Sep 10, 2026
Jeffrey Bellomo continues his “Beware of Series” by challenging more common assumptions that can derail your best intentions for estate planning. Too many of us assume that we do not need to update the documents we had drawn up years ago or that we can figure out an estate plan when the need arises. And that’s why too often families are left without the flexibility they thought they had, or never knew they wanted.
By definition, planning is preparation, forethought, groundwork—it’s something that you do before it’s needed, because the future is not set. Think about your goals. What are your desired outcomes? Planning makes sure that your attorneys, financial advisors, accountants, family members, and others are all in sync. Planning isn’t about predicting the future, it’s about preserving choice and flexibility when the future arrives.
If you missed it, see our previous episode, “The Beware of Series, Part 1: Assumptions Can Be Costly” and watch for more detail on related topics in Jeffrey Bellomo’s upcoming book, THE COORDINATION CRISIS.
What You Need to Know
(00:00) Introduction: The Beware of Series, Part 2
(02:58) Beware: The documents are done; I’m all set
(05:43) Beware: Comparing this Trust (or Will) with that Trust (or Will)
(08:53) Beware: My existing Power of Attorney will work when I need it
(11:30) Beware: Estate planning can begin upon death
(13:38) Beware: Knowing professionals constitutes an estate plan
(15:29) Beware: I don’t need help with estate planning
(16:39) Beware: My documents constitute a complete plan
(17:40) Beware: All I need is a Will
(19:56) Beware: One-size-fits-all estate planning
(22:09) The purpose of planning is to preserve choice and flexibility in the future
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.
LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED
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.
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