Episodes

  • Apostille vs Authentication: Which Process Do You Need for International Travel? S2EP50

    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

    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

    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
  • Travel Insurance 101: 5 Questions That Could Save Your Family Thousands S2EP47

    Travel Insurance 101: 5 Questions That Could Save Your Family Thousands S2EP47
    Jul 29 2025
    Episode Summary: Picture this: You're in a hospital abroad, and your family has no idea what your travel insurance covers or who to call. In this episode, Honey and Santiago share how they turned their 53-page travel insurance policy into actionable information using AI. Their goal is to make sure loved ones know exactly what to do in an emergency. You’ll learn the 5 critical questions every family needs answered before traveling internationally. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not insurance advice. Please consult your insurance agent for your specific policy details. Essential Question: If you had a medical emergency abroad, would your family know how to help or would they be scrambling to figure it out? Key Takeaways: 5 essential travel insurance questions your family should know An AI prompt that turns long policies into plain English summaries Why emergency contact numbers should be added to your family’s phones Death abroad planning: cremation vs. embalming and what’s covered What your travel insurance may or may not cover for pets Episode Highlights: [0:40] The wake-up call: our 53-page policy and why our family would have been lost [2:34] Hospitalization: $50,000 coverage, but only for medically necessary care [3:01] Medical evacuation: up to $500,000, but must be pre-approved [3:25] Flying family to you: coverage if hospitalized over 48 hours [3:49] Death abroad: transport covered, cremation not [4:55] Pet coverage: only for emergencies or death before departure [5:35] The AI shortcut: summarize your policy in under 5 minutes [6:32] The mistake we made: forgetting to add the 24/7 insurance number to our son’s phone Action Steps: Purchase travel insurance before your next trip Use our AI prompt to summarize your policy in plain language & verify output matches policy Document and share your preferences for end-of-life abroad (cremation, embalming, etc.) Save the emergency number in your family’s phone contacts as “Travel Insurance Emergency” Have a 10-minute talk with your emergency contact about what’s covered and where to find details Make sure 2–3 trusted people have this info AI Prompt to Copy and Paste: Please review this travel insurance policy and summarize what it covers for hospitalization, emergency transport, death while traveling, trip cancellation, and pet emergencies. Highlight what's covered, what's not, and any important requirements. Resources Mentioned: Podcast with Patricia Trujillo: Funeral Preplanning and Life Insurance: https://youtu.be/sogMlEwG8oo Coming Up Next: Episode 48: Digital Access While Traveling : If you couldn’t speak for yourself, could someone access your phone, email, or bank accounts? Connect with Thoughtful Planning: Website: https://legacytoolkit.com/podcast 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: travel insurance, emergency abroad, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, family emergency planning, travel safety, international travel, insurance coverage, emergency contacts, travel planning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 mins
  • The Emergency Travel Checklist: What to Do Before You Leave S2EP46

    The Emergency Travel Checklist: What to Do Before You Leave S2EP46
    Jul 15 2025
    Episode Summary: In this kickoff episode of our travel planning series, Honey and Santiago share real-life lessons from their recent international vacation. They walk through a simple, actionable checklist to help you get prepared before you travel. From choosing your trusted contacts to prepping your home, this episode gives you the essential steps to protect your loved ones while you are away. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and does not contain all possible travel advice. Please consult a local professional for specific guidance for your needs. Essential Question: What should you do before your trip to make sure your loved ones can help you in an emergency? Episode Highlights: Registering for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) Choosing your trusted person and backup contacts Sharing travel itinerary, insurance information and emergency contacts Prepping your home: security, mail, yard and trash Taking a photo of where you park and sending it to your contact Travel tech tips: phone plans, credit card alerts and battery rules Pet care and small business reminders (with more details coming in later episodes) Advice from Hosts: Do not announce your travel dates publicly, especially if no one is staying at your home Double-check lithium-ion battery rules before flying Print important documents like your passport and medication list and store them in a separate place from the originals Conclusion: By following this checklist, you will feel confident and prepared before you leave home. Stay tuned for the next episode where Santiago and Honey dive into travel insurance essentials and how to make sure your family knows what to do if something happens. Resources Shared: U.S. Department of State STEP Program: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step Passport Information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/passport-help/after-getting-passport.html Lithium Battery: https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries Texx: Season 1 Episode 15: https://youtu.be/-eI3vFieTos?si=KwR7DJOK5bpzrP4j Pet Care Legacy Guide: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/petcarelegacyguide If you would like a checklist of all items referenced in the podcast send an email to info@legacytoolkit.com and in the subject add 'Travel checklist'. Connect with Thoughtful Planning Hosts, Santiago & Honey: Website: legacytoolkit.com/podcast Facebook: facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: Legacy Toolkit on LinkedIn Thank You for Listening!Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review and share this episode with a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 mins
  • How to Protect Your Credit Card Rewards from Vanishing After Death S2EP45

