Absolute Trust Talk

In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, managing attorney Kirsten Howe shares an estate planning miss that has nothing to do with your documents — the literal, physical mess we tend to leave behind. Drawing on years of trust administration experience, Kirsten explains what really happens when one child is named trustee and inherits the job of emptying a home filled with decades of belongings: stalled home sales, frustrated siblings, and inheritances delayed by months. She also shares the story of a daughter trustee who nearly hauled a box of "trash" to the dumpster, only to find $2,500 in cash tucked inside. Her advice is refreshingly hands-on: start sorting through your own things now, one closet and one room at a time, so the people you love aren't left to do it for you. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:35 Kirsten introduces today's miss — this one isn't about what your documents say, it's about something you yourself can do, starting now. 1:05 The scenario she sees constantly: one child is named trustee, the family home is full of decades of belongings, and it can't be sold until it's cleared out — a job that typically lands on that one child. 1:55 A lose-lose bind: the other siblings often won't help, yet they'll complain if the trustee spends estate money to hire a professional to do it. 2:15 Why an inheritance can take six months instead of two — the first three months may go just to emptying the house. 3:05 Pro Tip: Start now, one closet and one room at a time: even Kirsten admits to three closets and three dressers of clothing she hasn't touched in years. 3:50 You don't have to do it alone — enlist a child or a friend, trade off helping at each other's homes, or hire a professional. 4:28 A cautionary tale: a daughter trustee, overwhelmed by boxes of old tax returns, bank statements, and decades-old books, nearly called for a dumpster — until she found $2,500 in cash in a box she assumed was trash. 5:40 The bottom line: take the job on now. Every bit you do eases the load on the child you've chosen as trustee, helps your kids get along after you're gone — and you might even enjoy revisiting old memories along the way. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

Did you know that 1 in 7 Americans now own Bitcoin? If you've been curious about cryptocurrency but don't know where to start, this episode is for you. Host Kirsten Howe sits down with Jirayr Kembikian, CFP® and Managing Director of Citrine Capital, to demystify Bitcoin and explain why it's fundamentally different from every other cryptocurrency on the market. In this conversation, Jirayr introduces his "three buckets" framework for understanding the crypto landscape and explains how Bitcoin's fixed 21 million supply cap, national debt concerns, and unlimited money printing are driving unprecedented adoption. He reveals the shocking truth that almost a third of all dollars ever created were printed in just the last five years, and why Bitcoin's proof-of-work system makes it the most secure computer network in the world. Whether you're a complete beginner or have been crypto-curious for years, this episode provides a grounded, practical perspective on what Bitcoin is, why it matters, and what it could mean for your financial future. This is Part 1 of our cryptocurrency series—stay tuned for upcoming episodes on how to own, acquire, and store Bitcoin safely. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:43 Why Bitcoin exploded over the last decade, built on decades of failed projects before launching in 2009. 2:45 Why everyone gets Bitcoin wrong at first—it requires understanding math, cryptography, engineering, and energy simultaneously. 3:43 The "three buckets" framework: Bitcoin (hardest money with 21 million cap), stablecoins (dollar-pegged), and all other crypto (centralized authorities that can negate transactions). 6:03 What backs Bitcoin: How proof-of-work energy consumption secures the network and makes it the most secure computer network in the world. 7:34 Other cryptocurrencies' harsh reality: Constant hacks, downtime, and mysterious blockchain reversals. 7:46 The economic pressure driving Bitcoin adoption: National debt over $30 trillion makes printing money mathematically inevitable. 10:21 The jaw-dropping stat: Almost a third of all dollars ever created were printed in the last five years. 11:03 Basic economics: Growing demand meets Bitcoin's fixed supply that cannot increase. 11:31 Preview: How to own, acquire, and store Bitcoin—covered in upcoming episodes. 11:51 Bitcoin's transparent 100-year distribution schedule fixed in code versus unpredictable dollar printing. 12:18 The halving cycle: Every four years, new Bitcoin supply gets cut in half, creating scarcity by design. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

In the final episode of our comprehensive healthcare planning series, Kirsten and Ariana tackle one of the most misunderstood areas of healthcare planning: life-ending decisions. This episode cuts through the confusion to deliver clear, factual information about California's End of Life Option Act, the strict requirements for assisted suicide, how passive and active euthanasia differ, and why many people don't actually qualify for the options they think exist. You'll also learn how California compares to other states and what alternatives exist internationally. Whether you're planning for yourself or helping a loved one understand their options, this episode provides essential information about one of life's most difficult decisions. Knowledge is power—especially when it comes to maintaining control over your final chapter. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:09 Three categories of life-ending decisions explained: assisted suicide, passive euthanasia, active euthanasia 2:12 Passive euthanasia defined - withdrawal/withholding of life-sustaining treatment (legal in California) 3:07 What is active euthanasia? Many people don't realize it's not legal in the United States 3:39 California's End of Life Option Act (2016) - medical aid in dying requirements 4:49 Strict eligibility requirements: terminal illness (6 months or less), California residency, cognitive capacity, physical ability 5:02 The three-request requirement: two oral requests 48 hours apart, plus one written, witnessed request 6:29 Physician responsibilities and the right to decline participation 7:35 California vs. Oregon comparison - residency requirements and waiting periods 9:37 Geographic distribution of assisted suicide laws across the United States 10:29 Active euthanasia discussion - the dementia dilemma and client concerns 11:40 European options for active euthanasia: Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Spain legal frameworks 13:27 Practical considerations for California residents seeking international options 15:12 The importance of knowledge and control in end-of-life planning Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

