When people think about estate planning, a will is often the first thing that comes to mind. But relying solely on a will might leave significant gaps in your financial plan, potentially putting your loved ones and your hard-earned assets at risk. Join Jeff as he breaks down the critical features of a will and why a will alone might not be enough to protect your assets and your family’s future.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(03:20) While a will directs the distribution of assets in your name alone, it does not control assets with joint owners or designated beneficiaries, like insurance policies or jointly held bank accounts.

(07:46) Most financial institutions won’t allow a testamentary trust (a trust established within a will) to be named as a beneficiary. This limits your ability to protect those assets after your death.

(09:26) Assets passed outright through a will can be exposed to risks like Medicaid repayment, creditor claims, financial mismanagement, and future spouses via death or divorce.

(11:11) Probate can be costly, with legal fees often ranging from 4-6% of the estate. While you can handle probate without a lawyer, the executor still bears significant personal liability to ensure everything is handled correctly.

(18:12) Relying on beneficiary designations to avoid probate can leave assets unprotected, potentially exposing them to creditors, lawsuits, and financial missteps.

(21:45) Unlike a will, a properly structured trust can help you avoid probate, reduce fees, and provide ongoing asset protection for your heirs.

(24:12) The absence of a will triggers the intestate succession process. State law will determine who receives the estate, or what is left of it. Most often, this is the closest living relative.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

At Bellomo & Associates, our commitment to education extends beyond our clients. We learned long ago that professionals locally and across Pennsylvania can also benefit from practical education in estate planning and elder law.

Our free professional boot camps differentiate us from most other law firms. As Jeff describes the essential topics we cover—from basic concepts to advanced strategies—you'll see how the health care and financial planning professionals who attend can better support their clients.

Participants earn continuing education credits (CEUs) while learning and, afterward, enjoy a fun networking reception that’s great for strengthening community partnerships.

MULTI-PROFESSIONAL BOOT CAMP
17 Sep 2025 | York, PA | Learn free of charge | Earn 6 CEUs
Enroll at https://bellomoassociates.com/boot-camp/

ESTATE PLANNING AND ELDER LAW WORKSHOPS
Learn more at https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(05:09) Nearly 80 social workers enrolled in our first boot camp because of the need to better understand the legal issues their clients were facing.

(06:49) The success and popularity of the boot camps made it clear that a multi-professional boot camp was needed. Nurses, nurse practitioners, administrators, CPAs, CFPs, insurance agents, and others can earn six (6) CEUs.

(09:00) Participants learn the basics of estate planning and more advanced concepts such as taxation, asset protection, probate v. non-probate, beneficiaries, and much more. Afterward, attendees enjoy a fun networking event, which can be especially worthwhile given the range of professions in attendance.

(10:36) Our take-home binder is a valuable guide that attendees keep among their most frequently used professional resources.

(15:25) We are grateful for our sponsors who enable us to provide our boot camp free of charge. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

At Bellomo & Associates, taking care of people—both colleagues and clients—is at the heart of everything we do. Our relationships give meaning to our work, making this conversation bittersweet. Jeff sits down with Jessica Delp, who has formed countless relationships as our community outreach coordinator over the past three years. As Jess moves on to her next professional adventure, Jeff reflects on the connections she has built, her impact, and how she has carried our mission forward. Thank you for everything, Jess. In a workplace built around shared values and genuine care, it’s never easy to say goodbye.

To learn more about Olivia’s House, call (717) 699-1133 or visit:

Website - https://www.oliviashouse.org/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OliviasHouse

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(03:20) Jess joined the firm in 2022 as community outreach coordinator.

(05:56) Although she was happy in her non-profit job, Jess accepted Jeff’s job offer because she liked the firm’s mission—to help families.

(09:00) Jess has loved coordinating fun and educational events and helping clients see the value of the firm’s work.

(10:57) Initially, her role was not clearly defined, but Jess shaped it into a successful position.

(13:43) Olivia’s House is a grief and loss center for children. Jess’s husband, K.C., and Jeff's wife, Whitney, have become good friends through their work with the organization.

