Ever wondered how preserving family artifacts could deepen connections across generations? In this episode of Buried in Work, host Adam Zuckerman chats with author and family historian Kevin O'Connor about his one-of-a-kind upbringing above his family’s mortuary. Kevin’s memoir, Two Floors Above Grief, offers an intimate look into his Victorian childhood home, a place where life and death intertwined daily. Growing up in a family-owned funeral home shaped Kevin's views on grief, family, and the profound significance of preserving history.

Join us as Kevin shares his journey of organizing family letters, artifacts, and heirlooms and offers tangible tips for anyone wanting to preserve their family’s legacy. You'll hear his insights on handling grief, respecting family history, and the value of physically organizing letters, photos, and mementos. Kevin also explains the emotional impact of saving these treasures and how they can offer comfort, understanding, and a unique perspective on life.

Whether you have boxes of old letters in the attic or want to build a family archive, this episode guides you through the process of creating a meaningful family history. Kevin’s journey serves as a touching reminder that preserving our past can offer solace in the present and guidance for the future.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why preserving family artifacts can create a powerful legacy

• Kevin’s personal journey growing up in a mortuary and how it shaped his understanding of grief and family

• Practical steps for organizing family letters, photographs, and artifacts

• How to catalog and sequence family history for future generations

• The unique emotional value that comes from physical artifacts versus digital records

Get in touch with Kevin O’Connor:

• Kevin’s Website: https://www.kevinoconnorauthor.com/

• Order his book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMZ5P3RF

• Kevin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmoconnor/

• Kevin’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.oconnor2

Social media:

Buried in Work YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buriedinwork

Buried in Work on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buriedinwork

Buried in Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buriedinwork/

If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing to Buried in Work, leaving a review, or sharing it with a friend. For more estate planning resources, visit buriedinwork.com. Your support helps us continue bringing expert insights to help you simplify estate planning and secure your financial future.

In this essential episode of Buried in Work Podcast, host Adam Zuckerman chats with Paul Deloughery, Founder of Sudden Wealth Protection Law. Join them as they dive into the fundamentals of creating a valid will in Arizona. Host Adam Zuckerman chats with Paul Deloughery, Founder of Sudden Wealth Protection Law. Estate planning is a vital step for anyone wanting to secure their legacy and ensure their wishes are honored. Yet, understanding the legal nuances in Arizona can be challenging. From the specific requirements of a typed versus a handwritten will to the common pitfalls that can lead to a will’s invalidation, this episode breaks down everything you need to know to create a legally sound will in Arizona.

Whether you’re drafting your first will or revisiting an existing one, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you protect your estate and support your loved ones.

Key Takeaways:

• 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Learn the specific rules for making a will valid in Arizona, including witness requirements and guidelines for typed and holographic (handwritten) wills.

• Avoid Common Mistakes: Discover frequent errors people make when drafting their wills—such as unclear language, improper witnessing, and lack of updates—and how to prevent them.

• 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬: Get clarity on the legal differences between typed and holographic wills in Arizona, including which option might suit your needs best.

• 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥: Understand the process for legally modifying or revoking a will, along with the steps to ensure your changes are valid and recognized in Arizona.

• 𝐎𝐮𝐭-𝐨𝐟-𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬: Learn how Arizona treats out-of-state wills and what adjustments may be needed to align with Arizona’s estate laws.

Get in touch with Paul Deloughery:

• Paul’s Website: https://suddenwealthprotectionlaw.com/

• Paul’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldeloughery/

• Paul’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sudden_wealth_lawyer/

Social media:

Buried in Work on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buriedinwork

Buried in Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buriedinwork/

If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing to Buried in Work, leaving a review, or sharing it with a friend. For more estate planning resources, visit buriedinwork.com. Your support helps us continue bringing expert insights to help you simplify estate planning and secure your financial future.

Finding strength in the darkest of times, Dana S. Diaz shares her courageous journey of survival and resilience. In this eye-opening episode of Buried in Work, learn how to protect your wealth from an abusive relationship with insights from Dana S. Diaz, author of Gasping for Air: The Stranglehold of Narcissistic Abuse. Dana shares her courageous journey of survival, revealing strategies for safeguarding assets, protecting finances, and planning an estate even under the immense pressure of domestic violence and isolation.

Through powerful storytelling and practical advice, Dana emphasizes the importance of estate planning, financial protection, and building a safety net in challenging circumstances. This episode offers actionable steps and resources that empower listeners to take control of their financial future, no matter the circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

• Estate Planning Under Duress: Dana discusses the unique challenges of estate planning while dealing with domestic violence and isolation.

• Importance of Support: Dana emphasizes the critical role of trusted friends and advocates in her journey.

• Practical Asset Protection: From hiding assets to arranging beneficiaries, Dana outlines her methods for securing her family’s future.

• Planning for Loved Ones: Jared and Dana explore the emotional side of estate planning, including how Dana’s love for her son motivated her to prepare meticulously.

