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  • The Money Nobody Knows They Have: Why Your Family Might Have Hidden Cash Waiting to Be Found S2EP43

    The Money Nobody Knows They Have: Why Your Family Might Have Hidden Cash Waiting to Be Found S2EP43
    2025/06/03
    Episode Summary: What if you or someone you love has money sitting out there, completely forgotten and legally yours? In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey shares a real-life story of discovering hidden funds and breaks down what unclaimed property is, why it happens, and how you can check for it. This isn’t a get-rich-quick gimmick. It’s a reminder that thoughtful planning includes knowing where all your assets are - even the ones you’ve forgotten about. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a local professional for specific guidance for your needs. Essential Question: What if there’s money waiting for you or your loved ones that you don’t even know exists? Episode Highlights: A $100 surprise found for Honey’s hairdresser and $400 more for her father The dormancy period explained: what it is and why it matters Examples of unclaimed property: life insurance, bank accounts, utility deposits, capital credits, and more The $70+ billion sitting with states and how to search for your share Why even estates with a will may miss this money if it’s not documented Advice from Host: Include a search for unclaimed property in your annual planning process. It only takes a few minutes and could result in money you didn’t know was missing. Help your executor or family by documenting all financial accounts and making sure beneficiaries are clearly named. This reduces the chances that your hard-earned assets wind up in unclaimed property. Conclusion: Unclaimed property is more common than people realize, and it affects both the living and the deceased. With just a little effort and awareness, you can ensure that what’s yours stays with you or reaches your loved ones. Organization isn’t about perfection it’s about peace of mind. Resources Shared: MissingMoney.com Search multiple states for unclaimed property in one place. 🔗 https://www.missingmoney.com NAUPA (National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators) Find official unclaimed property sites for every U.S. state. 🔗 https://www.unclaimed.org Texas Comptroller – Unclaimed Property Search for and claim unclaimed property in the state of Texas. 🔗 https://claimit.texas.gov Connect with Thoughtful Planning Hosts, Santiago & Honey: Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit Thank You for Listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    7 分
  • The Most Powerful Gift You Never Knew You Could Give: Understanding Brain Donation S2EP42

    The Most Powerful Gift You Never Knew You Could Give: Understanding Brain Donation S2EP42
    2025/05/20
    Episode Summary: When most people think about leaving a legacy, they imagine money, possessions, or family traditions. But what if one of the most meaningful gifts you could leave behind is something most people never even consider — your brain? In this episode, Honey explores the rarely discussed topic of brain donation, including how it differs from organ donation and how it can contribute to groundbreaking research. She shares her and Santiago’s personal experience learning about the SPARC program and walks through key considerations if you’re thinking about making this unique and impactful gift part of your end-of-life planning. Disclaimer:This episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a local professional for specific guidance for your needs. Essential Question: What if the most valuable gift you could leave behind isn’t in your bank account — but in your skull? Episode Highlights: The difference between organ donation and brain donation Why both healthy and affected brains are vital to research An overview of SPARC and how it supports military-related brain research What Honey learned by calling Harvard’s Brain Tissue Resource Center Questions to ask when researching brain donation programs Advice from Host: Start your research now while you’re clear of mind. Ask important questions — some programs may request medical history or have specific criteria. Talk to your family and document your wishes in your planning documents. Most likely, you can still have the funeral or burial of your choice, and most programs are free. Conclusion: Your will distributes what you own — but brain donation extends what you know. This gift has the potential to unlock answers, drive research, and bring healing to families for generations to come. It’s never too early to consider how your legacy might live on through science. Resources: SPARC: https://www.sparc-community.org/ Harvard University Brain Bank: https://hbtrc.mclean.harvard.edu/brain-donation/info/ VA Biorepository Brain Bank (VABBB): https://www.research.va.gov/programs/tissue_banking/control/default.cfm Brain Donor Project: https://braindonorproject.org/ Connect with Thoughtful Planning Hosts, Santiago & Honey: Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit Thank You for Listening!Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 分
  • Most People Think Organ Donation Is A Heavy Topic... Here's How It Actually Creates Hope And Legacy S2EP41

