeping valuable intellectual property assets within family control. They also dive into the complex international tax implications for dual US-UK citizens and reveal why sometimes giving heirs direct access to their inheritance can reduce litigation risk. Tune in for expert insights on estate planning strategies that work, whether you're managing millions or thousands, and discover how proper planning can keep your family united and out of court. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:54 Here’s what we know about the Osbourne family: Sharon, six children from two marriages, and a $230 million estate consisting of music royalties, TV show income, real estate, and other assets. 3:05 Learn why "no news is good news" in estate planning and what it means when there's no immediate courthouse litigation. 4:35 Discover the first key estate planning strategy: setting clear beneficiary designations and why leaving assets directly to family members can prevent future legal battles. 6:06 Explore the importance of centralized family leadership and how Sharon's role as longtime manager creates continuity in asset management. 7:10 Understand why name, image, and likeness are valuable assets that require careful management, especially for public figures. 8:21 Dive into the complex world of international estate taxes for dual citizens and learn about the dramatic differences between US and UK estate tax exemptions. 10:05 Examine how the UK's £375,000 estate tax exemption (approximately $435,000) affects even "regular" wealthy families. 10:52 Key takeaways from Ozzy's estate planning success for creating effective and protective estate plans. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/37970605

190: Your Healthcare Voice (Part 2): Emergency Medical Orders 08/19/2025

190: Your Healthcare Voice (Part 2): Emergency Medical Orders In this second episode of their comprehensive healthcare planning series, Absolute Trust Talk hosts Kirsten Howe and Ariana Flynn tackle the critical medical orders that work alongside your legal documents: DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders and POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) forms. Unlike the legal documents discussed in Part 1, these are doctors' orders that emergency responders must follow—but only if they can see them. The attorneys reveal the shocking legal reality that paramedics are required to perform CPR on anyone they find unconscious unless they have a valid DNR order in hand. They explain why POLST forms are printed on hot pink paper (it's a genius design for emergency visibility), where to keep these life-saving documents so they're accessible when seconds count, and why you need both medical orders AND legal documents working together. This episode could save your life by ensuring your emergency medical wishes are honored when you can't speak for yourself. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:15 DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) explained - emergency medical protective orders for EMS 2:33 Who can sign DNR orders, and how they become part of your medical record 3:25 The paramedic dilemma - why emergency responders MUST perform CPR unless they see a DNR 4:28 The "lying on the sidewalk" scenario that reveals the shocking legal requirement 5:00 Why your DNR needs to be accessible - it's not tattooed on your forehead 5:45 Where to get DNR forms and the California Medical Association resource 5:58 POLST forms explained - going beyond DNR with comprehensive medical orders 8:21 Real-world POLST placement in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities 8:54 Why these are doctors' orders, not legal documents, attorneys can prepare 9:15 The essential combination - why you need DNR, POLST, AND healthcare directives working together Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/37871345

189: Your Healthcare Voice: Understanding Advanced Directives 08/06/2025

189: Your Healthcare Voice: Understanding Advanced Directives In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Ariana Flynn tackle one of the most misunderstood aspects of estate planning: advanced healthcare directives. This is part one of a comprehensive three-part series covering end-of-life and healthcare planning. The attorneys break down the two critical legal documents every adult needs, regardless of age or wealth. They explain why everyone 18 and older must have an Advanced Healthcare Directive, revealing the shocking truth that parents lose all legal authority over their adult children's medical decisions the moment they turn 18. The discussion also covers California-specific HIPAA requirements that could invalidate your documents if not properly formatted, including the surprising rule about 14-point font requirements. This episode provides essential information that could protect you and your loved ones when it matters most, offering clarity on the difference between legally binding authority and personal wishes in healthcare planning. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 2:47 Understanding the Advanced Healthcare Directive - one of the "big four" estate planning documents. 3:57 Why everyone 18+ needs this document, regardless of wealth. 4:29 Did you know? Healthcare directives are temporary and revocable. 5:29 Listen in as Kirsten and Ariana discuss a critical distinction between legally binding authority and personal wishes. 6:05 Understanding HIPAA releases and federal privacy laws. 7:08 Start listening now to learn about California's extra requirements that could invalidate your documents. 9:15 Have you done this homework in your estate planning journey? Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/37703895