• Resources and Tools: Learn about resources available for people in similar situations, including safe ways to handle documents and assets without detection.

Get in touch with Dana Diaz:

• Dana’s Website: https://danasdiaz.com/

• Buy Dana S. Diaz's book, Gasping for Air: The Stranglehold of Narcissistic Abuse HERE: https://danasdiaz.com/gasping-for-air/

• Dana’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaSDiazAuthor

• Dana’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.diaz/

Social media:

Buried in Work on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buriedinwork

Buried in Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buriedinwork/

If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing to Buried in Work, leaving a review, or sharing it with a friend. For more estate planning resources, visit buriedinwork.com. Your support helps us continue bringing expert insights to help you simplify estate planning and secure your financial future.

Are you prepared for the financial future you envision? In this episode of Buried in Work, host Jared Rizzi delves into essential estate planning strategies with Steven Wagner, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (SEPA) with over 30 years of expertise. Estate planning is a crucial step toward financial stability and peace of mind, yet it can often feel overwhelming. Whether you’re approaching retirement or just beginning to plan for the future, having a solid strategy can secure wealth transfer, address challenges like inflation and longevity, and ensure a smooth transition of assets.

Steven shares his insights on the financial tools that matter most—such as wills, living trusts, and life insurance—and the importance of creating a legacy that aligns with your values. Join us as we explore practical estate planning tips to make your financial future more secure and manageable.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand Wealth Transfer Tools: Learn how wills, living trusts, and life insurance play a crucial role in transferring wealth and protecting your family’s legacy.

• Plan for Longevity and Inflation: Discover strategies to address the growing challenge of outliving your retirement savings and adapting to changing interest rates.

• Estate Planning for Small Business Owners: Learn how to prepare for business continuity and ensure a smooth succession plan to protect your business and loved ones.

• Find the Right Financial Advisor: Steven shares what to look for in a financial advisor, focusing on a holistic approach to estate and financial planning.

Show Links:

• Connect with Steven Wagner: Visit his website to learn more on making wise financial decisions at https://iwaplan.com/

If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing to Buried in Work, leaving a review, or sharing it with a friend. For more estate planning resources, visit buriedinwork.com. Your support helps us continue bringing expert insights to help you simplify estate planning and secure your financial future.

What if your dream retirement plan could be derailed by a single overlooked detail? In this episode of Buried in Work, host Adam Zuckerman interviews financial planning expert Gregory Kurinec, founder of Pennant Planning, who shares crucial steps to achieve a secure and fulfilling retirement. Gregory, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with years of experience in retirement and estate planning, guides listeners through everything from setting impactful retirement goals and managing assets to tax-saving strategies, Medicare choices, and preparing an estate that aligns with your values. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to simplify complex financial topics and protect their legacy. Gregory also discusses his nonprofit, Gene's Journey for Hope, which supports families affected by cancer, adding a heartfelt perspective on community support.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬:

• Starting with Goals: Why clearly defining your retirement goals lays the groundwork for effective financial planning.

• Organizing Assets and Legacy: How taking inventory of your assets and planning your estate can give you and your family peace of mind.

• Retirement Tax Strategies: Insights on Roth conversions, charitable distributions, and tax-efficient tactics to maximize retirement income.

• Medicare Planning: Understand the key differences between Medicare Advantage and original Medicare to ensure you’re covered as you age.

• Reliable Income Streams: Ways to create dependable retirement income using Social Security, annuities, and flexible withdrawal strategies.

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞'𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞:

Gregory’s nonprofit, Gene's Journey for Hope, honors his mother’s memory by providing flexible financial support to local families affected by cancer, allowing them to focus on what matters most during tough times. For more information or to donate, visit genesjourneyforhope.org.

Show Links:

• Pennant Planning: To learn more about Gregory's services or to explore retirement planning strategies, visit pennantplanning.com.

• Visit Buried in Work for more episodes and resources at https://buriedinwork.com/

Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to the Buried in Work podcast to get expert tips and insights from professionals in the estate planning industry.

Are you unknowingly making financial missteps in divorce that could cost you for years to come? In this episode of Buried in Work, host Adam Zuckerman welcomes Jamie Lima, founder of Woodson Wealth Management and Allegiant Divorce Solutions. Jamie shares his journey through a financially and emotionally complex divorce that inspired him to help others avoid common financial pitfalls during divorce. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), Jamie explains the critical role of financial analysis in divorce settlements, emphasizing the importance of sound asset division, understanding tax implications, and the value of early financial planning. Jamie provides practical advice on protecting assets, planning for future financial needs, and making empowered decisions in divorce proceedings.

As you listen, you will gain valuable insights into the role of a CDFA, the common financial mistakes in divorces, the impact of financial abuse, and key steps to establish a stable post-divorce financial foundation. This episode offers essential advice for anyone facing divorce or looking to understand its long-term financial implications.

