Meet Lisa: A Cautionary Tale of Planning vs. Uncertainty

Lisa never thought about estate planning. At 38, she was juggling a demanding career, raising two young kids, and trying to manage the day-to-day chaos of life. The “big stuff” like wills, trusts, and power of attorney? That was for later—for the elderly, the ultra-wealthy, or people with complicated family dynamics.

But life had other plans.

One day, Lisa received devastating news: her best friend, Mariah, had passed away unexpectedly in a car accident. She left behind a 10-year-old daughter, Ava, and no clear estate plan. With no named guardian in her will, the courts had to step in and decide Ava’s future. Financially, Mariah’s assets were tied up in probate, meaning her family had to navigate months of legal battles just to access basic funds for Ava’s care.

Watching this unfold, Lisa had a wake-up call: If something happened to her, what would happen to her kids? Who would make medical or financial decisions on her behalf if she was unable to?

She knew it was time to take action.

The Reality: Why Women Need Estate Planning More Than Ever

Women often overlook estate planning, assuming it’s something to “get to later.” But the reality is:

✅ Women Live Longer Than Men – On average, women outlive men by 5–7 years, meaning many will handle financial decisions alone at some point. Without an estate plan, managing assets, debts, and medical decisions becomes overwhelming.

✅ Mothers, Single Women, and Caregivers Need Protection – Whether you’re raising kids, caring for aging parents, or managing a household solo, an estate plan ensures that your loved ones are protected, and your assets are handled smoothly.

✅ Life Happens – And Not on Our Schedule – Illness, accidents, and unexpected changes can happen to anyone at any age. Having a plan before something happens is the greatest act of love and responsibility you can show your family.