Jeff Bellomo sits down with Lily Bertolet—a grad student and marketing assistant—to discuss how an unexpected opportunity as a 12-year-old grew into a front-row seat to mission-driven work at Bellomo & Associates. Along the way, Lily has learned about earning what you're given, the value of inspiration, and how initiative and opportunity can be used to create new opportunities.

The conversation leads to a behind-the-scenes look at the firm's marketing efforts, including all the work involved and how the team blends creativity with data, strategy, and problem-solving. Jeff and Lily provide several valuable takeaways for young people just starting as well as business owners and leaders, from knowing what you don't know to smart, intuitive hiring and relying on the good people around you.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction: Lily Bertolet

(02:29) A community dance connection becomes opportunity

(04:56) The American Academy of Ballet and character building

(09:14) Balancing school, work, and big goals

(10:22) Growing into leadership and finding inspiration

(15:07) Using opportunity and initiative to create opportunity

(16:54) Mission-driven marketing takes a team effort and strong leadership

(21:44) Blending creativity with the mission of helping families

(24:47) Communication and organizational management plus lifelong learning

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

It seems like a simple question, but aging can be complicated, especially when a loved one shows signs of dementia and/or physical decline. Can you provide the right support for your family member or friend, ensure their safety, and avoid costly or even dangerous missteps in their care? Can you manage the expectations and stress on you and others who likely do not have the time or expertise to provide suitable help?

Friend of the firm, Susan Wood, sits down with Jeffrey Bellomo to share her experience with the Life Care Planning Team at Bellomo & Associates. Together, they created and implemented a life care plan for Susan's neighbor and friend, whose dementia had progressed to the point that she could no longer safely remain in her home.

We learn how the people at Bellomo & Associates work in concert to find safe care options, preserve dignity, review facility contracts and financial agreements, advocate for proper medical care, and address the emotional strain that can come from moving out of your familiar, and often longtime, home.

Special shoutout to two members of our Life Care Planning Team, Meg Motter, LCSW, CDP, and Danielle Rhodes, MSW, LSW, CDP, who figure prominently in Susan's story.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Podcast introduction: Susan Wood

(02:28) Susan's professional background and the referral to Bellomo & Associates

(04:09) Adding life care planning services to Bellomo & Associates

(06:55) Providing an assessment, creating a plan, and making it work

(08:00) Why life planning at an elder law firm makes sense

(10:09) Moving into an unfamiliar space is fraught with emotion

(12:26) From meds to milkshakes

(14:20) Improving work life for nurses and the quality of patient care

(17:56) Retention and turnover in nursing

(20:00) Stress in health care workers

(22:28) Lend a helping hand to aging adults

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

Jeffrey Bellomo and his dad, Alan, continue their discussion of events and relationships that have shaped their lives. They also share heartfelt memories of Jeff's mom, her illness, and her sudden passing. Alan describes how thoughtful estate planning and funeral pre-planning enabled his wife to make choices that were important to her and spared the family from stressful decision-making while grieving her loss.

As Jeff has said many times, he was motivated to build a relationship-driven practice that provides free education in estate planning and elder law so that others could avoid the challenges and difficulties that the Bellomo family faced in the wake of his mother's diagnosis. While the plaque in front of Jeff's office building serves as a tangible memorial to his mom, it's the mission of Bellomo & Associates that most substantially honors his mother every day.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Welcome to Part 2 of Jeff's discussion with Alan Bellomo

(01:30) Quick recap of Part 1

(02:38) The White House tour, "great" aunts, and European roundabouts

(06:44) How his mother's illness shaped Jeff's mission in estate planning and elder law

(09:09) All of life is about relationships

(10:25) The value of estate planning and funeral/burial pre-planning

(13:38) Was it hard or stressful to pre-plan?

(15:12) Honoring Jeff's mom

(16:37) A father's perspective and gratitude

(18:02) Teams, trust, and traveling

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

Throughout the course of this podcast—the Red Wagon Elder Law and Estate Planning Show—we have featured various members of the team at Bellomo & Associates. Time and again, their discussions with our founder, Jeffrey Bellomo, show that his law firm is comprised of caring, dedicated, service-minded people.

We now feature Jeff himself as he sits down with his dad for a candid conversation about the early environment, experiences, and choices that have shaped Jeff's values. Through his dad's stories, you'll learn how a driven and high-spirited young man forged a path marked by the courage to take risks, the humility to change course, and the discipline to pursue excellence. These same qualities are visible today at Bellomo & Associates, where Jeff and his team have built something truly special.

They say that culture starts at the top, that an organization takes on the values and behaviors of its leadership. Well, after learning more about Jeff's story, it's easy to see why Bellomo & Associates is a trusted and innovative law firm with the ability to expertly guide families through some of life's most important decisions.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction – Meet Jeff's dad

(02:30) Learning empathy on the grounds of White Haven Center

(04:53) An active, high-spirited youngster... and lots of ER visits

(12:15) Challenge accepted: From high school marching band to wide receiver

(16:40) Juniata College and the need for a revised plan

(19:27) Study abroad, a White House internship, and the National Drug Intelligence Center

(21:10) Law school, a big decision, and why you should always check your sources

(24:32) Exploring Europe

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

Everyone knows that with hearing loss, you can miss parts of conversations. But did you know that untreated hearing loss can cause faster cognitive decline, increased dementia risk, and brain atrophy?

Jeffrey Bellomo sits down with licensed hearing specialist Kathleen Scheydt of Hearing Life to discuss why early testing and treatment for hearing loss protect your ability to communicate with confidence and connect with your loved ones.

