Episode 0018 - Green Burial, Human Composting & Hospice: New End-of-Life Planning Options

Episode 0018 - Green Burial, Human Composting & Hospice: New End-of-Life Planning Options

Did you know you have more end-of-life options than burial or cremation? In this episode of The Flip Side of Death, Lynn B. Stone explores two topics that are changing the way families think about death planning: green burials and hospice care. From environmentally friendly burial options to the growing acceptance of human composting, Lynn explains how these alternatives work and why more families are considering them as part of their final wishes. In this episode, you'll learn: * What a green (natural) burial is * How natural burials differ from traditional funerals * What human composting is and where it's legal * How Georgia's updated laws affect natural burial options * Common misconceptions about hospice care * When hospice can help patients and caregivers * Why documenting your final wishes now makes future decisions easier for your loved ones Lynn also shares personal experiences and practical advice to help families understand that planning isn't just about legal documents—it's about making informed choices that reflect your values and ease the burden on those you love. Whether you're planning for yourself or helping aging parents, this episode offers practical guidance on some of the newest and least understood end-of-life options available today. Death is inevitable. Chaos is optional.

Episode 0017 - Why Every Adult Needs a Medical Power of Attorney & Advance Directive

What would happen if you had a heart attack tomorrow and couldn't speak for yourself? Most people think death planning is only about what happens after they die. The truth is, many of the most important decisions happen while you're still alive—but unable to make them yourself. In this episode of The Flip Side of Death, Lynn Stone shares several real-life situations involving heart attacks, dementia, caregiving, and medical emergencies that highlight why every adult needs an advance directive and a medical power of attorney. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why medical emergencies happen without warning * The difference between an advance directive and a medical power of attorney * How dementia and cognitive decline complicate decision-making * The importance of choosing the right person to make medical decisions * How caregiver burnout affects families * Why documenting your healthcare wishes is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones Lynn also shares practical advice for getting these documents completed without spending unnecessary money, along with encouragement to stop putting off one of the most important conversations your family will ever have. If you've been waiting for "someday" to get your paperwork in order, this episode is your reminder that someday isn't guaranteed. Death is inevitable. Chaos is optional.

Episode 0016 - Blended Families & Inheritance: Who Should Get What When You Die?

Who should inherit your money when you die—your spouse, your children, or both? In this episode of The Flip Side of Death, Lynn Stone explores one of the most challenging questions in estate planning: how to handle inheritance in blended families. Inspired by a real-life case involving a second marriage, adult children, and a growing estate, Lynn discusses the emotional and financial realities that many families face when deciding who gets what after death. In this episode, you'll learn: * Common inheritance challenges in blended families * Why second marriages often create estate planning conflicts * The pros and cons of leaving everything to a surviving spouse * How trusts can help protect both spouses and children * Why open communication may prevent future family disputes * The role of letters of intent and final wishes letters * How greed and grief can complicate family relationships after a death Lynn also shares her perspective as both a widow and a stepmother, offering practical advice for families trying to balance fairness, financial security, and family harmony. Whether you're part of a blended family, remarried later in life, or simply trying to avoid future conflict, this episode will help you think through some of the toughest estate planning decisions you'll ever make. Article from MSN.com: 'It's Complicated': My husband, 61, wants to leave me everything. His kids will hate me. What should I do? [https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/it-s-complicated-my-husband-61-wants-to-leave-me-everything-his-kids-will-hate-me-what-should-i-do/ar-AA1YJYrB?ocid=BingHp01&pc=L900&cvid=61286af58e864142e502ef214d1c3c24&ei=189] Death is inevitable. Chaos is optional.

Episode 0015 - Death Planning for Your Finances: Part 2

What happens to your taxes, investments, life insurance, and property when you die? In Part 2 of this financial death-planning series, Lynn B. Stone dives into the legal and financial documents that can save your family months of stress, confusion, and costly mistakes. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why your estate still has to file taxes after death * How to organize tax returns and financial records * What beneficiaries need to know about life insurance and retirement accounts * The difference between a will and a trust * How probate works and why it can take months—or years * Common mistakes that can cause trust assets to end up in probate * Why beneficiary designations matter more than most people realize * How to search for forgotten assets and unclaimed property You'll also discover the shocking truth that more than $70 billion in unclaimed property is sitting in state treasuries across the United States waiting to be claimed. This episode provides practical steps to help your family find important documents, access financial accounts, avoid unnecessary delays, and carry out your wishes with confidence. 👉 Visit MissingMoney.com [http://MissingMoney.com] to search for unclaimed property. 👉 Visit www.authorlynnbstone.com [http://www.authorlynnbstone.com] for additional planning tools and resources. Death is inevitable. Chaos is optional.

Episode 0014 - Death Planning for Your Finances: Part 1

What would happen if your family couldn't access your money after you died? In this episode of The Flip Side of Death, Lynn B. Stone begins a two-part series on one of the most overlooked aspects of death planning: financial access. From passwords and bank accounts to recurring bills and digital payment apps, this episode explores what your loved ones need to know before a crisis occurs. You'll learn: * How to create a master list of financial accounts * Why passwords can be more valuable than money itself * How to organize recurring bills and automatic payments * What happens to PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, and other digital accounts after death * The risks of cryptocurrency and forgotten digital assets * How to securely store account information for your family * The importance of a Life & Legacy Binder Lynn shares real examples of surviving spouses who spent months trying to access money, nearly lost their homes, and faced unnecessary financial hardship simply because critical information wasn't documented. If your loved ones can't access your accounts, they can't pay the mortgage, keep the lights on, or manage your affairs. This episode gives you practical, actionable steps to protect your family from financial chaos. 👉 Visit www.authorlynnbstone.com [http://www.authorlynnbstone.com] for planning tools and resources. Death is inevitable. Chaos is optional.