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Thoughtful Planning

Thoughtful Planning

By: Santiago and Honey Bueno
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 Life doesn’t always go as expected. That’s why planning for contingencies is so important. The Thoughtful Planning podcast will help you understand why having these conversations, and making these decisions are so important. Putting a plan in place gives your family peace of mind knowing and understanding your choices. Reduce stress and anxiety about finances, insurance, and your final wishes. Husband and wife hosts Santiago and Honey Bueno share the steps they’ve taken and explain the questions they are still considering. Create a plan now, while you’re able to thoughtfully consider how you’d like things handled. Santiago and Honey share advice with compassion and understanding. They know that hard conversations need to happen, but you don’t have to be alone as you begin your planning Journey.@Legacy Toolkit LLC 2026
Episodes
  • HIPAA & Your Teen: The Form That Could Save Time, Tears & Trouble | S3EP61

    HIPAA & Your Teen: The Form That Could Save Time, Tears & Trouble | S3EP61
    Feb 10 2026
    Episode Summary: When a child turns 18, parents lose the legal right to access their medical information, even in an emergency. In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, we reveal why a HIPAA Authorization Form is the missing piece in many families’ planning toolkits. We unpack the difference between this form and a Medical Power of Attorney, share two trusted options in Texas, and explain how to avoid being shut out when your child needs you most. Essential Question:Why does a person need a HIPAA form if they already have a medical power of attorney and living will? Episode Highlights: [00:00] Facebook post that inspired this episode [00:27] A parent’s worst fear: being left in the dark [01:07] The legal wall that appears at age 18 [01:16] Today’s essential question [01:30] Meet Santiago & Honey [01:53] Recap: Living Will + Medical POA (Episodes 56–60) [02:05] HIPAA’s role: the “eyes” of the plan [02:45] Common confusion: power of attorney ≠ access [03:40] How HIPAA helps during “gray zone” moments [04:30] Emergency scenarios with conscious adult children [05:20] Why some hospitals play it safe and say nothing [06:15] HIPAA form = clear permission [06:40] Two HIPAA form options in Texas [06:55] Option 1: eFileTexas form – simple but broad [07:38] Option 2: Authorization to Disclose Protected Health Information offered by the Texas AG HB300 – more control [08:10] Sensitive data & time limits with checkboxes [08:55] Notary vs no notary: what’s recommended [09:44] Revoking a HIPAA form: how to do it right [10:46] Updating and replacing forms [11:18] Pro tips: blue pens, glove box storage, labeling [12:12] College-bound kids: who needs copies? [13:06] State-specific advice: consult the school or a local attorney [13:40] Reassurance: this is like a fire extinguisher [14:15] Boundaries & trust: kids can revoke access anytime [15:04] Final thoughts: complete your paperwork, document who has it [15:54] Share & subscribe reminders [16:46] Next time: Durable Power of Attorney (health to wealth) Takeaways: ✅ Turning 18 ends automatic parent access to medical info ✅ HIPAA authorization allows sharing, even before a crisis ✅ It complements (not replaces) a medical POA ✅ Two main form options: eFileTexas and Authorization to Disclose Protected Health Information offered by the Texas AG HB300 ✅ One is simple & broad, the other more flexible ✅ Keep it current, share it widely, and store it smartly Action Steps (see resources below): 1️⃣ Talk with your teen before they turn 18 2️⃣ Explain what a HIPAA authorization form does 3️⃣ Choose the right Texas form for your family 4️⃣ Sign with a notary if possible (recommended) 5️⃣ Share copies with medical providers & trusted people 6️⃣ Label forms clearly and store them accessibly 7️⃣ Add it to your document inventory 8️⃣ Review annually or during life changes Resources: Note: If a link breaks, search by name. 🔹 Episode 13: Planning With Clarity (Stacey Edwards)https://youtu.be/JD69gLJr0qQ 🔹Episode 56: Living Will Prep (Part 1) https://youtu.be/sq7asB8MhUM 🔹Episode 57: Addendums Explained (Part 2) https://youtu.be/Hw-oSJE5RRA 🔹Episode 58: Completing the Directive (Part 3) https://youtu.be/SyG76P_BfXQ 🔹Episode 59: Choosing a Medical POA Agent https://youtu.be/qGR1i4I6Ujs 🔹Episode 60: When They Turn 18: A Parent’s Legal Wake-Up Call https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLEiiwXSWu4 🔹 Texas eFile HIPAA Release https://texas.tylertech.cloud/SRL/srl/ExecuteInterview 🔹 Texas Attorney General HB300 Authorization Form, Search ‘Hipaa’ & scroll down to the file labeled ‘hb300 Authorization Disclose Health Info’ https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov Next Episode:🎧 Durable Power of Attorney: Planning Beyond Healthcare Questions?📧 info@legacytoolkit.com Disclaimer:We are not attorneys, financial advisors, or medical professionals. This content is for educational purposes only. We focus on Texas law. Please consult an estate planning attorney in your state for legal guidance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • When They Turn 18: A Parent’s Legal Wake-Up Call | S3EP60

