Life, Loss and Legacy - A PlanningSolo Podcast
PlanningSolo Presents: Life, Loss and Legacy - a podcast series dedicated to helping widows with the legal, financial, emotional and practical aspects of bereavement. My goal with this series is to help you find the answers to those questions you're not comfortable asking right now.
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17. Building a Healthy Foundation with Perry Adolphus
03/16/2025
17. Building a Healthy Foundation with Perry Adolphus
When you're in the midst of grief, it can be close to impossible to keep up the habits that you know are good for you - eating well, regular exercise, social outlets. And that's completely natural! But what we find many of the people we work with do, is they slowly find their way back into a healthier groove. Which is why in this episode of Life, Loss and Legacy, I've asked Perry Adolphus to come on and discuss what that healthier groove can involve. Perry's a Strength & Conditioning Coach, with deep experience in helping people from every walk of life (not super gym bros or athletes!) improve their quality of life through regular exercise. In our conversation, we discuss: The power exercise has over our mood and mental health The 7 primal movements and why they're so useful The importance of rest Why looking at exercise as punishment or penance is sabotaging your long-term self The basics of nutrition And lots more! You can reach Perry via his business website - https://www.longevitythroughwellness.com.au/ - and his Instagram - As always, if you have any questions, just get in touch. And you can reach Jordan at [email protected] or via our website - . Visit here (https://planningsolo.ck.page/lll) to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo. The information contained in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs and - where appropriate - seek professional advice from an experienced practitioner. Jordan Vaka is an authorised representative of PlanningSolo Licensing, AFS Licence 526143.
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16. Buying Your Home (On Your Own) with Adele Andrews & Lauren Allingham
02/25/2025
16. Buying Your Home (On Your Own) with Adele Andrews & Lauren Allingham
Buying a home is a big, important step. But taking that step on your own, perhaps for the first time, as you navigate your way through the tunnel of bereavement - that's a massive leap. Which is why independent financial adviser, Jordan Vaka, invited Adele Andrews and Lauren Allingham on for this week's episode. Adele is a professional, experienced and empathetic mortgage broker who provides tips and advice for people wondering how getting a mortgage to buy your first home works - again, maybe for the first time. And Lauren is a caring, thorough and detailed buyers advocate who regularly helps people buy their dream home in and around Melbourne. Lauren helps demystify the specific steps and considerations that arise when buying your own home. You can reach Adele via: W: E: [email protected] M: 0409 099 603 You can reach Lauren via: W: E: M: 0438 340 390 As always, if you have any questions, just get in touch. And you can reach Jordan at or via our website - . Visit here () to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo. The information contained in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs and - where appropriate - seek professional advice from an experienced practitioner. Jordan Vaka is an authorised representative of PlanningSolo Licensing, AFS Licence 526143.
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15. Selling Your Home with Lisa Britcliffe
12/10/2024
15. Selling Your Home with Lisa Britcliffe
In this, the 15th episode of our PlanningSolo podcast series - Life, Loss & Legacy - independent financial adviser Jordan Vaka speaks with Vendor and Buyers Advocate, Lisa Britcliffe. Lisa takes us through her background in real estate. And how her whole-of-person approach to real estate now contrasts with the more...traditional approach others are taking. Lisa explains how her experience in coaching people through another of life's biggest transitions (divorce) has left her with the skills and empathy to help widows and their families navigate the often painful journey of selling the family home. The sensitivity and care required to take people through such a sensitive - and daunting - exercise is something Jordan and Lisa spend a lot of time talking about. They also discuss the logistical elements of the process too - from whether staging a property is worth it, the primary way to market a property in this day and age and why it's so important to work with somebody who puts your interests first. We'd love to hear what you thought, so reach out to Jordan or Lisa via any of hte following channels. You can reach Lisa via her main contacts: M: 0413 647 214 E: [email protected] W: www.oriumandco.com LinkedIn: As always, if you have any questions, just get in touch. And you can reach Jordan at or via our website - . Visit here () to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo. The information contained in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs and - where appropriate - seek professional advice from an experienced practitioner. Jordan Vaka is an authorised representative of PlanningSolo Licensing, AFS Licence 526143.