(14:26) Jess worked at Olivia’s House while in grad school. The organization depends heavily on well-trained volunteers.

(15:55) Whitney’s ongoing involvement in Olivia’s House is based on her desire to give back.

(19:02) Olivia’s House is always looking for volunteers and donations. The programs are free, so funding is needed to continue to provide support.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

Selling a home usually means something big is happening—maybe it's a fresh start, a major transition, or closing one chapter to begin another. But for most people, selling a home can be overwhelming. That’s where Kasey King comes in. She’s the founder of Bodacious Properties, LLC, and she’s built a business around helping people navigate all aspects of a real estate sale with ease, no matter their stage of life. Jeff talks with Kasey about her work, her influences, and how she and her team add value by handling the fine details and the hard work needed during a big transition.

To learn more about all the services provided by Bodacious Properties, visit https://paestatesolutions.com/ or call Kasey at (717) 345-3444.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(03:00) Books by Robert Kiyosaki and T. Harv Eker inspired Kasey to learn the real estate business.

(05:44) Rather than “putting lipstick on a pig,” the goal of Bodacious Properties is to add value and make the home a safe living space.

(11:04) Kasey started in real estate doing standard “retail” work, helping buyers and sellers. An early client made her realize that many people need help with all aspects of selling a home.

(15:44) While most real estate agents will tell people how to stage a home for sale, Bodacious Properties does the work of preparing and staging in cooperation with the seller.

(17:29) Most of Kasey’s work comes via referrals, outreach, and her website.

(18:15) With industry knowledge and connections in local governments, Kasey’s team is especially helpful when time is tight, or a property becomes available under less than desirable circumstances.

(22:41) Kasey and Jeff recommend books by Wallace D. Wattles, Zig Ziglar, and Alex Hormozi. Ziglar’s philosophy is that you can get everything you want out of life by helping other people get what they want. Hormozi says you should provide so much value that people would be crazy to say no.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

When it comes to estate planning, there are a lot of half-truths, outdated advice, and persistent myths that can leave your family vulnerable. Join Jeff as he clarifies common misconceptions about wills, probate, powers of attorney, and trusts. Estate planning is far from a one-size-fits-all exercise. Multiple tools are available, and to be most effective, they should be strategically customized to each family’s needs.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(03:02) Myth #1 – A last will and testament is good enough. Truth – A will outlines what will happen to our assets that are in our name alone. This leaves a lot of issues unresolved.

(04:42) Myth #2 – Avoid probate using joint ownership and beneficiaries. Truth – When money is distributed outright to the joint owner(s) at the time of death, it creates a situation where (1) the money can be spent before creditors and tax collectors get their share, and (2) assets become susceptible to unintended claimants.

(10:44) Myth #3 – Revocable trusts should not be used. Truth – They ensure flexibility during life, give the grantor complete control, offer options for disability planning, and provide after-death asset protection.

(19:45) Myth #4 – A revocable living trust is all you need. Truth – In some instances, an irrevocable pure grantor trust is a better option. It can offer more robust tax handling, leaves the grantor in control, and provides a step up in basis for the beneficiary.

(22:52) Myth #5 – Trusts are one-size-fits-all. Truth – There are many tools available to estate planners; it’s important to mix and match to develop a custom plan that is appropriate for each family.

(24:25) Myth #6 – A power of attorney (PoA) is good forever and any PoA is good enough. Truth – Most banks want these documents updated at least every two years. Also, to protect assets, a spouse or child must be specifically authorized in the PoA.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

Things seem to be happening fast, and many people are worried about potential changes to tax laws and funding for programs on which they rely. Over time, Jeff has learned that talk of change does not always result in change. Because speculation can drive anxiety and poor decisions, often the best approach is to wait. If laws and programs do change, then meet with your professional advisor(s) and make decisions based on the most current and accurate information.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(03:48) We anticipate changes in 2026 to the federal estate tax limit for people who have at least $13.99 million as a single person or $27.98 million as a married couple. Be prepared to speak with your tax attorney in the last quarter of 2025.