    How to Protect Your Credit Card Rewards from Vanishing After Death S2EP45
    Jul 1 2025
    Episode Summary: You’ve earned those points, miles and cashback. But what happens to them if you become incapacitated or pass away? In this episode, Honey walks you through what most people never think to ask: What does your credit card company do with your rewards after death? She explains how to find the answers, what your executor needs to know and how a few simple steps now can protect what you've worked hard for later. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a local professional for specific guidance for your needs. Essential Question: Do you know what your credit card company says will happen to your rewards, points, or miles if you become incapacitated or die? Have you clearly documented it? Episode Highlights: Why rewards can quietly disappear if not documented What to ask your credit card company about powers of attorney and executors The 16 questions to ask your card issuer How rewards can be applied, forfeited or claimed Why even small balances matter in the bigger picture of thoughtful planning Advice from Host: Start by making a list of all your credit cards that earn points. Choose one card and use the 16 questions shared in the episode to document each policy. Then share that information with someone you trust. Set a reminder to check back each year, especially if policies change or you open a new card. This isn't about perfection. It's about making things easier for the people you love. Conclusion: Credit card rewards may seem small, but they represent effort, value and opportunity. By planning ahead, you protect these assets and give your family clarity and peace of mind. You’ve already done the hard part by earning them. Now make sure they don’t vanish without notice. Connect with Thoughtful Planning Hosts, Santiago & Honey: Website: legacytoolkit.com/podcast Facebook: facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: Legacy Toolkit on LinkedIn Thank You for Listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    9 mins
  • Why Some Addresses Have Hidden Money (And How to Check Yours) S2EP44

    Why Some Addresses Have Hidden Money (And How to Check Yours) S2EP44
    Jun 17 2025
    Episode Summary: Could a forgotten power bill from a co-op be holding money that rightfully belongs to you or your loved ones? In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey explains how capital credits from electric cooperatives work, why they matter, and how they can go unnoticed for years. She shares her personal experience of moving frequently as a military family and how failing to document known co-op balances could have left her family in the dark. Learn the questions to ask, what to document, and how to protect this often-overlooked piece of your estate plan. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a local professional for specific guidance for your needs. Essential Question: What capital credit accounts might be quietly building in the background? And have you made it clear enough that your family would know how to find and claim them if needed? Episode Highlights: How co-op electricity providers return profits to customers as capital credits Why your co-op may owe you money even years after you've moved The $600 Honey and Santiago have in capital credits across two homes in Fargo What a POD (payable on death) form is and how it helps What to document: co-op name, contact info, account number, payout policy, balance, and more The importance of annual follow-up and setting reminders Why some co-ops don’t offer beneficiary forms (and what to do about it) Advice from Host: Start by searching your former city or state and “+ electric cooperative” to see if you’ve been served by one. Then call or visit the co-op’s site to look for capital credit policies. Ask if they offer a beneficiary form and document everything clearly. Share this information with your executor or a trusted family member. Lastly, add an annual reminder to follow up, especially if the credits are not immediately payable. Conclusion: It’s not just the big accounts or legal documents that shape your legacy. Even money sitting in a co-op account can matter when it comes to helping your family avoid confusion. Documenting your capital credits ensures your loved ones don’t miss what’s already yours. Resources Shared: Unclaimed Property – Texas Comptroller If a co-op can’t reach you, capital credits may be turned over to the state. 🔗 https://claimit.texas.gov MissingMoney.com Double-check for any co-op credits that may have already been turned over to the state. 🔗 https://www.missingmoney.com Connect with Thoughtful Planning Hosts, Santiago & Honey: Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit Thank You for Listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 mins
  • The Money Nobody Knows They Have: Why Your Family Might Have Hidden Cash Waiting to Be Found S2EP43

    The Money Nobody Knows They Have: Why Your Family Might Have Hidden Cash Waiting to Be Found S2EP43
    Jun 3 2025
    Episode Summary: What if you or someone you love has money sitting out there, completely forgotten and legally yours? In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey shares a real-life story of discovering hidden funds and breaks down what unclaimed property is, why it happens, and how you can check for it. This isn’t a get-rich-quick gimmick. It’s a reminder that thoughtful planning includes knowing where all your assets are - even the ones you’ve forgotten about. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a local professional for specific guidance for your needs. Essential Question: What if there’s money waiting for you or your loved ones that you don’t even know exists? Episode Highlights: A $100 surprise found for Honey’s hairdresser and $400 more for her father The dormancy period explained: what it is and why it matters Examples of unclaimed property: life insurance, bank accounts, utility deposits, capital credits, and more The $70+ billion sitting with states and how to search for your share Why even estates with a will may miss this money if it’s not documented Advice from Host: Include a search for unclaimed property in your annual planning process. It only takes a few minutes and could result in money you didn’t know was missing. Help your executor or family by documenting all financial accounts and making sure beneficiaries are clearly named. This reduces the chances that your hard-earned assets wind up in unclaimed property. Conclusion: Unclaimed property is more common than people realize, and it affects both the living and the deceased. With just a little effort and awareness, you can ensure that what’s yours stays with you or reaches your loved ones. Organization isn’t about perfection it’s about peace of mind. Resources Shared: MissingMoney.com Search multiple states for unclaimed property in one place. 🔗 https://www.missingmoney.com NAUPA (National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators) Find official unclaimed property sites for every U.S. state. 🔗 https://www.unclaimed.org Texas Comptroller – Unclaimed Property Search for and claim unclaimed property in the state of Texas. 🔗 https://claimit.texas.gov Connect with Thoughtful Planning Hosts, Santiago & Honey: Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit Thank You for Listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    7 mins