The Mindful Path – Peace of Mind Planning | Oct. 3, 2025

National Estate Planning Awareness Month in October serves as a helpful reminder of the importance of having a ‘peace of mind’ plan. This month is the perfect time to think of important decisions that protect you and your loved ones from bedside to graveside.

Planning for your current needs:

Healthcare Decisions: Estate plans often include documents like a healthcare directive and a medical power of attorney (MPOA), allowing you to specify your preferences for medical care and the ability to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

Financial Management: Through a financial power of attorney (FPOA), you can appoint someone to manage your financial affairs if you are unable to do so due to illness or incapacity, ensuring that your bills are paid, and your finances are managed according to your wishes.

Planning for peace of mind:

Asset Distribution: Estate planning allows you to specify how your assets (i.e., real estate, investments, and personal belongings) should be distributed among your heirs or beneficiaries either through a Will or a Trust. Without a plan, state laws will determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your true intentions.

Protecting Loved Ones & Friends: Estate planning can also provide for the financial security and well-being of your loved ones. For instance, you can name guardians for minor children or establish a Special Needs Trust for adult children who may need special services. A well-documented estate plan can help prevent potential disputes and conflicts among family members and beneficiaries. Clearly defined instructions reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings or legal battles.

Charitable Giving: Estate planning allows you to support the causes and organizations you care about through charitable bequests potentially reducing your tax liability.

Take Action: Rocky Mountain PBS is hosting a free, virtual series about important issues as we age, for all ages. Topics range from must-have documents like a will and powers of attorney to addressing complicated family dynamics. The third and final session of this year's series will be Wednesday, October 22, from 10:30am-11:30am MT and the title is Estate Planning 104: Starting the Conversation – Addressing Complex Family Challenges.

I invite you to join me for this session, where I, along with estate planning attorney, Stephanie Freeman, will be the expert speakers for Estate Planning 104. We will cover topics including: 

How to Help Resistant Parents Prepare (Or How to Prepare Yourself)

Avoiding Financial Elder Abuse: Protecting Loved Ones from Manipulation

Planning for a Serious Illness or Assisted Living

This series is a part of the Rocky Mountain PBS initiative, Allies for Aging, which empowers Colorado's aging adult communities to thrive by connecting them to available resources, opportunities & benefits. You can register for Estate Planning 104, watch the recorded sessions, and find aging resources here: www.rmpbs.org/alliesforaging

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema.