Plan For This

Debbie Reynolds & Carrie Fisher: Estate Planning Lessons from a Hollywood Family | Plan For This Ep 8

When Debbie Reynolds and her daughter Carrie Fisher passed away just one day apart, the world mourned their loss—but estate planners saw another story beneath the headlines. What happens when two generations pass in rapid succession? Who inherits first, and how does the law determine ownership, timing, and taxes?
In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron unpack the estate planning lessons from the Reynolds–Fisher family. They discuss how timing, titling, and successor planning can drastically alter outcomes for beneficiaries, and why every family—celebrity or not—should prepare for the unexpected.
Through empathy and expertise, Marguerite explains how joint ownership, trusts, and proper documentation can prevent family turmoil. This case study is more than Hollywood history—it’s a masterclass in love, legacy, and the importance of planning ahead.
👉 Become a PlanFan today and get access to our First Steps Toolkit, member-only support, and reminders to keep your plan current. Visit www.PlanForThis.com to join our community and take control of your legacy with confidence.
Timestamps:00:00 – Remembering Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher01:30 – The emotional and legal realities of simultaneous passing03:00 – How timing affects inheritance and asset distribution05:10 – Understanding “chain of title” in estate law07:05 – Successor trustees: who steps in and when09:20 – How to handle joint accounts and real property11:15 – Managing intellectual property rights and royalties13:45 – Fiduciary duties during grief16:20 – Protecting family harmony through transparency19:15 – Lessons for every generation22:00 – Closing reflections: love, legacy, and preparation

Why Choosing the Wrong Trustee Can Divide Families | Plan For This Podcast Ep. 7

What can we learn from Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson’s family story? In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron dive into the unique estate planning challenges that blended families face—especially when fame, business, and legacy all overlap.
Welcome to the *Plan for This Podcast*—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, caregiving, and financial preparedness.  
Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most.  
📌 In this episode: Through humor, real-world examples, and heartfelt storytelling, they explore co-trusteeship, charitable giving, and family harmony—using Tom and Rita’s blended family as a relatable case study. From choosing the right successor trustee to balancing cultural traditions, Marguerite breaks down what every family should consider when creating a plan that actually works.
This episode reminds us that estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about love, communication, and the courage to have the tough conversations before life forces them.
*Timestamps*00:00 – Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson: Blended family dynamics02:00 – Ron’s childhood story about growing up with Rita Wilson05:30 – Celebrities are people too: love, loss, and planning07:30 – Co-trusteeships explained: why they often cause conflict10:00 – How family relationships affect fiduciary choices12:00 – Why birth order and personality matter when naming a trustee15:00 – Cultural & religious considerations in planning18:30 – Charitable intent and family foundations22:00 – Planning for business succession and legacy26:30 – Final reflections: communication, compassion, and courage
✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel:  - Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more)  - Executor and trustee responsibilities explained  - Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning  - Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools  
👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ 
Because when life asks, *“Did you plan for this?”*—you’ll be ready.  
#EstatePlanning #BlendedFamilies #TrusteeTips #FiduciaryDuty #FamilyHarmony #PlanForThis #LegacyPlanning #CharitableGiving #CulturalValues #PlanFan #EstateLaw #FamilyBusiness

Jay & Mavis Leno’s Conservatorship: Lessons for Every Family | Plan For This Ep 6