(05:45) If you have less than $13.99 million or $27.98 million, hold off on making changes for tax purposes until we know more.

(07:40) Tax planning with an irrevocable trust means giving up control. Understand your options.

(12:00) Jeff is skeptical that they will make cuts to Medicaid.

(16:18) Schedule an appointment with your attorney if changes are made to same sex marriage laws.

(17:50) There is no harm in filing for The Corporate Transparency Act. If you wait, keep track of the filing deadline.

(19:21) If you have a grantor trust and have been filing separate trust tax returns, ask your tax professional if you should continue to do that. Pennsylvania now follows the federal rules.

(21:26) Changes to The Secure Act are possible. Wait to make adjustments until we know whether changes occur.

(23:28) One smart way to prepare for an unknown future is to make sure that everyone over the age of 18 has a financial power of attorney, a health care power of attorney with a living will, and a last will and testament.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website https://bellomoassociates.com/ to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops: https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

Jeff is joined by Garrett and Angel from Country Meadows Retirement Communities for an important conversation about senior living—how providing a personalized approach to care and a comfortable home environment can make all the difference, and how it all starts with a passion for serving seniors. Their discussion offers a valuable perspective on what to look for and how to spot it when assessing retirement communities.

Visit https://www.countrymeadows.com/ or call (717) 741-5118 and ask for Garrett or Angel to learn more or schedule a tour.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(04:10) Country Meadows is home to seniors, a place where they receive help with everyday tasks and activities.

(05:04) Angel started with the organization 18 years ago as their memory care nurse. Garrett started as a 16-year-old working in the dining room while still in high school. He fell in love with the residents, and it prompted him to pursue senior care as his career.

(08:06) Family members don’t always have the knowledge or capacity to provide care for a senior at home.

(10:24) There are tremendous health benefits to the social aspects and opportunities in community living.

(12:32) Country Meadows offers multiple levels of care—supported independent living, 24-hour personal care, secured memory care, a restorative care neighborhood, and more.

(15:06) The organization is proud of its team of nurses, which is accountable to the Director of Nursing. Every level of care also has a Program Manager who helps to coordinate custom care based on individual needs.

(16:57) Country Meadows is family owned and operated. The organization prides itself on the dedication and longevity of its team members.

(22:04) When looking for a senior community, you can learn a lot by observing the care team. Do they appear to be well trained and happy? Do they interact well with each other and the residents?

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

Emotions and stress often run high when it’s time for seniors to move out of their lifelong homes. Understanding this, Pam Kovalewski and Paul Hayes established Complete Senior Transitions to reduce the work and anxiety for seniors when downsizing, moving, or aging in place. Pam and Paul also have an extensive network of vetted professionals who extend their services into other areas of senior living for a comprehensive and hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Learn more by calling 717-502-2507 or visit https://completeseniortransitions.com/

Radio show: Smart Seniors WHYF (AM 720) - Saturdays at 2:30 pm with replay on Mondays at noon.

Podcast: Current and previous episodes of the radio show are available as part of the Holy Family Radio Podcasts.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(02:34) Complete Senior Transitions provides a broad array of services that cover a range of needs for seniors and their families.

(09:35) Pam and Paul met via a Senior Outreach Services event, which promotes collaboration among folks who are committed to helping seniors in the community.

(10:39) Pam and Paul realized that by combining their skills, and those of their network, they could offer a more cohesive and broader range of assistance to seniors.

(13:33) By using education to empower seniors and their families, Pam and Paul can help them make better decisions and reduce their stress around life changes.

(19:39) Sometimes it’s advisable to update a home before selling. Always, the goal is to increase the return beyond the cost of the updates.

(22:13) When you reach out to Pam and Paul, first they will want to understand your needs, wishes, and vision for your next stage in life. Your discussion can start on the phone, or you can schedule a walkthrough of your home, a free consultation, and an explanation of their transitioning services and process.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/