188: Are You Risking Everything? The Insurance Your Business Can't Operate Without (Part 3) 07/25/2025

188: Are You Risking Everything? The Insurance Your Business Can't Operate Without (Part 3) In the compelling finale of this three-part insurance series, host Kirsten Howe and insurance expert Dean Myers tackle the coverage that keeps business owners up at night—cyber insurance. Dean shares fascinating real-world stories, from ransomware attackers offering customer service hotlines to disgruntled employees planting digital "time bombs" in company systems. You'll discover why this isn't just another insurance policy but essential business survival protection that covers everything from system failures to deepfake fraud. Dean reveals the surprising realities about whether companies should pay ransoms, how insurers use "white hat" attacks during applications, and why Silicon Valley startups are outpacing traditional insurance giants. If you think your business is too small to be targeted or that basic IT protection is enough, this episode will be a wake-up call you can't afford to ignore. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:12 What is cyber insurance, and why it's the broadest coverage for such esoteric risks? 1:48 The comprehensive scope: system failure, ransomware, business email compromise, business interruption, contingent business interruption, and forensics coverage. 2:15 Why cyber claims require hiring attorneys, CPAs, forensics experts, claims adjusters, and legal counsel, unlike traditional workers' comp claims. 2:45 The two key reasons carriers provide such broad coverage: rapid system restoration at the lowest cost and mandatory industry claim reporting. 3:48 How cyber insurance provides both first-party and third-party coverage, protecting you when you accidentally send infected emails to clients. 4:37 Real-world business email compromise: When hackers send fake invoices to your clients from compromised email accounts. 5:10 Why cyber attacks almost always originate overseas in countries with lax cybersecurity laws and accountability. 5:37 Will cyber insurance pay ransoms, and when is it appropriate? 6:42 Real claim story: How a tired CPA two days before tax season fell for a phishing email with a partner's name containing just one extra letter 8:25 Why paying ransoms creates a "bull's eye on your back" and marks you as a repeat target for extortionists. 11:06 Cyber insurance qualification requirements, why multi-factor authentication is now absolutely mandatory across all carriers. 12:15 "White hat" mock attacks: How insurers test your system vulnerabilities during the application process using the "open parking spot" analogy. 14:41 Insider sabotage case study: Bay Area law firm manager discovers her job posted on LinkedIn, teams up with IT brother-in-law for revenge. 15:53 The emerging deepfake threat, how voice cloning technology is creating new fraud risks for fund transfers. 16:25 Protection strategies: Using "trip questions" with personal knowledge to verify client identity during suspicious calls. 17:12 The AI counterbalance: How artificial intelligence may help prevent cyber claims in the future. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/37541765

187: Are You Risking Everything? The Insurance Your Business Can't Operate Without (Part 2) 07/10/2025