Key Takeaways:

• CDFA vs. CFP: Jamie explains the distinct roles of Certified Divorce Financial Analysts and Certified Financial Planners in managing life-long financial stability and addressing immediate divorce-related needs.

• Financial Abuse Awareness: Jamie discusses common signs of financial control in relationships and how divorce can reveal financial inequities.

• Asset Division and Tax Strategy: Avoiding costly mistakes in asset division, such as overlooking the after-tax value of 401(k)s vs. home equity, is essential for a fair settlement.

• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Jamie emphasizes the importance of prenuptial agreements as “marriage insurance” to secure assets and prevent lengthy legal disputes.

• Post-Divorce Estate Planning: Updating beneficiaries, creating a new will, and preparing essential estate documents are vital steps to ensure financial legacy protection.Having a buy-sell agreement is essential for business owners to ensure a smooth transition and avoid potential conflicts.

• Planning for the future and having a succession plan in place provides peace of mind for business owners and their key players.

Show Links:

• Connect with Jamie Lima: Visit Allegiant Divorce Solutions to explore how Jamie’s team can support you during divorce proceedings at https://allegiantds.com/ or head over to Woodson Wealth Management for broader wealth management and financial planning services at https://woodsonwm.com/

• Visit Buried in Work for more episodes and resources at https://buriedinwork.com/

Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to the Buried in Work podcast to get expert tips and insights from professionals in the estate planning industry.

Is your business truly prepared for the future, or are you unknowingly giving up control of your cash flow? In this eye-opening episode of Buried in Work, host Adam Zuckerman sits down with Tim Yurek, founder and CEO of Tier One Capital, to discuss the critical importance of business succession planning, financial efficiency, and how to take control of your financial future.

With over 35 years of experience in financial consulting, Tim shares practical insights on business succession, key person retention, and how business owners can maximize their cash flow. Through real-world examples and personal stories, Tim explains the power of life insurance policies as financial tools and how understanding cash flow management can help business owners avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re a small business owner or preparing for estate planning, this episode delivers strategies you can apply today.

Key Takeaways:

• Being in control of your money and cash flow is crucial for financial success.

• Small business owners often struggle with cash flow issues, which can have a negative impact on their health and longevity.

• The five major areas that small business owners need to focus on are taxes, real estate payments, education funding, retirement funding, and major capital purchases.

• Timothy Yurick's four-step strategy for solving cash flow issues involves finding the money, identifying where control of money is being given up, stopping ineffective financial habits, and utilizing cash flow efficiently.

• Examples of how the strategy has helped business owners include extending amortization schedules, borrowing against life insurance cash value, and reallocating funds to solve business planning problems. Over two-thirds of small business owners want to have a succession or exit strategy, but only 17% have a documented plan that has been communicated to all key players.

• Cash flow optimization involves identifying where control is being given up, stopping inefficient use of money, putting money in a place with complete liquidity and control, and borrowing money from oneself and paying interest back to oneself.

• Cash value life insurance can be used as a funding solution for business planning problems and can be leveraged to run and grow a business.

• Business owners should consider getting a business valuation to determine the size of the problem and the cost of the solution for succession or exit planning.

• Having a buy-sell agreement is essential for business owners to ensure a smooth transition and avoid potential conflicts.

• Planning for the future and having a succession plan in place provides peace of mind for business owners and their key players.

Show Links:

• Tier 1 Capital: Visit Tim’s website to learn more about Tim Yurek and his financial strategies at https://tier1capital.com/

• Free Report: Download the “Six Critical Questions for Business Succession” report to start planning for your business’s future here: https://tier1capital.com/special-focus-report/

• Visit Buried in Work for more episodes and resources.

Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to the Buried in Work podcast to get expert tips and insights from professionals in the estate planning industry.

What drives someone to turn personal tragedy into a lifelong mission of helping others? In this insightful episode of Buried in Work, host Jared Rizzi interviews Danielle Knapp, CEO of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association, to explore her powerful journey into funeral service. After the sudden and traumatic loss of her father, Danielle found her calling in helping families navigate grief and end-of-life planning. She opens up about her emotional and professional challenges, the transformative power of empathy, and the remarkable work funeral directors do behind the scenes. The episode also features a compelling discussion on the documentary Flight 232, which showcases the dedication of funeral directors during a mass casualty event.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬:

• Danielle Knapp’s path into funeral service started after the tragic death of her father, which deeply shaped her purpose.

• Funeral directors are often overlooked for the emotional weight they carry while helping families through the hardest moments.

• A behind-the-scenes look at the Flight 232 documentary, focusing on funeral directors as first responders in the aftermath of a tragedy.

• The importance of turning grief into empathy and how Danielle channels that energy into supporting families.

• Insight into how conversations about death and end-of-life planning can ease the burden on families.

Show links:

• Visit Buried in Work for more episodes and resources at https://buriedinwork.com/.

• For more about Danielle Knapp’s work, visit Iowa Funeral Directors Association at https://iafda.org/

Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to the Buried in Work podcast to get expert tips and insights from professionals in the estate planning industry.