Wealth, Empathy, and Your Legacy: Exploring the Human Side of Estate Planning

In this episode of POMpod, Travis from Gasper Law explores the intriguing relationship between wealth and empathy. He discusses research indicating that increased wealth can lead to decreased empathy, and examines psychological studies from UC Berkeley that reveal how wealthier individuals often display less compassion and are more inclined to bend rules. Travis explains the implications of this dynamic for estate planning, emphasizing the importance of incorporating empathy into the process. Practical tips for estate planning are provided, including the use of inclusive language and reframing technical strategies in human terms. The episode concludes with a reminder that legacy is not solely about money, but also about values, keepsakes, and memories, and that empathy can be cultivated to create a meaningful and heartfelt legacy.00:00 Introduction to POMpod00:14 The Wealth-Empathy Paradox00:34 Research Insights on Wealth and Behavior02:15 Understanding the Empathy Decline03:13 Empathy in Estate Planning03:56 Practical Tips for Empathetic Planning04:59 Conclusion: Creating a Compassionate Legacy

Episode Summary

Our pets are more than companions—they’re family. But legally, pets are considered property, which means if you don’t make a plan, they could end up with someone you never intended, or worse, without a home. In this episode, Travis Gasper shares why planning for your furry loved ones matters, some outrageous celebrity pet inheritance stories, and practical ways to ensure your pets are always safe and cared for.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why estate planning for pets is essential (and often overlooked)

• The outrageous stories of millionaire pets like Trouble the Maltese and Choupette the cat

• How Pet Trusts work in plain English — caretakers, trustees, and instructions

• The biggest mistakes and myths around pet planning

• Affordable and practical tips for making sure your pets are protected

Highlights & Fun Moments

• • 🐶 Trouble the Maltese with a $12 million trust fund
  • 🐱 Choupette the cat’s life of luxury after Karl Lagerfeld

• • 🐾 Why “just assuming someone will take your pet” is a mistake

  • ❤️ Travis’ personal reflections on planning for Pandora and Miss Vanjie

  Resources & Links

  • Book your free Peace of Mind Planning Session: www.gasperlawpllc.com

  • Follow Gasper Law on Instagram: @gasperlawpllc

  • Subscribe to POMpod on your favorite podcast app!

  Closing Thought Our pets give us unconditional love every day. Estate planning for them isn’t about extravagance—it’s about responsibility, care, and love.

In this poignant episode of POMPod: The Peace of Mind Podcast, Travis delves into the significance of International Overdose Awareness Day, honoring the memory of those lost to drug overdose, including his own brother, Jordan, who died from fentanyl poisoning in 2022.

The episode explores the staggering statistics of the overdose crisis, the deadly impact of fentanyl, and the vital importance of combating stigma associated with drug addiction. It highlights actionable steps such as carrying naloxone, recognizing overdose signs, supporting harm reduction services, and advocating for effective policies. Tributes, personal stories, and a call to collective action underscore the need for awareness, compassion, and continued efforts to prevent overdose deaths.

Resources & Support:

• 📞 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988 – available 24/7, free, and confidential.

• 📞 SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – for treatment, information, and support.

• 💊 Naloxone (Narcan): Learn more and find access at overdoseday.com or, if you’re in Texas, order free naloxone kits at naloxonetexas.com.

• 🌐 International Overdose Awareness Day: www.overdoseday.com – tributes, events, resources, and ways to get involved globally.