How to Create a Simple, Effective Estate Plan for Your Family
When most people hear “estate planning,” they imagine legal jargon, trust funds, and high net worth families. But as Cheryl Maloney, Certified Executor Advisor, shares in this episode of Intentional Household, estate planning is something every family needs—because every family has something to protect.
Joined by host Laura Wilson, Co-Founder of Intentional Household, Cheryl breaks down how families can create a plan that is simple, effective, and rooted in love, not fear.
Estate Planning Isn’t Just About Wealth
An “estate” refers to everything you own—your home, vehicles, accounts, insurance, personal items, even your pet and digital life. If something were to happen to you tomorrow, would your family know what to do? Who would raise your children? Who would take care of your finances?
It’s questions like these that prompted Cheryl’s own deep dive into estate planning after a personal health scare in her family. She realized how unprepared even well-meaning families often are—and how easily chaos and conflict can follow.
Why Families Need to Talk Now
Cheryl and Laura explore how even the most loving families can experience deep emotional strain if estate planning hasn’t been handled. Executors—the person tasked with carrying out your wishes—are often overwhelmed by the responsibilities. They may face decisions about funeral arrangements, financial accounts, outstanding debts, and disputes over even the smallest items, like a family photo album or heirloom.
Clear planning can prevent this burden. It creates a map. And it gives your family something more than instructions—it gives them peace of mind.
Cheryl’s 4-Step Framework for Effective Estate Planning
To simplify the process for families, Cheryl introduces a practical, four-step system:
Risk Assessment
Who and what depends on you? What potential complications would arise if you weren’t able to speak for yourself or were no longer here?Document Compilation
Start gathering essential documents: your will, insurance policies, account numbers, login credentials, power of attorney forms, medical directives, and more.Mitigation Strategies
Work with professionals if needed to minimize tax burdens, ensure proper guardianship, and prevent legal confusion. This might include setting up trusts or updating beneficiaries.Executor Family Meeting
This is where many families go wrong—they don’t talk about the plan. Sit down with your executor and closest family members to explain your intentions. This open conversation can prevent misunderstandings later on.
Communication Is the Heart of Good Planning
One of Cheryl’s key messages is that no plan works if no one knows about it. Families must move past discomfort and talk about what matters: who gets what, why certain decisions are being made, and where to find the necessary information. These aren’t just legal decisions—they’re emotional ones. And they deserve conversation.
Cheryl explains that many family conflicts aren’t really about money—they’re about meaning. A ring, a guitar, a dog—all of these can hold emotional weight. Being proactive avoids pain and resentment.
Life Changes—So Should Your Plan
Cheryl and Laura also touch on the importance of revisiting your estate plan when life changes. Marriage, divorce, children, real estate purchases, and health issues should all prompt a review. Estate planning isn’t a one-and-done task—it’s something you update to match your life.
Final Thought: It’s Not About Death. It’s About Love.
The most important takeaway from this conversation? Estate planning is one of the most loving things you can do for your family. It ensures they’re not left making hard decisions during an already difficult time. It gives them clarity, security, and time to grieve without added stress.
This episode will leave you feeling empowered—not overwhelmed—with tools to take the next step.