    When They Turn 18: A Parent’s Legal Wake-Up Call | S3EP60
    Jan 27 2026
    Episode Summary: The day your child turns 18, everything legally changes. Overnight, parents lose access to their child’s medical records, even in emergencies. In this episode, we guide parents on how to mentor their young adult through completing a Medical Power of Attorney before a crisis hits. Using the eFileTexas site, we show how this legal step becomes a milestone of independence, not panic. Essential Question: How can you guide and support your 18-year-old in completing their own medical power of attorney before a crisis occurs? Episode Highlights: [00:00] The email that locks parents out overnight [01:00] What changes at 18 [01:11] Essential question [01:17] Guest story: April Adams Pertuis [02:33] Prepare in peace time, not in crisis [02:47] What a Medical Power of Attorney does [03:05] Introductions and disclaimer [03:17] Recap: Choosing your agent (Ep. 59) [03:26] Why we focus on Texas law [04:25] Mindset shift: mentor vs manager [05:23] Explaining choice and trust [06:14] Who can be an agent (hint: not just parents) [06:20] Two ways to complete the form in Texas [06:43] Why we recommend eFileTexas [06:52] Your child needs their own login [07:16] What “Execute Interview” really means [07:49] Existing documents and cancellation [08:00] Naming agents [08:18] Understanding the “limitations” section [09:01] When to reference a living will [10:46] Disclosure statement, explained simply [11:11] When the agent’s power starts [11:38] Signing: witnesses vs notary [12:09] Why we recommend both [12:19] Blue pens, original copies [12:34] Where and how to store the document [12:57] Glove compartment strategy [13:18] Emergency access via phone [13:48] Inventory sheet: who has copies [14:24] Teaching real-world responsibility [14:45] Answering the essential question [16:21] Your task: start the conversation [17:25] Next episode preview: HIPAA and privacy [17:50] Final thoughts Takeaways: ✅ Turning 18 changes medical privacy rights ✅ A Medical POA lets your child choose their advocate ✅ Recommend parents coach, not control ✅ eFileTexas offers a user-friendly path ✅ Sign with witnesses and a notary ✅ Don’t just sign, share and store it Action Steps (see resources below): 1️⃣ Talk to your teen before they turn 18 2️⃣ Explain this is their choice, not control 3️⃣ Help them create their own eFileTexas login 4️⃣ Choose a primary and alternate agent (see Ep. 59) 5️⃣ Complete the online form 6️⃣ Sign with 2 witnesses and a notary 7️⃣ Distribute copies to doctors and agents 8️⃣ Keep an inventory log 9️⃣ Store a copy in glovebox or on phone Resources: Note: If a link breaks, search by name. Episode 13: Planning With Clarity (Stacey Edwards) https://youtu.be/JD69gLJr0qQ Episode 19: How Facing Adversity Can Fuel Your Planning (April Adams Pertuis) https://youtu.be/FKbdbbY7TxI Episode 56: Living Will Prep (Part 1) https://youtu.be/sq7asB8MhUM Episode 57: Addendums Explained (Part 2) https://youtu.be/Hw-oSJE5RRA Episode 58: Completing the Directive (Part 3) https://youtu.be/SyG76P_BfXQ Episode 59: Choosing a Medical POA Agent https://youtu.be/qGR1i4I6Ujs Texas HHS Advance Directives https://www.hhs.texas.gov/formas/advance-directives eFileTexas Self-Help Site https://texas.tylertech.cloud/SRL/SRL/ExecuteInterview Emory Critical Conditions Guide https://www.hcethics.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=328955&module_id=377761 Compassion & Choices Toolkit https://compassionandchoices.org/resource/eoldgt/ Next Episode: HIPAA: The Medical Privacy Form Parents Don’t Know They Need Questions? info@legacytoolkit.com Disclaimer: We are not attorneys, financial advisors, or medical professionals. This content is for educational purposes only. We focus on Texas law. Consult an estate planning attorney in your state for guidance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • Who Will Speak for You? Choosing a Medical Power of Attorney | S3EP59

    Who Will Speak for You? Choosing a Medical Power of Attorney | S3EP59
    Jan 13 2026
    Episode Summary: If you're in the hospital and can't speak for yourself, who makes the medical decisions? In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago explore how to choose the right Medical Power of Attorney, someone who can handle the pressure, respect your wishes, and ask the tough questions. Essential Question: How do you choose the right person to be your Medical Power of Attorney and start that conversation? Episode Highlights: [02:16] What this document is and why it matters [04:01] How to select the best person for the role [05:50] Tips to start the conversation with confidence Action Steps: ✅ Choose your medical agent and backup ✅ Talk to them about your values and wishes ✅ Write down their names and addresses ✅ Write down their names and addresses ✅ Tune in to the next episode to complete your paperwork Resources: - Caring Info: https://www.caringinfo.org/resources/?_planning_topics=communicating - The Conversation Project: https://theconversationproject.org/ Questions? info@legacytoolkit.com Disclaimer: We are not attorneys, financial advisors, or medical professionals. Everything shared is for educational purposes only. We focused on Texas laws; research the laws in your state. Consult an estate planning attorney for complex situations. 🎧 Subscribe and leave a review to help more families plan for life’s “what ifs.” #MedicalPowerOfAttorney #FamilyPlanning #ThoughtfulPlanningPodcast #HealthcareDecisions #EmergencyPlanning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 mins
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