Kathleen describes modern hearing tests and how the results of speech testing reveal the importance of understanding what is being said. You'll also learn that many of us don't even realize that we're suffering from hearing loss because it can creep up slowly, often for years, before we realize there's a problem.

Hearing Life is committed to community programs that lower cost barriers for those struggling financially. The company also offers a culture and care model that blends small-office attention with nationwide support and big network advances in technology.

To make an appointment at Hearing Life in York, visit https://www.hearinglife.com/ or call (717) 318-5732.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction

(02:44) Meet licensed hearing specialist Kathleen Scheydt

(04:46) Becoming a competent, reliable source for hearing care

(06:08) The role of a hearing specialist in Pennsylvania

(07:55) The Hearing Life culture and technology

(09:28) The Campaign for Better Hearing

(11:34) Providing hearing aids for people in need and serving the community

(13:55) Waiting to be tested can be harmful for brain health

(17:05) What happens at a hearing test?

(20:04) Picking the right hearing aid

(22:11) Trusted providers protecting seniors

(25:36) How to reach the Hearing Life office in York, PA

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

When we think of social workers, we typically picture them in a hospital, nursing home, or emergency setting. But the Life Care Planning Team at the Elder Law Firm of Bellomo & Associates is different. The LCP team members provide expert guidance for clients and their families in a wide and adaptable range of areas—from home environment safety to quality-of-life aging and complex emotional support.

Join Jeff as he talks with our Director of Life Care Planning, Meg Motter, LCSW, CDP, who explains the role of the LCP team members and the various ways they can partner with and assist our clients and their families. Meg also describes how our licensed LCP professionals work with our financial and legal teams to add a layer of strategic support and practical problem-solving that many other organizations simply cannot provide.

Additionally, Meg and Jeff announce the launch of our new Social Worker Live Hour that will be held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. starting December 2, 2025. This is a great opportunity for Red Wagon Club members to get their questions answered and learn about client care advocacy through an interactive forum.

So, we hope you'll join us for this valuable discussion about members of our "compassion in action" Life Care Planning Team who are ready to help you today or help you prepare for tomorrow.

Learn more:

• Monthly Life Care Planning Workshop (York and Lancaster)
• Social Worker Live Hour with Meg Motter for Red Wagon Club members - Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
• Call (717) 845-5390 to arrange a meeting

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction

(02:53) In a nutshell: Meg Motter and the Life Care Planning Team

(05:25) What is the role of a client care advocate?

(09:53) The relationship between families and a care advocate

(13:53) The value of providing an array of strategic services

(15:16) LCSW, LSW, and Certified Dementia Practitioner explained

(18:32) NEW! Weekly Social Work Q&A with Meg Motter

(22:31) Providing emotional support and connecting with our clients and their families

(25:09) How to learn more about life care planning with Bellomo & Associates

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

Marketing for a mission-driven Estate Planning and Elder Law Firm isn't just messing around on Facebook. It means relying on front-line authenticity, building trust, fighting against misinformation, and working hard to help people understand the value of specialized knowledge and services.

Jeff Bellomo and Roslyn Drotar-Cassidy, Director of Marketing at Bellomo & Associates, discuss why specialists matter and how to break through in today's marketing environment despite the challenges posed by other professionals who do not have the education, training, or experience to provide reliable guidance.

Jeff and Roslyn also address misinformation—from misplaced trust to DIY estate planning kits and web-based "research." The misinformation circulating about Estate Planning and Elder Law poses a real threat to your assets and your family's financial future.

Call (717) 845-5390 or visit https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/ to reserve a seat at one or more of our free workshops. There is no cost and no obligation. (But we do have cookies!)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction

(02:47) Estate planning and elder law marketing starts with earning trust

(04:42) Success in today's marketing environment requires a great team

(07:36) Authenticity, compassion, and why the front-line matters

(11:26) Balancing meetings with team and social media engagement

(12:31) Breaking through to help families find us

(15:49) Lack of specialized estate planning and elder law firms creates opportunity for misinformation

(16:52) Avoid financial planners with estate planning workshops

(17:54) Beware general purpose attorneys offering specialized services

(21:52) Specialists vs. generalists

(24:21) Google, AI, and DIY estate planning and elder law

(26:44) Our free, educational workshops cost nothing more than two hours of your time

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

During the current session of the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS), the justices may hear a case that could overturn Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), the landmark ruling that legalized same-sex marriage. If SCOTUS agrees to hear the case, it will re-surface the question of whether marriage equality should remain federally protected. Additionally, multiple states are engaged in a political strategy to fully challenge, or at least narrow, marriage equality in the United States. Understandably, these efforts pose serious concerns for same-sex couples and their allies.

Join Jeffrey Bellomo as he offers his thoughts on the likelihood that SCOTUS will hear the case (i.e., grant certiorari or grant cert), why a sweeping reversal of Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) is doubtful, what a narrow religious carve-out might look like, and how today's federal laws protect same-sex married couples. You'll also learn why it's important to "get your documents in order" to secure legal protections for your family, regardless of SCOTUS intervention.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction: Marriage Equality

(02:00) Free educational workshops

(03:02) Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), Loving v. Virginia (1967), and the Respect for Marriage Act (2022)

(04:19) Proponents of marriage equality are concerned

(05:20) Will the U.S. Supreme Court grant certiorari (i.e., hear a new case)?

(08:37) Instead of a full reversal, a carve-out could create an exception based on religious liberty

(13:11) PA's inheritance tax rate differs greatly depending on whether a couple is legally married

(14:30) Having financial, medical, and other documents in place can protect you and your family

(18:36) Planning is essential for same-sex couples

(24:30) Same-sex marriages are treated like any other legal marriage in our workshops

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/