When comedy legend Jay Leno petitioned the court to become conservator for his wife Mavis, the headlines caught everyone’s attention. But behind the celebrity story lies a universal truth—conservatorship can happen to any family that doesn’t have a complete estate plan in place.
In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron unpack the Leno case to explain how conservatorships work, what capacity means, and how simple documents—like a durable power of attorney and an advance healthcare directive—can prevent families from being forced into court. They also explore the responsibilities of trustees, the difference between probate and conservatorship, and how to make sure your trust is properly “funded” so it actually works when needed.
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your family’s privacy and dignity protected, this is a must-listen.
👉 Become a PlanFan today and get access to our First Steps Toolkit, member-only support, and reminders to keep your plan current. Visit www.PlanForThis.com to join our community and take control of your legacy with confidence.
Timestamps:00:00 – Why it’s awkward but essential to talk about family finances00:50 – Jay & Mavis Leno: petitioning for conservatorship02:00 – What is conservatorship, and why does it exist?03:20 – Guardianship vs. conservatorship (California vs. other states)05:22 – How health emergencies can trigger the need for court involvement06:41 – Understanding capacity and legal consent08:00 – What makes a trust work: title changes and funding09:45 – How outdated documents can cause legal complications12:00 – Durable Power of Attorney and Advance Healthcare Directive explained15:00 – Why a will alone isn’t enough17:30 – Conservatorship as the “court of last resort”20:00 – Fiduciary duties and why they matter22:30 – How to stay out of court through proactive estate planning24:45 – Final thoughts: protect your privacy, plan your peace of mind

Meredith’s Story: Aging, Caregiving & the Importance of Planning | Plan For This Ep 5

What happens when grief, aging, and fear of dependence collide? In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron walk through the story of Meredith, a 73-year-old widow facing cognitive decline, lingering grief, and the difficult question of who will care for her as she grows older.
With her daughter Eliza stepping in as a natural caregiver, Meredith struggles with the tension between wanting independence and needing support. Marguerite explains how families can prepare before crisis hits—through clear estate planning, honest conversations, and bringing in professionals when family dynamics get complicated.
This heartfelt discussion offers practical steps for addressing elder care, property titling, caregiving roles, and how to reframe estate planning as an act of love rather than loss. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or adult child, this episode is a roadmap for maintaining dignity, independence, and harmony through life’s later chapters.
👉 Become a PlanFan today and get access to our First Steps Toolkit, member-only support, and reminders to keep your plan current. Visit www.PlanForThis.com to join our community and take control of your legacy with confidence.
Timestamps:00:00 – Meredith’s story: widowhood, grief & cognitive decline02:00 – Why families avoid estate planning conversations04:11 – Caregiving vs independence: when roles blur05:47 – Bringing in professionals & third-party mediators08:34 – Reframing incapacity & the fear of losing control10:45 – Sibling dynamics in elder care12:21 – The importance of being the “CEO of your life”16:19 – Independence vs interdependence: redefining support18:52 – How property titling impacts inheritance23:35 – Caregiver boundaries & fiduciary duty26:07 – Safety concerns & medical evaluations28:50 – How professionals protect dignity and fairness31:55 – Property ownership and chain of title explained34:44 – Couples, remarriage, and inheritance realities35:50 – Advocating for yourself as you age38:13 – Socialization vs isolation: the key to aging well43:10 – Senior communities, companionship & dignity46:29 – Finding love again: planning for romance later in life48:28 – Closing reflections