    Most People Think Organ Donation Is A Heavy Topic... Here's How It Actually Creates Hope And Legacy S2EP41
    2025/05/06
    Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Brittany Clayborne and her son Micah, both heart transplant recipients who have transformed their personal health journey into a mission of supporting young transplant recipients and their families. They share insights about their innovative support program, Transplant Teenz, and discuss the profound impact of organ donation. Disclaimer:This episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a local professional for specific guidance for your needs. Essential Question:How can the gift of organ donation transform lives, and what can we do to support transplant recipients and their families? Episode Highlights: Their personal journey as mother and son transplant recipients The creation and impact of Transplant Teenz The unique challenges young transplant recipients face The importance of peer support and community How organ donation creates lasting legacies BONUS: Learn about Dr. Clayborne's free IMPAkT program supporting those navigating critical illness Advice from Dr. Brittany Clayborne and her son Micah: On becoming an organ donor: "If we actually asked that question and didn't have time to think about it, everybody would answer yes... What does your humanity tell you to say?" - Dr. Clayborne For families considering organ donation: "Your child's legacy could make everyone else's fate bright" - Micah The importance of early education about medical self-advocacy Supporting teens through the transplant experience Conclusion: Organ donation is more than saving a life - it's about transforming families, creating legacies, and building supportive communities that help recipients thrive. Connect with Dr. Clayborne and Transplant Teenz: Website for Dr. Clayborne: https://www.brittanyspeaks.com/ Website for Transplant Teenz: https://www.transplanttz.org/ Instagram & TikTok: @transplanttz Facebook Transplant Teenz: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558524878499 Connect with Thoughtful Planning: Website: legacytoolkit.com/podcast Facebook: facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: Legacy Toolkit on LinkedIn Thank You for Listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 分
  • Natural Returns: Understanding Your End-of-Life Options - Series Finale: Making an Informed Choice S2EP40

    Natural Returns: Understanding Your End-of-Life Options - Series Finale: Making an Informed Choice S2EP40
    2025/04/22
    Episode Summary: In this series finale, Santiago and Honey Bueno bring together key insights from their exploration of end-of-life options, challenging conventional assumptions about "traditional" practices while presenting environmentally conscious alternatives. From home funerals to human composting, discover how your final arrangements can align with your values and protect both your loved ones and the environment. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a local professional for specific guidance regarding aftercare and legal options in your state. Essential Question: What impact do you want your final farewell to have on your loved ones and the environment? Episode Highlights: Conventional burial practices originated during Civil War era Legal home funeral options available in most states Natural burial alternatives that skip embalming and concrete vaults Emerging options like human composting and aquamation Pet aftercare considerations including aquamation Pre-planning benefits including travel protection Cost-saving strategies through alternative arrangements State-specific legal considerations Environmental impact of different options Advice from Santiago and Honey: Research what's legal in your state Consider having a backup plan for unexpected circumstances Pre-plan to lock in current prices and prevent family stress Think about environmental impact when making choices Include pet arrangements in your planning Consider cost-saving alternatives like home funerals Take time to explore options before making final decisions Conclusion: Take time to explore your options and make choices that align with your values while protecting both your loved ones and the environment. Most importantly, communicate your wishes clearly with your family and document them properly to ensure they're honored. Resources From Season 2: Episode 35: Life Insurance or Pre-Planning? What’s Right for You?: https://youtu.be/sogMlEwG8oo Episode 36: Home Funerals: Honoring Traditions: https://youtu.be/4jkhfGyXhU8 Episode 37: The Truth About Natural Burials: Ditch the Vaults: https://youtu.be/Ekz6rea4km8 Episode 38: Would You Choose Human Composting? The Future of Death Care: https://youtu.be/ZAKXD5fOPyk Episode 39: What Happens Next? Sustainable Pet Aftercare with Aquamation: https://youtu.be/Rm2B6FKHVdg Connect with Thoughtful Planning: Website: legacytoolkit.com/podcast Facebook: facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: Legacy Toolkit on LinkedIn Thank You for Listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend who might need it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    13 分
  • What Happens Next? Sustainable Pet Aftercare with Aquamation S2EP39

