Mar 10 2025 42 mins 2
Today, we're diving headfirst into the nitty-gritty of estate planning with our special guest, Kristen Luce, Partner at Coughlin and Gerhart, LLP, who knows this stuff like the back of her hand.
Our episode kicks off with a casual banter that sets the tone for a relaxed yet informative discussion. Kristen shares her journey and passion for helping clients navigate the often murky waters of estate planning. Together we discuss how many people feel overwhelmed and hesitant to start their estate planning because, let’s face it, nobody wants to think about their mortality. But Kristen reassures us that it’s all about getting organized and taking proactive steps. We touch on the importance of having a good team in your corner—fee-only financial planners and attorneys who actually communicate and work together.
Together, we unravel the mystery of why having a solid estate plan is essential, especially when life throws curveballs your way. We tackle the common misconceptions that make people hesitant to seek professional help and why you should throw your trust into the hands of someone who knows what they’re doing (spoiler alert: it’s not always the first Google result).
Kristen explains how you should navigate the legal labyrinth of financial planning, ensuring you don’t end up in a pickle when it counts the most.
Takeaways:
- Ditch the Suits podcast is all about sharing financial insights that the industry prefers to keep hush-hush, helping listeners navigate their money matters like seasoned pros.
- The transition to Patreon is a game-changer, making past episodes accessible and ensuring you never miss out on new content, so hop on board!
- Estate planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all process; it’s crucial to work with an attorney who gets your unique situation and crafts a plan that truly reflects your wishes.
- Clients often struggle to get organized for estate planning, but with a solid questionnaire and guidance, the process can be smoother and less daunting than you think!
- Understanding the legal side of financial planning is essential, especially during tough times, as it helps to ensure your family’s stability and peace of mind in the future.
- Communication is key in estate planning; a good attorney listens to what’s important to you and explains things in plain English, avoiding the dreaded legalese.
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Ms. Luce joined Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP in 2007 and is a partner with the firm. She is chair of the firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group. Ms. Luce’s practice is concentrated in the areas of Estate Planning, Trust & Estate Administration, Guardianships, Adoptions, Litigated Estate Matters, and Real Estate. She practices in the firm’s main office, as well as the Owego branch office. She has been selected as a Rising Star among New York lawyers for Estate Planning from 2013 – 2018 by Upstate New York Super Lawyers magazine. In 2017 Ms. Luce was named in the 24th Edition of the Best Lawyers in America® in the practice area of Trust & Estates. Ms. Luce has been given this award every year since 2017 (for the Best Lawyers in America© for Trust & Estates).
Ms. Luce is a current member of the Broome County and New York State Bar Associations. She is a member of the New York Bar Association’s Elder Law and Special Needs Section. Ms. Luce previously served on the Board of Directors to the local American Automobile Association (AAA) Club. She is a past Co-Chair of the Broome County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Committee. She served on the Board of Directors for the Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network (April 2008 – February 2016) and is a former member of the Owego Rotary. In 2014 and again in 2018 Ms. Luce was appointed by the Town Board of the Town of Binghamton to an interim position of Acting Town Justice.
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Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com
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About Your Co-Hosts:
Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.
Steve Campbell has over a decade of industry experience and is a Senior Marketing Director at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Steve also hosts the One Big Thing Podcast, an interview-style show meant to inspire and encourage 30 and 40-year-olds going through difficult seasons of navigating marriage, raising kids, and growing personally.