When There’s No Plan: Probate Battles in Blended Families | Plan For This Ep 4

Welcome to the *Plan for This Podcast*—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, caregiving, and financial preparedness.  
Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most.  
📌 In this episode: What happens when a remarried couple with a blended family dies without an estate plan? In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron unpack the story of Gerald and Edna, a couple in their 90s whose sudden passing exposed the dangers of leaving no instructions behind.
With children from both sides—Mark, Susan, and Rachel—the family finds itself in conflict. Probate court, the Simultaneous Passing Act, and missing fiduciary duties complicate matters, while grief collides with resentment and legal battles. Marguerite explains how professional trustees, clear documents, and honest conversations could have prevented chaos, ensuring fairness for everyone involved.
This cautionary case study shows why every family—wealthy or not, first marriage or blended—needs a plan. Estate planning is not just about assets; it’s about protecting love, dignity, and family harmony.
👉 Become a PlanFan today and get access to our First Steps Toolkit, member-only support, and reminders to keep your plan current. Visit www.PlanForThis.com to join our community and take control of your legacy with confidence.
Timestamps:00:00 – Gerald & Edna’s story: remarriage, blended family, no plan00:41 – The tragedy: sudden passing and no instructions02:00 – How probate and the Simultaneous Passing Act apply04:11 – Why families avoid estate planning conversations05:24 – Assumptions vs. legal reality in probate07:16 – Rachel’s perspective: stepchildren left out08:27 – Fiduciary duty & breach of responsibility11:08 – Sole & separate property in second marriages13:53 – Multiple trusts: his, hers, and joint16:54 – Step one: finding the right estate planning attorney17:36 – Proactive planning tips for blended families19:01 – Understanding the Simultaneous Passing Act23:39 – Fiduciary duty: serving the estate, not yourself26:12 – Rights of heirs and grandchildren27:16 – Role of professional trustees as investigators30:03 – Ethical and legal responsibilities of trustees31:59 – Lessons from Marguerite’s personal experience33:38 – Closing reflections: every family needs an estate plan
✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel:  - Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more)  - Executor and trustee responsibilities explained  - Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning  - Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools  
👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ 
Because when life asks, *“Did you plan for this?”*—you’ll be ready.  
#EstatePlanning #WillsAndTrusts #Caregiving #FinancialPreparedness #PlanForThisPodcast

Why Your Old Will Might Not Be Enough Anymore | Plan For This Ep 3

Welcome to the *Plan for This Podcast*—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, caregiving, and financial preparedness.  
Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most.  
📌 In this episode: What happens when your estate plan relies on a will and a testamentary trust—only for your attorney and successor trustee to pass away before you do? In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron examine a real case study of Douglas, a widower who believed a simple will was enough. His story reveals the risks of incomplete planning, outdated documents, and not having successor trustees in place.Marguerite explains the differences between wills, testamentary trusts, and revocable living trusts—highlighting how each tool works, where they fall short, and why updating your plan matters. The discussion also explores blended family dynamics, prenuptial agreements, life estates, and why naming the wrong trustee can cause lasting family conflict.Whether you’re new to estate planning or revisiting an old plan, this episode delivers the practical insights you need to make confident choices about your future.👉 Become a PlanFan today and get access to our First Steps Toolkit, member-only support, and reminders to keep your plan current. Visit www.PlanForThis.com to join our community and take control of your legacy with confidence.Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & case study setup 01:00 – Douglas’s story: will, testamentary trust & missing successor trustee 02:07 – What is a testamentary trust? 04:24 – The role and limits of a will 06:36 – Why Douglas must update his plan now 07:57 – When was your trust last reviewed? 08:13 – Laws change, so should your documents 09:36 – The importance of revisiting estate plans regularly 11:40 – Blended families: new challenges for estate planning 13:27 – Listener Q&A: Separate finances and blended families 15:23 – Trusts, prenups, and life estate considerations 17:14 – Successor trustee conflicts in blended families 20:57 – Why co-trustees are risky for family harmony 22:50 – Final thoughts: everyone needs an updated estate plan
✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel:  - Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more)  - Executor and trustee responsibilities explained  - Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning  - Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools  
👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ 
Because when life asks, *“Did you plan for this?”*—you’ll be ready.  
#EstatePlanning #WillsAndTrusts #Caregiving #FinancialPreparedness #PlanForThisPodcast

Estate Sale Secrets: What Fiduciaries & Families Need to Know | Plan for This Podcast Ep 2

