In the final installment of our 3-part estate planning series, we dive into one of the most overlooked—but critically important—aspects of planning: protecting your heirs’ inheritance. It’s not enough to simply leave assets to your loved ones. Without proper planning, those assets could be exposed to divorce, lawsuits, creditors, or mismanagement.

We’ll explore how using trusts can provide long-term protection and flexibility, and why leaving assets outright may be a costly mistake. You’ll learn how to:

• Safeguard inheritances from a beneficiary’s divorce or personal liabilities

• Provide for special needs or disabled heirs without jeopardizing government benefits

• Handle contingency planning, including what happens if a beneficiary predeceases you

• Protect minor children using trusts instead of relying on court-supervised guardianships

We also highlight common mistakes—like failing to update your estate plan after major life events—and share practical steps to avoid them.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.

📍Contact Devin’s team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1

📍Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.

Today we answer Jeff’s question about using home equity to pay for end-of-life care — from tapping into equity for in-home support to selling the home to cover nursing home costs. In high-cost states like California, many seniors are house rich and cash poor, and this episode explores strategies to help families navigate that challenge.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.

📍Contact Devin’s team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1

📍Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.

In this episode, we shine the light on common estate planning mistakes that can derail even the best intentions. We discuss the risks of failing to update beneficiary designations and why relying solely on joint ownership can create unexpected complications.

Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.

📍Contact Devin’s team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1

📍Contact John’s team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/

If you’re thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!” please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the “ratings and reviews” section, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you’re not following, you’ll likely miss out. Follow now!

Don’t miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517

Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the “Ask A Question” menu selection.