⚖️Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you die—it’s about protecting yourself and your loved ones while you’re alive.

In this episode of Your Bread & Butter™, Andrew R. Beaudry, CFP® and Ryan T. Cummings, CFP® break down why legal documents like wills, powers of attorney, and health care proxies matter long before end-of-life conversations ever begin. We explore common myths (“I’m too young,” “I’m not rich”), the real-life benefits of planning ahead, and how these documents preserve your choices when you can’t speak for yourself.

What we cover in this episode:

💠Why legal documents are for the living—not just for death

💠What a will (last testament) actually does—and a brief history from ancient Rome to modern probate

💠What probate means today and how the process works

💠When assets do not have to go through probate

💠Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA): what it does and when it applies

💠Health Care Proxies vs. Living Wills—what’s the difference?💠How proper planning can reduce stress, confusion, and conflict for loved ones

Key takeaway:

Legal documents are about empowerment, not fear. Planning ahead helps ensure your wishes are honored and your family is protected—before a crisis ever occurs.

🎧 If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who’s been putting off their planning.

📍 Learn more at www.privatefinancialdesign.com

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Bitcoin used to feel like a novelty. Now, it’s part of many serious investment discussions — and it raises big questions for everyday investors: Is crypto an investment… a gamble… or something in between?In this episode of Your Bread & Butter™, we break down cryptocurrency in plain English, explore why it attracts so much attention, and discuss where (and whether) it may fit inside a thoughtfully built portfolio.What we cover:✅ Crypto Basics: What cryptocurrency actually is and how blockchain works✅ Coins vs. Tokens: What’s the difference — and why it matters✅ The Investment Case: Why some investors see potential (and why others stay cautious)✅ Portfolio Fit: The “satellite” approach and common allocation ranges✅ Ways to Get Exposure: Direct ownership vs. ETFs/funds vs. blockchain-themed investments✅ Risk & Behavior: Volatility, emotional decision-making, and how to stay disciplined✅ What’s Next: Institutional adoption, regulation, smart contracts, and tokenizationBottom line: Crypto can be exciting — but it’s also complex and volatile. If you’re considering it, the goal isn’t to “strike it rich.” It’s to understand the risks and decide whether it belongs in your broader financial plan.🎧 Subscribe to Your Bread & Butter™ wherever you get your podcasts!💬 Share the podcast with your friends!

The holidays are meant to be joyful—but for many people, they also bring financial stress, overspending, and regret. In this episode of Your Bread & Butter, Andrew R. Beaudry, CFP® and Ryan T. Cummings, CFP® walk through practical, realistic ways to enjoy the holiday season without blowing your budget or damaging important relationships.Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, or all of the above, this conversation focuses on avoiding common “money minefields” tied to family expectations, personal traditions, friendships, and professional obligations.In this episode, we discuss:▪️Why your **budget—not your credit card limit—**should guide holiday spending▪️How to evaluate family traditions (past and present) that impact your financesSmart personal spending strategies, including:▪️Setting and sticking to per-person budgets▪️Avoiding impulse purchases and misleading holiday “deals”▪️Shopping early, shopping around, and making intentional trade-offs▪️Choosing homemade, handmade, or experience-based gifts▪️Thoughtful gifting considerations for friends, including Hanukkah traditions and meaningful gift ideasNavigating holiday expectations in your business and career, including:▪️Client gifting▪️Centers of influence▪️Office coworkers▪️Best practices for gifting vendors and service providers while managing appropriateness and liabilityKey takeaway:The most meaningful part of the holidays is time spent with the people you care about—not the price tag attached to the gifts. The solution is simple but powerful: make a plan.