187: Are You Risking Everything? The Insurance Your Business Can't Operate Without (Part 2) Most professionals know they need insurance, but many don't realize their general liability coverage has significant gaps when it comes to professional services. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe continues her conversation with Dean Myers, owner of Core Insurance Agency, to explore errors and omissions insurance—specialized coverage designed specifically for professional liability risks. Discover which professions beyond doctors and lawyers should consider E&O coverage, including architects, engineers, accountants, and contractors who incorporate design elements into their work. Learn what actually drives malpractice claims (hint: it's often administrative issues rather than technical errors), how premium costs vary between specialties, and what "tail coverage" means for your long-term protection. Whether you're evaluating your current coverage or exploring professional insurance for the first time, this conversation offers practical insights to help you understand your options. This is Part 2 of our business insurance series—our next episode will cover cyber liability coverage. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:06 What is E&O insurance, and why do professionals need specialized coverage beyond general liability? 3:57 Why E&O is standalone coverage excluded from all other policies, and why you need a specialist broker to obtain it. 4:13 How premium costs vary dramatically based on practice area - why patent and intellectual property lawyers pay more than estate planning attorneys. 5:04 International patent claims require specialty counsel charging far more than standard insurance defense rates, driving up premium costs significantly. Here’s what you need to know. 6:00 Medical malpractice reality: why dermatologists pay less than obstetricians, and why anesthesiologists face high premiums due to drug access. 7:00 The surprising truth: over 50% of legal malpractice claims are purely administrative failures, not technical errors. 7:58 Real claim example: lawyer's failure to appear in Los Angeles County court from Santa Barbara - distance and backup planning matter. 8:44 Why lawyers excel at risk management by staying in their lanes and being selective with clients. 9:37 How ER physicians are paid per patient visit, creating potential conflicts between volume and quality of care. 12:03 The contractor design trap: why general contractors who design staircases, handrails, or balconies face uncovered exposures. 13:31 How contractors win bids by offering design services but create massive liability gaps their standard coverage won't protect. 14:43 Tail coverage explained: protecting your retirement from claims that surface years after you close your practice. 15:15 Picture yourself on a beach in Fiji, five years after retiring, when a claim surfaces from your past work-tail coverage protects you. 16:08 Good news about tail coverage: no applications required, elect the coverage when you retire. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/37356870

186: Jimmy Buffett's $275M Trust Battle: Why Co-Trustees Can Destroy Your Estate Plan 07/10/2025

186: Jimmy Buffett's $275M Trust Battle: Why Co-Trustees Can Destroy Your Estate Plan In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, California estate planning attorney Kirsten Howe examines the explosive trust dispute erupting over Jimmy Buffett's $275 million estate. When the legendary Margaritaville songwriter passed away, he left his fortune in an irrevocable trust with his widow Jane Buffett and co-trustee Richard Mozenter managing the assets together. Now they're locked in competing estate litigation across Florida and California, each seeking to remove the other as trustee through costly court battles. This high-profile celebrity estate case illustrates why co-trustees in estate planning often create more problems than solutions. Walnut Creek estate planning attorney Kirsten analyzes how a quarter-billion-dollar trust generating only $2 million annually raises serious trust performance red flags and reveals why 25% of estate planning clients make this same dangerous trustee selection mistake. The key estate planning lesson: co-trustees must agree on every trust administration decision, and when trustee disagreements arise, expensive estate litigation almost always becomes inevitable. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:52 Jimmy Buffett left his $275 million estate in a trust managed by his wife Jane and co-trustee Richard Mozenter, but they're now locked in bitter legal warfare. 1:30 Legal battle erupts across two states as Richard sues Jane in Florida, claiming she's uncooperative, while Jane countersues in California, alleging he withholds financial information. 3:10 Why is a $275 million trust only generating $2 million annually for Jane, and can this income sustain the wealthy lifestyle she's maintained for decades? 4:35 Learn why co-trustees create inevitable disaster when two people must agree on every decision, and disagreements force expensive court intervention. 5:15 The simple solution that prevents family warfare - choose one trusted person instead of co-trustees to avoid years of costly Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/37356530

185: Are You Risking Everything? The Insurance Your Business Can't Operate Without 06/24/2025

