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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 2024
Episodes
  • Apostille vs Authentication: Which Process Do You Need for International Travel? S2EP50
    Sep 9 2025
    Episode Summary: Picture this: You're unconscious in a Spanish hospital, and your husband wants to honor your advanced directive that says no feeding tube. But the doctors say, "We can't accept this American document. It's not certified for use in Spain." In this bonus episode following our four-part travel series, Honey and Santiago share what they learned about apostille and authentication certifications so you can decide if this extra step is worth it for your international travel planning. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. We are not lawyers and are not giving legal advice. Always consult a professional such as your attorney or doctors for any specific situation and check requirements with your destination country's embassy or mission. Essential Question: If you had a medical emergency abroad and couldn't speak for yourself, would foreign doctors be able to legally honor your advanced directives and medical power of attorney? Key Takeaways: The reality check - US documents might not be recognized abroad without proper certification Apostille vs Authentication - Which process you need depends on whether both countries are in the Hague Convention The cost breakdown - What you can expect to pay for proper certification in Texas as of August 2025 ($120 - $280+ per person) Time planning - Why you need to start this process at least 6 - 12 weeks before travel Episode Highlights: [0:23] The Spain Wake-Up Call - How a recent trip revealed a gap in their travel planning that could affect anyone with advanced directives [2:50] What Are Apostille and Authentication? - Official certifications of US documents for use in foreign countries and how they work [3:57] The Hague Convention Check - Critical first step to verify both countries are members for apostilles to work [4:44] Recent Convention Updates - China, Canada, Rwanda, and Vietnam joined recently; always check current status [5:54] The Texas Process Example - Up to 1 month processing time and $15 per document as of August 2025 [6:11] The Cost Reality - Estimating 8 documents total (4 in English, 4 in Spanish) at $120 per person plus additional fees [6:57] When Countries Aren't in the Convention - Additional State Department authentication process adds 5-6 weeks and $20 per document [8:05] The Peace of Mind Factor - Who should consider this process and when it might be worth the investment [8:48] Their Decision - Why they've decided to follow this process for future international travel Action Steps: Research convention status - Check if both your country and destination are in the Hague Apostille Convention Choose your process - Apostille if both countries are members, authentication if destination isn't Research your state's process - Search "[your state] Secretary of State Apostille" for specific requirements Consider translation - Determine if documents need translation to destination country's language Resources Shared: Office of Authentications: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/replace-certify-docs/authenticate-your-document/office-of-authentications.html Hague Convention Member Countries Status: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41 Texas Secretary of State Apostille/Authentication: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/authinfo.shtml Texas Advance Directives Forms: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/formas/advance-directives Connect with Thoughtful Planning: Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit Thank You for Listening! Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone planning international travel. Keywords: apostille, authentication, international travel, advanced directives, living will, medical power of attorney, Hague Convention, travel planning, legal documents abroad, medical emergency abroad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 mins
  • Vacation Ready: Pet and Business Plans That Let You Truly Relax - S2EP49
    Aug 26 2025
    Episode Summary: In the final episode of our four-part travel planning series, hosts Honey and Santiago share lessons about preparing the two things that can make or break your vacation: your pets and your business. Learn practical, step-by-step strategies to avoid last-minute stress, communicate clearly with clients, and ensure every detail for your pets is handled. Get ready to unplug and enjoy your trip. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. We are not veterinarians or business advisors. Please consult professionals for your specific situations. Essential Question: Do you have a plan for someone to care for your pets and your business while you're away? Key Takeaways: Start planning pet care logistics 4-6 weeks before travel, not the week before Complete business work ahead of schedule and prepare for "what-if" scenarios The goal isn't just handling emergencies but setting up systems so well you don't worry during vacation Having backup plans allows you to actually enjoy stress-free, relaxing trips Early preparation prevents last-minute coordination stress Episode Highlights: [0:04] The call that could ruin your trip: Pet emergencies and business deadlines [1:17] Essential question to consider before traveling [1:46] The real challenges of prepping homemade pet food and boarding logistics [3:42] Planning ahead for client needs and setting up backup contacts [5:17] Why backup plans (not just disaster plans) matter most [6:16] Three must-do action steps for pets and business before you leave [7:19] Series recap: How a little planning saves a lot of stress later Action Steps: For Pet Owners: Research Early (4-6 weeks before travel): Contact boarding facilities or pet sitters Ask Key Questions: Food policies, medicine requirements, container specifications, emergency procedures Source Proper Containers: Allow time for testing and potential returns Coordinate Logistics: Confirm freezer/fridge space availability For Business Owners: Communicate Early: Notify clients 4+ months before extended absences Complete Work Ahead: Finish projects before departure for peace of mind Prepare Emergency Plans: Exchange contact information with trusted family member and clients Pre-write refund checks if applicable Create ready-to-mail emergency packages 4. Identify Backup Resources: Research 2+ businesses that could assist clients if needed Resources Shared: Pet Food Container Information: Email info@legacytoolkit.com with "pup cups" in subject line Ensuring a Future for Texx: Planning for Pets in Our Absence: Episode 15 of Thoughtful Planning Pet Care Legacy Guide: Click here to get the guide Previous Travel Series Episodes 46 - 48: Emergency checklist, travel insurance, digital access planning Coming Up Next: This concludes our comprehensive four-part travel planning series. Future episodes will continue exploring thoughtful planning strategies for life's biggest moments. Connect with Thoughtful Planning: Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit Thank You for Listening! Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone planning a trip. Keywords: travel planning, pet boarding, business continuity, vacation planning, pet care, emergency planning, travel preparation, stress-free vacation, business travel, pet travel, vacation checklist, travel series finale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 mins
  • Digital Preparedness: Can Your Family Access What They Need in an Emergency? S2EP48
    Aug 12 2025
    Episode Summary: Travel planning revealed a shocking gap in Honey and Santiago's preparedness: if something happened to them abroad (or at home), their family would be completely digitally locked out. In this episode, they share the simple steps they took to fix this problem and ensure their loved ones can access phones, email, and critical accounts in an emergency. You'll discover the difference between legacy contacts and emergency access, plus get actionable steps to set up your own digital safety net. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. We are not tech experts or providing legal advice. Always consult professionals for legal guidance and check with your specific devices and accounts for current features and requirements. Essential Question: If something happened to you and you couldn't help yourself, could your family access the accounts needed to help you both at home and while traveling? Key Takeaways: Legacy contacts are designed for death, not incapacitation iPhone and Android handle digital legacy differently Your family doesn't need access to everything, just what helps them help you Digital preparedness gaps exist whether you're traveling or at home Episode Highlights: [0:04] The Spain vacation wake-up call: digitally prepared or digitally locked out? [2:01] The realization: our son would be completely locked out of our digital accounts [2:43] iPhone Legacy Contact setup: easy for iPhone users, complicated for Android users [3:36] The limitation: Legacy Contact requires death certificates, not for incapacitation [4:20] The game changer: password manager emergency contact feature [4:42] 24-hour access balance: preventing accidents while enabling emergencies [6:31] Android confession: we didn't set up Google inactive account manager before traveling [7:37] What family actually needs access to: phones, email, and password managers [9:02] The Google Drive solution: sharing emergency contact information safely [10:27] International travel bonus: AI prompt for iPhone security settings Action Steps: Pick one trusted person as your digital emergency backup and have the conversation iPhone users: set up Legacy Contact for long-term planning Android users: research and set up Google inactive account manager Add an emergency contact to your password manager if available Consult your estate attorney about digital access laws and appropriate legal document wording AI Prompt to Copy and Paste: I'm traveling internationally with an iPhone. What safety and privacy settings should I check before I leave? Please provide a checklist with instructions. Resources Mentioned: iPhone Legacy Contact feature: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102631 Android Google inactive account manager: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3036546?hl=en Password manager emergency contact features Estate attorney consultation for digital access planning Coming Up Next: Episode 49: Vacation Ready: Pet and Business Plans That Let You Truly Relax Connect with Thoughtful Planning: Facebook: https://facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit Thank You for Listening! Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone planning a trip. Keywords: digital preparedness, emergency access, legacy contact, password manager, travel planning, family emergency planning, digital legacy, iPhone security, Android planning, estate planning, digital assets, emergency contacts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 mins
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