In this second episode of their comprehensive healthcare planning series, Absolute Trust Talk hosts Kirsten Howe and Ariana Flynn tackle the critical medical orders that work alongside your legal documents: DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders and POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) forms. Unlike the legal documents discussed in Part 1, these are doctors' orders that emergency responders must follow—but only if they can see them. The attorneys reveal the shocking legal reality that paramedics are required to perform CPR on anyone they find unconscious unless they have a valid DNR order in hand. They explain why POLST forms are printed on hot pink paper (it's a genius design for emergency visibility), where to keep these life-saving documents so they're accessible when seconds count, and why you need both medical orders AND legal documents working together. This episode could save your life by ensuring your emergency medical wishes are honored when you can't speak for yourself. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:15 DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) explained - emergency medical protective orders for EMS 2:33 Who can sign DNR orders, and how they become part of your medical record 3:25 The paramedic dilemma - why emergency responders MUST perform CPR unless they see a DNR 4:28 The "lying on the sidewalk" scenario that reveals the shocking legal requirement 5:00 Why your DNR needs to be accessible - it's not tattooed on your forehead 5:45 Where to get DNR forms and the California Medical Association resource 5:58 POLST forms explained - going beyond DNR with comprehensive medical orders 8:21 Real-world POLST placement in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities 8:54 Why these are doctors' orders, not legal documents, attorneys can prepare 9:15 The essential combination - why you need DNR, POLST, AND healthcare directives working together Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

In the compelling finale of this three-part insurance series, host Kirsten Howe and insurance expert Dean Myers tackle the coverage that keeps business owners up at night—cyber insurance. Dean shares fascinating real-world stories, from ransomware attackers offering customer service hotlines to disgruntled employees planting digital "time bombs" in company systems. You'll discover why this isn't just another insurance policy but essential business survival protection that covers everything from system failures to deepfake fraud. Dean reveals the surprising realities about whether companies should pay ransoms, how insurers use "white hat" attacks during applications, and why Silicon Valley startups are outpacing traditional insurance giants. If you think your business is too small to be targeted or that basic IT protection is enough, this episode will be a wake-up call you can't afford to ignore. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:12 What is cyber insurance, and why it's the broadest coverage for such esoteric risks? 1:48 The comprehensive scope: system failure, ransomware, business email compromise, business interruption, contingent business interruption, and forensics coverage. 2:15 Why cyber claims require hiring attorneys, CPAs, forensics experts, claims adjusters, and legal counsel, unlike traditional workers' comp claims. 2:45 The two key reasons carriers provide such broad coverage: rapid system restoration at the lowest cost and mandatory industry claim reporting. 3:48 How cyber insurance provides both first-party and third-party coverage, protecting you when you accidentally send infected emails to clients. 4:37 Real-world business email compromise: When hackers send fake invoices to your clients from compromised email accounts. 5:10 Why cyber attacks almost always originate overseas in countries with lax cybersecurity laws and accountability. 5:37 Will cyber insurance pay ransoms, and when is it appropriate? 6:42 Real claim story: How a tired CPA two days before tax season fell for a phishing email with a partner's name containing just one extra letter 8:25 Why paying ransoms creates a "bull's eye on your back" and marks you as a repeat target for extortionists. 11:06 Cyber insurance qualification requirements, why multi-factor authentication is now absolutely mandatory across all carriers. 12:15 "White hat" mock attacks: How insurers test your system vulnerabilities during the application process using the "open parking spot" analogy. 14:41 Insider sabotage case study: Bay Area law firm manager discovers her job posted on LinkedIn, teams up with IT brother-in-law for revenge. 15:53 The emerging deepfake threat, how voice cloning technology is creating new fraud risks for fund transfers. 16:25 Protection strategies: Using "trip questions" with personal knowledge to verify client identity during suspicious calls. 17:12 The AI counterbalance: How artificial intelligence may help prevent cyber claims in the future. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, California estate planning attorney Kirsten Howe examines the explosive trust dispute erupting over Jimmy Buffett's $275 million estate. When the legendary Margaritaville songwriter passed away, he left his fortune in an irrevocable trust with his widow Jane Buffett and co-trustee Richard Mozenter managing the assets together. Now they're locked in competing estate litigation across Florida and California, each seeking to remove the other as trustee through costly court battles. This high-profile celebrity estate case illustrates why co-trustees in estate planning often create more problems than solutions. Walnut Creek estate planning attorney Kirsten analyzes how a quarter-billion-dollar trust generating only $2 million annually raises serious trust performance red flags and reveals why 25% of estate planning clients make this same dangerous trustee selection mistake. The key estate planning lesson: co-trustees must agree on every trust administration decision, and when trustee disagreements arise, expensive estate litigation almost always becomes inevitable. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:52 Jimmy Buffett left his $275 million estate in a trust managed by his wife Jane and co-trustee Richard Mozenter, but they're now locked in bitter legal warfare. 1:30 Legal battle erupts across two states as Richard sues Jane in Florida, claiming she's uncooperative, while Jane countersues in California, alleging he withholds financial information. 3:10 Why is a $275 million trust only generating $2 million annually for Jane, and can this income sustain the wealthy lifestyle she's maintained for decades? 4:35 Learn why co-trustees create inevitable disaster when two people must agree on every decision, and disagreements force expensive court intervention. 5:15 The simple solution that prevents family warfare - choose one trusted person instead of co-trustees to avoid years of costly Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe examines the estate complications following One Direction member Liam Payne's tragic death in Argentina in fall 2024. At just 30 years old, Payne left behind a $32 million estate—but no will. His complex assets include performance income, solo artist earnings, brand deals, music publishing rights, and venture investments. Without estate planning, his 8-year-old son Bear becomes the sole intestate heir, inheriting the full amount at age 18. Kirsten analyzes the cascading problems: massive probate fees (at least $376,000 in California), no designated asset management for the minor child, potential displacement of Payne's live-in girlfriend, substantial estate taxes on $18 million (a 40% rate), and no provisions for parents or siblings. This case illustrates how even young, successful individuals require comprehensive estate planning to safeguard their loved ones and preserve their wealth. The key lesson: don't die intestate—unexpected death can happen at any age, making proper planning essential for anyone with assets and people they care about. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:57 Listen as we discuss the untimely passing of Liam Payne and his $32 million estate with complex assets and no will 2:16 While Liam is a citizen of the UK, we're going to analyze his case as if it were under California law, and why probate is problematic for large estates 3:19 The massive cost of probate: $376,000+ in statutory fees alone for complex assets such as those like Liam's 4:33 Estate Planning Lesson #1: No chosen asset management for minor child - court appoints ex-girlfriend and music lawyer 5:52 Estate Planning Lesson #2: 18-year-old inheritance age - few parents think this is appropriate for $32 million 6:35 Estate Planning Lesson #3: No provisions for other family members - parents, siblings get nothing 7:24 Estate Planning Lesson #4: Live-in girlfriend faces potential eviction with no inheritance rights 8:16 Estate Planning Lesson #5: Massive estate tax liability - 40% on $18 million could have been minimized 9:16 Key takeaway: Estate planning is essential at any age when you have assets and loved ones Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.