Welcome to the *Plan for This Podcast*—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, caregiving, and financial preparedness.  
Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most.  
📌 In this episode: Ever wondered what really happens during an estate cleanout? In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron welcome Todd Stephenson, owner of Estate Sale Warehouse, to uncover the truth about estate sales, consignment, and how fiduciaries and families can make the right choices when dealing with a house full of belongings.From classic cars and mid-century furniture to thrift shop finds and hidden treasures, Todd shares his 31 years of experience helping families downsize, clear estates, and avoid common pitfalls in the resale market. You’ll learn why not everything is as valuable as it seems, the surprising risks of traditional estate sales, and how modern consignment models create transparency and fairness for beneficiaries.Whether you’re a trustee, fiduciary, or a family member simply preparing for life’s transitions, this episode delivers expert insight with compassion and real-world stories.
👉 Become a PlanFan today and get access to our First Steps Toolkit, member-only support, and reminders to keep your plan current. Visit www.PlanForThis.com to join our community and take control of your legacy with confidence.Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & sponsor messages 01:19 – Meet guest Todd Stephenson (Estate Sale Warehouse) 03:00 – From thrift shops to classic cars: Todd’s early story 08:46 – Walking into a house: how estate evaluations begin 10:58 – What has value (and what doesn’t) in today’s market 13:22 – How consignment works & why it’s transparent 15:54 – The risks of traditional estate sales 18:37 – Why you should never throw anything away 21:05 – Hidden treasures & surprising finds 24:51 – The true costs of estate sales 26:41 – Generational shifts in resale demand 28:18 – Can Todd help outside California? 30:55 – Consulting, transparency & fiduciary responsibilities 33:39 – Security, emotions & family dynamics 34:38 – Passion for helping families solve estate challenges 37:20 – Closing reflections
✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel:  - Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more)  - Executor and trustee responsibilities explained  - Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning  - Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools  
👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ 
Because when life asks, *“Did you plan for this?”*—you’ll be ready.  
#EstatePlanning #WillsAndTrusts #Caregiving #FinancialPreparedness #PlanForThisPodcast

Did You Plan for This? Facing Life’s Unknowns with Confidence | Plan for This Ep 1

Welcome to the *Plan for This Podcast*—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, caregiving, and financial preparedness.  
Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most.  
📌 In this episode: Life doesn’t always go as planned—and that’s exactly why planning ahead matters. In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron share powerful stories and professional insights about the importance of life planning through estate planning.From unexpected health crises to the realities of probate court, they uncover why every adult—regardless of age, wealth, or family size—needs a plan in place. Marguerite draws on decades of experience as a professional trustee and executor to explain how tools like advanced healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and thoughtful conversations with loved ones can protect both your independence and your family’s harmony.You’ll discover why planning is about more than legal documents—it’s about creating peace of mind, reducing fear, and ensuring your legacy reflects the life you want to be remembered for.
👉 Become a PlanFan today and get access to our First Steps Toolkit, member-only support, and reminders to keep your plan current. Visit www.PlanForThis.com to join our community and take control of your legacy with confidence. Will you be ready when Life asks, “Did you plan for this?”Timestamps: 00:00 – Facing life’s unknowns: why we avoid planning 02:09 – What “being ready” really means 03:30 – Why most people avoid estate planning 05:57 – Defining your legacy and choices for the future 07:37 – The challenge of talking with family about planning 10:45 – How probate code affects those without a plan 12:49 – Why planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly 15:13 – Lessons from family experiences 16:28 – Resources, attorneys, and where to begin 17:52 – 9 out of 10 people lack documents: a medical perspective 19:06 – Why “just being married” isn’t enough 20:51 – Unmasking the mystery of life planning 22:29 – Relief and empowerment from getting documents done 24:07 – Building family harmony through proactive planning 25:49 – Sibling rivalry, tough conversations, and family dynamics 27:12 – Why leadership means getting your own plan done 28:28 – Estate planning as your “oxygen mask” 29:56 – The caregiver’s burden and why planning matters 31:16 – Estate planning as practical self-love 33:11 – 100% of families face this reality 34:38 – Marguerite’s final message: protect love, protect family
✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel:  - Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more)  - Executor and trustee responsibilities explained  - Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning  - Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools  
👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ 
Because when life asks, *“Did you plan for this?”*—you’ll be ready.  
#EstatePlanning #WillsAndTrusts #Caregiving #FinancialPreparedness #PlanForThisPodcast