185: Are You Risking Everything? The Insurance Your Business Can't Operate Without Many business owners purchase insurance without truly understanding what they're buying or what critical coverage they might be missing. Host Kirsten Howe addresses this knowledge gap by welcoming Dean Myers, owner of Core Insurance Agency, to reveal the fundamental insurance coverage every business owner needs before opening their doors. Dean, who specializes in errors and omissions insurance for lawyers, accountants, doctors, and professional trustees, breaks down the three critical pillars of business insurance: workers' compensation, general liability, and property insurance. As the first installment of a multi-part series, the focus centers on the absolute basics that form the foundation of any solid business insurance strategy. Dean demystifies workers' compensation requirements in California, explaining why it's legally mandatory even for part-time employees and how the no-fault system protects both employers and workers. The conversation explores the role of general liability insurance in protecting against third-party claims, encompassing a range of incidents, from slip-and-fall accidents to product liability issues. It explores the comprehensive coverage of property insurance, including business interruption and extra expense provisions. Whether you're a solo practitioner considering your first employee or an established business owner reviewing your coverage, the discussion provides crucial insights into protecting your business from day one. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 2:12 Meet Dean Myers, founder of Core Insurance Agency and specialist in professional liability coverage. 3:04 Listen in to learn about the three non-negotiable insurance pillars every business needs, plus why California law demands workers' comp coverage even for your first part-time employee. 5:04 Workers' comp is identical across all carriers by law, but the "no-fault" system means injured employees can never sue you. 7:06 Did you know? Injured workers typically receive only two-thirds of their salary because insurance companies aim to incentivize their return to work. 9:27 Office workers pay vastly different premiums than construction crews, and your claims history can earn you substantial discounts or painful penalties. Here’s what you need to know. 10:02 Pro Tip: Insurance companies often offer free risk management consultations that many businesses overlook, potentially missing out on significant premium savings. 14:20 Next, Kirsten and Dean discuss understanding the difference between premises coverage and products liability, which can help you avoid accidentally choosing the wrong protection. 15:51 Property insurance covers everything from meteor strikes to water damage, but the real goldmine is business interruption coverage. 17:31 Business interruption pays your lost revenue and employees' salaries when disaster shuts you down, plus covers temporary facilities while you rebuild. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/37137325

184: From One Direction to No Direction: What Liam Payne's Estate Teaches Us About Planning 06/24/2025

184: From One Direction to No Direction: What Liam Payne's Estate Teaches Us About Planning In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe examines the estate complications following One Direction member Liam Payne's tragic death in Argentina in fall 2024. At just 30 years old, Payne left behind a $32 million estate—but no will. His complex assets include performance income, solo artist earnings, brand deals, music publishing rights, and venture investments. Without estate planning, his 8-year-old son Bear becomes the sole intestate heir, inheriting the full amount at age 18. Kirsten analyzes the cascading problems: massive probate fees (at least $376,000 in California), no designated asset management for the minor child, potential displacement of Payne's live-in girlfriend, substantial estate taxes on $18 million (a 40% rate), and no provisions for parents or siblings. This case illustrates how even young, successful individuals require comprehensive estate planning to safeguard their loved ones and preserve their wealth. The key lesson: don't die intestate—unexpected death can happen at any age, making proper planning essential for anyone with assets and people they care about. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:57 Listen as we discuss the untimely passing of Liam Payne and his $32 million estate with complex assets and no will 2:16 While Liam is a citizen of the UK, we’re going to analyze his case as if it were under California law, and why probate is problematic for large estates 3:19 The massive cost of probate: $376,000+ in statutory fees alone for complex assets such as those like Liam’s 4:33 Estate Planning Lesson #1: No chosen asset management for minor child - court appoints ex-girlfriend and music lawyer 5:52 Estate Planning Lesson #2: 18-year-old inheritance age - few parents think this is appropriate for $32 million 6:35 Estate Planning Lesson #3: No provisions for other family members - parents, siblings get nothing 7:24 Estate Planning Lesson #4: Live-in girlfriend faces potential eviction with no inheritance rights 8:16 Estate Planning Lesson #5: Massive estate tax liability - 40% on $18 million could have been minimized 9:16 Key takeaway: Estate planning is essential at any age when you have assets and loved ones Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit . /episode/index/show/absolutetrusttalk/id/37136945

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