In this second installment of Absolute Trust Talk's international estate planning series, host Kirsten Howe welcomes back estate planning specialist Janet Brewer to explore advanced strategies for families with cross-border connections. Building on their previous discussion of guardianship challenges, this episode focuses on critical tax considerations and financial hurdles faced by international families. Janet, a certified specialist with over 30 years of experience serving Silicon Valley clients, explains the unique tax opportunities available to visa holders with stock options and RSUs, which could result in savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars in estate taxes. The conversation reveals why appointing trustees who live abroad can trigger costly "foreign trust rules" and explores practical obstacles, such as banking restrictions, that complicate international wealth transfers. Janet and Kirsten also discuss the unexpected documentation requirements that can delay inheritance distributions to beneficiaries across borders, including the little-known "transfer tax certificate" that can hold up distributions for 6-9 months even when no tax is owed. Whether you're working in the US on a visa, have family members overseas, or are a US citizen living abroad, these expert insights could protect your hard-earned wealth from unnecessary complications and taxation. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:22 Janet introduces a common scenario: Visa holders with stock options and RSUs who need specialized planning. 2:54 Did you know? US citizens enjoy a nearly $14 million exemption, while non-US domiciliaries face estate tax after just $60,000. 4:56 Discover the key "planning opportunity" for visa holders: Gifts of US stock aren't subject to gift tax, but the same stock in their estate would face up to 40% tax at death. 8:53 Janet explains the critical distinction between "residence" and "domicile" for tax purposes, and how visa holders can legally leverage this difference. 11:31 Find out why appointing a foreign trustee can trigger costly "foreign trust rules" that reduce funds available for beneficiaries. 13:42 Learn about the growing practical challenge of US banks refusing accounts for trustees who don't have US addresses. 16:17 Next, Kirsten and Janet discuss why hiring a US-based professional fiduciary might be the most cost-effective solution despite the emotional preference for family trustees. 18:49 Obtaining an ITIN (International Taxpayer ID Number) can delay distributions by months, another documentation hurdle that foreign beneficiaries face. 22:09 Janet shares a recent discovery about US citizens living abroad: their US assets require a "transfer tax certificate" that can take 6-9 months from the IRS, even when no tax is owed. 25:44 Here's a workaround for the transfer tax certificate delay: Opening a probate proceeding can allow distributions to proceed more quickly. Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.