The waves of grief never truly stop—but they can get smaller when the logistics are clear. Author Lynn Stone joins us to share how her husband’s unexpected passing led her to create a practical, compassionate guide for end-of-life planning that puts love first. This conversation moves past stigma and superstition and into simple actions that protect the people we care about most.

We walk through the real costs families face—from funeral expenses and burial or cremation fees to the surprising price of death certificates—and why a single life insurance policy often isn’t enough. Lynn breaks down the essentials: durable and medical powers of attorney, advance directives, beneficiary reviews, and adding payable-on-death designations at the bank. She also explains why documenting passwords and digital accounts may be the single most helpful step you can take this week. Along the way, we talk about organizing important documents in a fire safe or structured file system, setting a regular review cadence, and “cross-training” at home so no one is left in the dark about bills, maintenance, or daily routines.

Beyond the checklists, Lynn speaks openly about therapy, widow support groups, and the fog that follows loss. Her story shows how preparation eases decision fatigue during the hardest days and how planning can strengthen families long before they need it. If you’ve avoided the topic because it feels scary or morbid, this episode offers a kinder frame: planning is an act of love, a way to lower the height of future waves, and a gift of peace for the people who will carry your memory forward.

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