End of Life Planning: Creating a Legacy That Lasts with Dr. Kimberly Harms

Dr. Kimberly Harms discusses the importance of end of life planning. She shares her journey from dentistry to becoming a grief counselor, death doula, mediator, and life coach after personal loss, emphasizing the importance of preparing for death and leaving a meaningful legacy. She explains how avoiding conversations about death often leads to family conflict, highlighting the need for clear wills, healthcare directives, letters of intent, and honest family discussions. Beyond finances, she stresses that legacies should center on love, resilience, forgiveness, and teaching life skills to future generations.

We discuss...

• Dr. Kimberly Harms transitioned from a 30-year dental career to grief counseling and becoming a death doula after personal health issues and loss.
• She emphasizes the importance of preparing for death to prevent family conflict and ensure a peaceful legacy.
• Clear wills, healthcare directives, letters of intent, and family discussions are critical to avoiding post-death disputes.
• Legacy goes beyond money, including love, resilience, life skills, and emotional guidance for future generations.
• Grief is a process that requires active effort, time, and sometimes professional help to work through.
• Celebrating life after grieving can bring joy and help loved ones move forward.
• Discussing death openly with family, including children, helps prepare them and reduces misunderstandings later.
• Emotional affairs, forgiveness, and reconciliation should be addressed while alive to avoid burdening loved ones.
• Material possessions should be organized or distributed before death to minimize conflict.
• True legacy is remembered in the hearts and minds of loved ones, not through wealth or public recognition.
• Giving back through acts like teaching, volunteering, or creating positive impact can extend one’s legacy beyond family.
• Preparing now—financially, emotionally, and relationally—ensures loved ones can thrive after one’s passing.

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance
• Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/end-of-life-planning-kimberly-harms-750