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14. Estate Disputes - The Litigation Option with Teresa Catalano
11/25/2024
14. Estate Disputes - The Litigation Option with Teresa Catalano
There's a lot of misinformation out there about what happens if there's a challenge, or dispute, to a will. But beyond the thing that triggers the dispute - or the grounds somebody uses to challenge a will - there's a deep question about how that dispute will be resolved. There are plenty of paths that lead to a resolution and each one has its own pros and cons. So independent financial adviser Jordan Vaka is exploring these different paths to help you identify which one might be most suitable for you, your family and your future. In this one, he's joined by accredited Estates Specialist Teresa Catalano of iWills Legal. In this episode, Teresa is good enough to go into real depth about the process - what to expect, when it's required and does a great job of busting some myths along the way! To find out more, you can reach Teresa via , and learn more about the iWills team at . And you can connect with Teresa on LinkedIn here - As always, if you have any questions, just get in touch. And you can reach Jordan at or via our website - . Visit here () to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo. The information contained in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs and - where appropriate - seek professional advice from an experienced practitioner. Jordan Vaka is an authorised representative of PlanningSolo Licensing, AFS Licence 526143.
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13. Financial Confidence with Kearsten James
11/04/2024
13. Financial Confidence with Kearsten James
In this episode of Life, Loss & Legacy, Jordan speaks with, fellow independent financial adviser Kearsten James. They discuss: Their experiences helping people navigate their way through the maze of finances after losing their partner. The different perspectives financial advisers can bring to people struggling with all of the decisions they now have to make. How helping widows develop their own views on money helps them step towards true financial confidence. Some tips on how to choose great advisers - financial, accounting, lawyers, anybody who you'll need along the way. If you'd like to speak with Kearsten, you can reach her at . As always, if you have any questions, just get in touch. And you can reach Jordan at or via our website - . Visit here () to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo. The information contained in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs and - where appropriate - seek professional advice from an experienced practitioner. Jordan Vaka is an authorised representative of PlanningSolo Licensing, AFS Licence 526143.
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12. Money Mindset with Kylie Jansen
10/28/2024
12. Money Mindset with Kylie Jansen
In this week's episode of the Life, Loss & Legacy podcast, independent financial adviser Jordan Vaka is joined by Kylie Jansen. This discussion centred on the importance of our mindset in all things, but particularly when navigating life's biggest challenges. Kylie helped explain: - Some of the critical elements of personal growth, emphasizing the importance of mindset and values in shaping one’s life. - how we can use the 'wheel of life' to prioritize aspects of our lives - how to fill our new lives with new attractions - while processing loss. - why the 'drama triangle' can help us understand resistance to change, and the importance of self-awareness There is so much ground covered in this episode, with useful, important and valuable tips through. You can reach out to Kylie As always, if you have any questions, just get in touch. And you can reach Jordan at or via our website - . Visit here () to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo. The information contained in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs and - where appropriate - seek professional advice from an experienced practitioner. Jordan Vaka is an authorised representative of PlanningSolo Licensing, AFS Licence 526143.
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11. Tax & Estates with Phil Seath & Daniel Vicino
10/15/2024
11. Tax & Estates with Phil Seath & Daniel Vicino
Finalising an estate is both emotionally and structurally complex. And one of the key complexities executors (and beneficiaries) will need to wrestle with is how it's all affected by tax. This is a tough topic - it can be dry, remote and blindingly difficult for a layperson to come to grips with. Which is why I've invited Daniel Vicino and Phil Seath - CPAs from in Melbourne - to come on the podcast and take us through some of the (many) considerations executors will need to work with. We discuss: Why it's so important to find the right adviser to help you navigate the process (and help you answer beneficiary questions along the way) When an estate is taxed, how it's taxed - and what to do about it. How you can resolve the complexities when the person who's passed away wasn't up to date with their returns (or had, perhaps, laid a few dodgy pitfalls along the way...) I asked Daniel and Phil on because they're great at taking such complex (and, let's face it, dry) material and making it relevant and interesting for the rest of us. Leaving aside the times when I sound like a knuckle-dragging dropkick, I think there's so much information and useful advice in here that anybody confronting the taxation aspect of an estate would definitely benefit. As always, if you have any questions, just get in touch. You can reach Daniel () and Phil () via email. And you can reach Jordan at or via our website - . Visit here () to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo. The information contained in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs and - where appropriate - seek professional advice from an experienced practitioner. Jordan Vaka is an authorised representative of PlanningSolo Licensing, AFS Licence 526143.