    What Happens Next? Sustainable Pet Aftercare with Aquamation S2EP39
    2025/04/08
    Episode Summary: In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago interview Lilia Fuller, founder of Eternal Waters Aquamation in Converse, Texas, to talk about a topic many of us avoid until it’s too late: what to do when our beloved pets pass away. Lilia walks us through aquamation, a gentle, eco-conscious alternative to cremation that’s changing the way families say goodbye to their pets. Whether you're currently navigating the loss of a pet or simply want to plan ahead with intention, this episode offers compassionate guidance, environmental insight, and practical next steps you might not have considered. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a local professional for specific guidance regarding aftercare and legal options in your state. Essential Question: What end-of-life options are available for our pets, and how can we make those choices more sustainable and thoughtful? Episode Highlights: What Is Aquamation? Lilia explains the gentle, water-based process of aquamation and how it mimics natural decomposition without the environmental downsides of flame cremation. A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Eternal Waters From fur clippings to paw prints and hand-gathered bones, hear how Lilia adds meaningful touches to each family’s experience. Green Grief Support Learn why aquamation is 90% more energy-efficient than cremation and how some families even use the nutrient-rich effluent to nurture trees or gardens. From Curiosity to Calling Discover how Lilia’s chance encounter with a YouTube video turned into a business dedicated to mindful pet farewells. Options for Every Family Whether it’s a mastiff or a tiny kangaroo mouse, Lilia and her team honor each pet with care and love, no matter their size. What Vets Don’t Always Tell You Why it’s important to ask your vet about alternatives and how you can choose a different path for your pet’s final journey. Pricing with Compassion With packages that are transparent and payment plans available, Eternal Waters prioritizes accessibility for grieving families. Advice from Lilia Fuller: You Have a Choice: Your pet is family, and you deserve to choose what feels right, not just what’s convenient or routine. Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to talk to your vet and advocate for the aftercare you believe in. Honor the Bond: Every goodbye is sacred. Lilia's process supports both the emotional and environmental aspects of that farewell. Conclusion: This episode is a beautiful reminder that the way we say goodbye matters. Sustainable, respectful pet aftercare like aquamation not only honors our pets but also reflects the love we shared with them in life. You do have options, and you don’t have to wait until you’re grieving to explore them. Connect with Lilia Fuller: Website: eternalwatersaquamation.com Facebook: facebook.com/eternalwatersaquamation Connect with Thoughtful Planning: Website: legacytoolkit.com/podcast Facebook: facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: Legacy Toolkit on LinkedIn Thank You for Listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with a fellow pet parent who might need it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 分
  • Would You Choose Human Composting? The Future of Death Care S2EP38

    Would You Choose Human Composting? The Future of Death Care S2EP38
    2025/03/25
    Episode Summary: In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Santiago and Honey explore a revolutionary and eco-conscious death care option: human composting, also known as Natural Organic Reduction (NOR). With support from Recompose, a green funeral home in Seattle, they walk you through how this gentle, sustainable process transforms a human body into nutrient-rich soil and how it might just change the way we think about our final act on Earth. From the science behind it to the ceremonies that honor the process, this episode offers a compassionate and informative look into a future where death gives back to life. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult local professionals or Recompose directly for personalized guidance. Essential Question: How can human composting provide a sustainable and meaningful alternative to conventional death care? Episode Highlights: What is Human Composting? A breakdown of the process from body to soil in as little as 7 weeks. The Ceremony Families can participate in a “laying-in” ritual at Recompose, complete with natural cloths, plant material and emotional closure. The Science Microbial activity, temperature monitoring, and soil curing make this process both safe and eco-efficient. Environmental Impact Human composting uses 87% less energy than cremation and reduces over a metric ton of carbon emissions per body. Cost Comparisons At around $7,000, human composting is competitively priced compared to traditional burial and cremation and it gives back to the planet. Legal & Eligibility Info Currently legal in 12 states (with Texas legislation pending), human composting is safe for most but not suitable for those with a few rare conditions. Can You Still Be an Organ Donor? Yes! But donation to science is not compatible due to embalming requirements. How to Get Involved From writing to your state legislator to sharing the message, you can help make human composting more accessible across the U.S. Advice from Santiago & Honey: Do Your Research Explore options like Recompose to understand what’s available in your state. Talk About It Discuss eco-friendly burial options with your loved ones, even if it feels unconventional. Be Intentional Your final wishes are part of your legacy. Choose what aligns with your values and the legacy you want to leave behind. Conclusion: Human composting isn’t just a sustainable alternative. It’s a deeply meaningful, full-circle return to the earth. If you’re someone who values environmental care, this may be the choice that reflects your values even in death. Connect with Recompose: Website Resources: Recompose Resource Library Watch on YouTube: Katrina Spade & Caitlin Doughty: Human Composting Process Facebook: Recompose on Facebook Instagram: @recomposelife on Instagram LinkedIn: Recompose on LinkedIn Connect with Thoughtful Planning and Legacy Toolkit: Website: Legacy Toolkit Email: info@legacytoolkit.com Facebook: Legacy Toolkit LinkedIn: Legacy Toolkit Thank You for Listening! Don’t forget to subscribe to Thoughtful Planning on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review and share this episode with anyone who might find it helpful! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 分
  • The Truth About Natural Burials: Ditch the Vaults S2EP37

