Why Choosing the Wrong Trustee Can Divide Families | Plan For This Podcast Ep. 7

What can we learn from Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson’s family story? In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron dive into the unique estate planning challenges that blended families face—especially when fame, business, and legacy all overlap.

Welcome to the *Plan for This Podcast*—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, caregiving, and financial preparedness.  

Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most.  

📌 In this episode:  Through humor, real-world examples, and heartfelt storytelling, they explore co-trusteeship, charitable giving, and family harmony—using Tom and Rita’s blended family as a relatable case study. From choosing the right successor trustee to balancing cultural traditions, Marguerite breaks down what every family should consider when creating a plan that actually works.

This episode reminds us that estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about love, communication, and the courage to have the tough conversations before life forces them.

*Timestamps* 00:00 – Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson: Blended family dynamics 02:00 – Ron’s childhood story about growing up with Rita Wilson 05:30 – Celebrities are people too: love, loss, and planning 07:30 – Co-trusteeships explained: why they often cause conflict 10:00 – How family relationships affect fiduciary choices 12:00 – Why birth order and personality matter when naming a trustee 15:00 – Cultural & religious considerations in planning 18:30 – Charitable intent and family foundations 22:00 – Planning for business succession and legacy 26:30 – Final reflections: communication, compassion, and courage

✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel:   - Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more)   - Executor and trustee responsibilities explained   - Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning   - Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools  

👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis 👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ 

Because when life asks, *“Did you plan for this?”*—you’ll be ready.  

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