CERT Meeting on February 4th, 2026, Panel Discussion, Financial Planning and Estate Planning

 

Thank you so much to our panel members for taking time to attend the meeting and share their expertise. It was eye-opening and supported the importance of being better prepared by ensuring your financial and legal "house" is in order.

If you want to get in touch with any of the presenters, best way is:

1. Tristan Kelly, Zantello Law Group, 541-994-7350, info@zantellolawgroup.com
2. Wendy Wilson, Edward Jones, 541-996-6197

Short Summary of Panel Discussion:

• Make sure you have a Durable Power of Attorney in place completed by a professional to avoid problems later
• Make sure you have a legally valid Will or Trust in place to avoid problems later
• Make sure you have an Advanced Directive in place to avoid problems later
• Make sure you work with a financial planning professional to ensure you have a funding strategy for retirement, emergencies, college savings and wealth protection. Going it alone risks missing critical planning strategies that a professional can guide you through before it's too late.

Panel Discussion:

You may ask, why are we including everyday preparedness planning when CERT is focused on major disasters? Excellent question. Here's why. If a major disaster happens and you do NOT have important legal and financial planning in place, it will be extremely difficult and time consuming on your part (or the part of those who need to settle your affairs) to recover.

Do it now while you can and avoid problems later.

Two examples:

The "Trapped" Spouse and Frozen Assets - In a case described by the Axis Law Group, a husband and wife were on vacation when the wife was hit by a falling restaurant umbrella, causing severe brain damage. While the husband (a doctor) kept her alive, he realized her assets were not held jointly. Without a financial power of attorney, he could not access her accounts to pay for her rehabilitation or manage their shared financial obligations. 

• Outcome: The husband had to navigate a four-year court-ordered conservatorship to manage his wife's own money, a process that cost significant time and money during a personal crisis. 

Consequences of NOT having a solid retirement plan in place:

• Inadequate Income: Many people overestimate the sufficiency of Social Security benefits, which typically only replace about 40% of pre-retirement income.
• Working Longer: You may need to remain in the workforce well into your 70s or 80s out of necessity rather than choice.
• Lifestyle Downgrades: Lack of funds often forces retirees to downsize their homes, relocate to cheaper areas, or significantly cut back on hobbies and travel.
• Healthcare Vulnerability: Medical costs are a major retirement expense. Without a plan, unexpected bills or the need for long-term care can rapidly deplete any existing assets.
• Family Burden: You may become financially dependent on adult children, potentially straining their own financial stability and relationships.
• Increased Stress: The uncertainty of outliving your money often leads to chronic anxiety and a lower overall quality of life. 

Reminder of what these disciplines are:

1. Estate Planning - Estate planning is the process of arranging how your assets, finances, and personal wishes will be managed and distributed during your life (especially if incapacitated) and after your death, ensuring your healthcare, property, and dependents are handled according to your instructions with minimal taxes and legal costs.
2. Financial Planning - Financial planning is the process of creating a comprehensive road map for managing your money to achieve your short-term and long-term financial goals, such as buying a home, saving for retirement, or funding education, by assessing your current situation (income, expenses, assets) and strategically allocating resources like savings, investments, and insurance. It provides structure, direction, and confidence for your financial future, moving beyond simple budgeting to holistic life-stage planning.

More on our two panel members:

1. Tristan Kelly, Zantello Law Group - Tristan was born and raised in Los Altos, California (Bay Area). He attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas where he received a bachelor's degree in history in 2013. He received his master's degree in history from Boise State University in 2018. In 2021, Tristan started law school and has been doing estate planning since he graduated in 2024. He enjoys estate planning because he believes in trying to make difficult times a little easier by being prepared. When not in the office, Tristan enjoys kayaking, hiking, and sports in general.
2. Wendy Wilson, Edward Jones - Wendy became a financial advisor with Edward Jones to serve families in a deep and meaningful way. She believes our financial health determines so much of our life trajectory. She is honored to help her clients organize, plan, protect, and transfer their wealth. Wendy has lived in Lincoln City since 1995. She met Daron, her spouse, in 1998 and was married in 2004. They have five sons and ten grandchildren between them! She serves the community as a board member of the North Lincoln Hospital Foundation, as an Auxiliary Communications Service volunteer with the Lincoln County Sheriff's office, and as a member of the local Kiwanis Club.

Tristan provided a nice brochure about Estate Planning which you can download by clicking HERE.