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10. Estate Disputes - The Collaborative Option with Zinta Harris
07/08/2024
10. Estate Disputes - The Collaborative Option with Zinta Harris
There's a lot of misinformation out there about what happens if there's a challenge, or dispute, to a will. But beyond the thing that triggers the dispute - or the grounds somebody uses to challenge a will - there's a deep question about how that dispute will be resolved. There are plenty of paths that lead to a resolution and each one has its own pros and cons. So independent financial adviser Jordan Vaka is exploring these different paths to help you identify which one might be most suitable for you, your family and your future. In this one, I'm joined by Zinta Harris, a pioneering force behind the collaboration option for estate dispute resolution. In this episode, Zinta is good enough to take us through the process - who it's good for, what it can mean for splintering families and how powerful it can be. To find out more, you can reach Zinta via . You can reach Jordan at , and check out our website (www.planningsolo.com.au) for more info. And be sure to sign up to our new community (planningsolo.ck.page/lll) to join the conversation.
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9. Superannuation As a Widow with Nathan Fradley
07/01/2024
9. Superannuation As a Widow with Nathan Fradley
Every working Australian will have, somewhere, a superannuation account. And in that account will be some money and, likely, some insurance. But how do you, as the executor of your loved one's estate, handle this unique and complex asset? Who do you speak with, what do you ask them, how will they handle it, where do you go? Well, I've asked independent financial adviser, Nathan Fradley of Fradley Advice, to join me in this week's episode to explore this very detailed and, frankly weird, topic. Because dealing with superannuation as a widow can be confronting, difficult and confusing. Hopefully our discussion helps make it all a little bit easier. As always, if you have any questions, just get in touch. If you'd like to speak with Nathan, you can reach him via . And you can reach Jordan at or via our website - . Visit here () to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo.
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8. The Ins and Outs of Life Insurance with Stephen Price
06/24/2024
8. The Ins and Outs of Life Insurance with Stephen Price
It's not at all pleasant, but the topic of life insurance was always going to be something I had to cover in this podcast series. Not only because it's complicated, abstract and important - but also because responsible people have life insurance in place. And when they pass away, the people they leave behind need to untangle what it all means. Which is why I've asked Stephen Price, of Integer Financial, to come on and take us through the ins and outs of life insurance. Stephen's an insurance specialist with deep expertise in these critically important policies. We discuss: The different parties involved in claiming on your loved one's life insurance. The surprising reason people are reluctant to claim under the 'terminal illness benefit'. Why holding insurance through super can add extra complexity to the process. The building blocks that go into constructing a comprehensive insurance benefit. Finally, we chat about how Stephen's personal experience of the difference life insurance can have on a young family has inspired his emphatic approach to this key part of a person's financial life. If you'd like to speak with Stephen, you can reach him via . And you can reach Jordan at or via our website - . Visit here ( ) to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo.
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7. Parenting After Loss with Donna Cameron
06/17/2024
7. Parenting After Loss with Donna Cameron
Up to this point in the series, we’ve been focusing on the procedural elements involved in those first months after losing your partner. But what about the emotional impact? More specifically, what about the toll it’s going to take on you and your kids? This week’s episode is all about how parents can walk the tightrope of grief, while juggling the many responsibilities that come with parenting. Donna Cameron, experienced psychologist and family expert from The Couch Psychology, joins independent financial adviser Jordan Vaka to discuss this intersection between grief and parenting. Donna’s insights and tips will, I think, prove useful for anybody navigating this rocky path. And, hopefully, her advice around repairing things that you don’t get 100% right (which, as a human being is entirely normal!) will help somebody be a bit easier on themselves too. As always, if you have any questions, just get in touch. If you'd like to speak with Donna, you can reach her via . And you can reach Jordan at or via our website - . Visit here () to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo.
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6. Estate Administration with Kelly Gatehouse
06/11/2024
6. Estate Administration with Kelly Gatehouse
Where do you even start with administering the estate you're now responsible for? We've covered the big terms in recent episodes - what's involved in being an executor, probate and how testamentary trusts work. But how do you simply do the stuff that need's doing? Well, in this week's episode, our independent financial adviser Jordan Vaka speaks with Kelly Gatehouse of Nurture Law to unpack the process of administering your loved one's estate. Where to start, what you'll need, and who you can speak with to help it all work. Kelly provides an incredible amount of information and you can hear the moment when Jordan learns something that he'd forgotten was so important! As always, if you have any questions, just get in touch. If you'd like to speak with Kelly, you can reach her via . And you can reach Jordan at or via our website - . to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo.
