New Year's Resolution: Estate Plan And Prosper

Resolutions fade; stress lingers. We chose a different start to the year by focusing on the one move that reliably lowers anxiety and protects what matters: a practical estate plan that actually works when life gets messy. From the gym to the law office, we connect the dots between lower cortisol, clearer thinking, and the documents that keep your family out of court and your assets out of harm’s way.

We break down the essentials in plain language. You will hear why a general durable power of attorney and a health care power of attorney are the bedrock of real-world preparedness, and what happens when they are missing—delays, court-driven guardianship, and bills piling up when a spouse or child is locked out of decisions. Then we widen the lens to tackle the cost of long-term care, the quiet threat that can drain retirement accounts after a stroke, a fall, or a dementia diagnosis. Our approach centers on options: how targeted trusts can position savings for benefits eligibility without surrendering your values or your voice.

For homeowners, we spotlight the Lady Bird deed—especially effective in North Carolina—which protects the primary residence, avoids probate, and has been strengthened under current Medicaid rules. It is a simple, reversible step that keeps you in control during life and guides the house to your chosen heirs later. Along the way, we share mindset shifts that make planning feel less like paperwork and more like freedom: tidy decisions, clear roles, and a cleaner slate for 2026.

If you are ready to trade vague resolutions for real peace of mind, this conversation gives you a precise checklist and the confidence to act. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs a nudge, and leave a review to tell us the first step you are taking toward an Estate Plan and Prosper year.