    The Truth About Natural Burials: Ditch the Vaults S2EP37
    2025/03/11
    Episode Summary: Have you ever considered a burial option that’s both environmentally friendly and deeply personal? In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, we sit down with Sunny Markham, President of Countryside Memorial Park, to explore the world of natural burials. Discover how natural burials honor both the deceased and the earth, the surprising environmental impact of conventional funerals and how families can create meaningful, customized goodbyes. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for guidance tailored to your specific situation. Essential Question: What is a natural or green burial, and how does it differ from a conventional burial? Episode Highlights: The key differences between natural, green and conventional burials How embalming, vaults and traditional caskets impact the environment How families can actively participate in a burial The role of cemetery services, personalized rituals and eco-friendly choices Why more people are choosing burial sites in nature Quote from Sunny Markham: “A natural burial allows families to take back the burial process. It is not about stepping aside and letting a funeral home do everything. It is about participation, connection, and honoring a loved one in a deeply personal way. When families fill in the grave themselves, when they place that last handful of earth, it is a moment of healing. That is the difference." Conclusion & Call to Action: Natural burials are more than just an eco-friendly alternative. They offer families a hands-on, deeply meaningful way to say goodbye. If this episode resonated with you, take the next step. Talk to your family about your end-of-life wishes and explore natural burial options in your area. Connect with Sunny Markham: Website: Countryside Memorial Park Facebook Business: Countryside Memorial Park Phone: 512-203-9739 Email: countrysidememorialpark@gmail.com Address: 499 Cemetary Lane, LaVernia, TX 78121 Connect with Thoughtful Planning and Legacy Toolkit: Website: Legacy Toolkit Email: info@legacytoolkit.com Facebook: Legacy Toolkit LinkedIn: Legacy Toolkit Thank You for Listening! Don’t forget to subscribe to Thoughtful Planning on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might find it helpful! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 43 分
  • Home Funerals: Honoring Traditions S2:EP36

    Home Funerals: Honoring Traditions S2:EP36
    2025/02/25
    In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Santiago and Honey interview Genaro Reyes, Jr. from Compassion Funeral Home in San Antonio, Texas, to discuss the growing movement of home funerals. They explore the legalities, benefits, and emotional impact of bringing end-of-life care back into the home. From shrouding and preparation to family-led rituals, this conversation sheds light on an alternative way to honor loved ones with dignity and tradition. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for guidance tailored to your specific situation. Essential Question: What is a home funeral, and how does it differ from a service at a funeral home? Episode Highlights: What is a Home Funeral?: Understanding the basics of home funerals and how they differ from conventional services. Personal Connection & Tradition: Why home funerals create a more intimate, meaningful experience for families. Shrouding & Preparation: The significance of caring for the deceased and how it aligns with traditional practices. Financial Benefits: How home funerals can be a cost-effective alternative to funeral home services. Challenges & Resources: What families should know before planning a home funeral and where to find support. Advice from Genaro Reyes, Jr.: Plan Ahead: Document your final wishes and discuss them with your family. Know Your Rights: Many families are unaware that home funerals are a legal and viable option. Involve Your Loved Ones: A home funeral allows family members to be active participants in saying goodbye. Explore Affordable Options: Home funerals and natural burials can significantly reduce costs compared to conventional services. Conclusion & Call to Action: Home funerals offer a deeply personal and traditional way to honor loved ones. If this episode has inspired you to explore this option, start by researching your local regulations and discussing your wishes with family members. Resources for Home Funerals: National Home Funeral Alliance Texas Home Funeral Laws Connect with Genaro Reyes, Jr.: Funeral Home: Compassion Funeral Home Facebook Business: Compassion Funeral Home Facebook Personal: Genaro Reyes Jr. Phone: 210-772-7074 Email: compassionfuneral@gmail.com Address: 20490 US-281 S., San Antonio, TX 78264 Connect with Thoughtful Planning and Legacy Toolkit: Website: Legacy Toolkit Email: info@legacytoolkit.com Facebook: Legacy Toolkit LinkedIn: Legacy Toolkit Thank You for Listening! Don’t forget to subscribe to Thoughtful Planning on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might find it helpful! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 分