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5. Probate Demystified with Gillian Miranzi
06/03/2024
5. Probate Demystified with Gillian Miranzi
One of the things that impresses me about the people I work with, is the way they get on with the many, many things that follow the passing of their partner. This is particularly impressive given the jargon they need to learn - and learn quickly. Because all of us in the space - estate lawyers, accountants, financial advisers - are familiar with this jargon, so it sneaks into how we speak with people. Which is why I asked Gillian Miranzi of Scanlan Carroll Lawyers to come on and unpack one of the big pieces of the estate puzzle - probate. We chat about a range of things: What IS probate? When do you need it - and when don't you need it? How do you get it? What are some of the challenges involved? Where does it fit into the process? We also chat a little bit at the start of the episode about the care people that work in this space need to take to keep their own tanks full. If you'd like to speak with Gillian, you can reach her via . And you can reach Jordan at . to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo.
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4. Being an Executor with David Patkin
05/27/2024
4. Being an Executor with David Patkin
Being an executor is - despite what your late partner may have told you - a serious, significant and time-consuming job. And that's just for a 'simple' estate. Throw in any complexity - a self-managed super fund, companies, investments - and you've got your work cut out for you. Which is why Jordan's invited David Patkin along. An experienced estate planning practitioner, with experience helping a broad spectrum of people, David takes us through: What to do if you just don't want to be an executor The risks, responsibilities and rights that come with being an executor Some of the issues that can arise as you navigate the process How challenging it can be for somebody who's very inexperienced with the family's finances to work through the administration of the estate. David brings his experience to the episode and passes on plenty of useful, valuable tips for you as you walk along this very specific, and often rather lonely, path. David can be reached via , and via . You can find out more information on our website, and you can reach Jordan at . to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo.
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3. The Mechanics of Testamentary Trusts with Claire Stollery
05/20/2024
3. The Mechanics of Testamentary Trusts with Claire Stollery
This episode of Life, Loss & Legacy is all about testamentary trusts, so Jordan's speaking with solicitor Claire Stollery - partner at Tony Kelly Lawyers, and an expert in the field. Claire outlines: What a testamentary trust actually is The benefits of having one The steps new trustees need to be aware of as they administer the trust Who's who in the testamentary trust ecosystem When advice might be necessary - and how to choose good advisers. If you'd like to speak with Claire, she can be reached via . You can find out more information on our website, and you can reach Jordan at . to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo.
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1. The Red, Amber and Green Lights of Decision Making as a Widow
05/10/2024
1. The Red, Amber and Green Lights of Decision Making as a Widow
This first episode proper of the Life, Loss & Legacy series is all about decisions. The multitude of decisions you're facing now as you navigate these first few years of bereavement. The scale of decisions you're having to make. And a framework to help you categorise the many, many decisions you're facing, to help make it all a bit easier. Independent financial adviser Jordan Vaka also takes you through why he's putting this series together, what he hopes it achieves and who he's bringing to help you work your way through it all. Robert Pagliarini's book can be found here: You can find out more information on our PlanningSolo website, and you can reach Jordan at [email protected]. to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo. if you'd like to book in a phone call with Jordan too.
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2. Estate Planning with Lucy Percy
05/10/2024
2. Estate Planning with Lucy Percy
This episode of Life, Loss & Legacy highlights the importance of Estate Planning. Jordan's joined by Lucy Percy, principal of Head and Heart Estate Planning, and they discuss a range of important considerations when it comes to planning how you want your estate to be distributed. Lucy's statement that a proper estate plan is the "last act of love for the people you leave behind" is such a wonderful way to capture why this dreaded piece of 'life admin' is so important. Jordan and Lucy covered other ground too: estate planning's importance regardless of age or asset level Business owners were guided on documenting through wills and powers of attorney, including testamentary trusts for added protection. Various ways individuals can draft estate plans were discussed, highlighting the impact of precise drafting. Challenges locating wills after passing were addressed, with proper storage such an important consideration. Beneficiaries were discussed, indicating considerations for distribution among entities beyond human beings. If you'd like to learn more, you can find Lucy via her page or use the to book a call. You can find out more information on our website, and you can reach Jordan at . to sign up to our mailing list, to ensure you don't miss out on any updates from PlanningSolo.
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0. Introduction to Life, Loss and Legacy
04/24/2024
0. Introduction to Life, Loss and Legacy
PlanningSolo Presents: Life, Loss and Legacy - a podcast series to help you navigate those first few years after the loss of your partner. In this introduction, independent financial adviser and series host, Jordan Vaka, explains why he's started this series, the various experts he's brought in to help and what he hopes you get out of it. With another 29 episodes planned, we hope this series helps you work through these first few years. You can reach Jordan via , and be sure to check out our website for more information.
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