Hey there, folks! I'm excited to share with you this episode of Wine and Dime, where I talk about the significance of estate planning. Trust me, it's a topic that you don't want to miss out on!

During this episode, I stress the importance of reviewing beneficiaries annually and provide some helpful tips, such as creating a spreadsheet or list of all accounts with named beneficiaries. I also explain the probate process and how it varies by state.

Furthermore, I dive into the importance of having a will and how creating an estate plan that includes a trust can protect financial details from becoming part of a public record. Trust me, it's a game-changer!

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the idea of estate planning, don't worry! I recommend consulting with an attorney or financial planner for complicated situations. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your finances.

So, grab a glass of your favorite wine, and tune in to this episode. You won't regret it!

Remember, just like a good bottle of wine, the Wine and Dime Podcast gets better with time. So don't forget to rate and subscribe to our show, where we blend the flavors of wine and personal finance to help you achieve financial freedom!

If you have any questions that you would like answered on the show, feel free to email us at info@rootedpg.com

Or visit us at www.rootedpg.com/podcasts for full show notes and links!

Topics Covered:

Probate and its process:

The probate process and its requirement can vary by state.
In some states, like California, probate is automatic.
The process involves several steps including obtaining a death certificate, identifying an executor or administrator for the estate, identifying assets, paying expenses like debts or taxes, and notifying or paying beneficiaries.
If there's a will, a judge validates it, and it usually needs to have witnesses. In some states, these witnesses must appear at probate, while in others, they can sign an affidavit when the will is signed.

Role of an Executor:

When there's a will, it identifies the executor, assets, beneficiaries, and any outstanding debts and obligations.
The executor's job can be simple or very involved, depending on the complexity of the estate.
The executor's responsibilities include taking stock of the decedent's assets, including those not listed in the will, ensuring control of the assets during the probate process, and possibly hiring an appraiser to determine the value of certain assets.
The executor also needs to notify creditors about the death, which includes banks and even publishing an obituary to alert unknown creditors.
Finally, the executor must resolve the estate, which includes paying off debts and distributing assets to the beneficiaries.

Probate without a Will (Intestacy):

If there's no will, either because the decedent did not prepare one or because the court rules the one they have to be invalid, the estate is said to be intestate.
In this case, any remaining assets, after debts are paid, go to the closest living relative. The determination of who this relative is can vary depending on state laws and personal circumstances.

Avoiding Probate:

While having a will can facilitate probate, it does not avoid the process entirely.
Some ways to potentially avoid probate include naming beneficiaries on all accounts, transfer-on-death arrangements, and trusts.
However, it's important to note that some assets are exempt from probate, such as life insurance trusts, jointly owned properties, and payable-on-death arrangements. Most retirement plans also fall outside of probate if beneficiaries are named.
For those wishing to avoid probate and protect financial details from becoming part of the public record, consider creating an estate plan that includes a trust.

Wine Recommendation - Rooted Souls Winery

WHERE IT ALL STARTED…, RED MOUNTAIN

The idea of Rooted Souls Winery started when Steve’s passion for wine took off after a wine-tasting trip to Red Mountain AVA in Benton City, WA. He followed his passion and studied enology at Washington State University in eastern WA, making his first vintage in 2016. After a successful barrel of Merlot, the business officially started in 2018. Hustling at farmers markets and selling wine to local restaurants eventually led to finding Woodin Creek’s Wine Alley where the first tasting room was opened in July 2021.

FROM TERROIR TO BOTTLE

The “Rooted Souls” name stems from the desire to highlight WA state terroir and to create unique wines that can properly highlight such terroir. “Rooted Souls” also goes beyond just terroir as it is an extension of Steve and his wife Erica’s artistic vision to create a wine that truly expresses liquid art.

FOR LOVE

Rooted Souls Winery is a labor of love by Steve, Erica, and their fabulous tasting room associate Hannah. We hope that our wines, and the environment we create within our tasting room and beyond provide you a sense of love.

This episode is brought to you by Rooted Planning Group. Rooted Planning Group is a fee-only financial planning firm that specializes in working with women in their 30s and 40s who want to take control of their finances and plan for the future. Whether you're just starting out or you're looking to make a big change, Rooted Planning Group can help.

Visit www.rootedpg.com to learn more.