Do Not Ignore Your Mortality | A Conversation with Greg Barnsdale

Facing mortality is difficult, however preparing for it brings clarity, comfort, and peace of mind. In this insightful episode of Plan for This, Marguerite welcomes author Greg Barnsdale, whose book Do Not Ignore Your Mortality challenges families to embrace honest conversations long before crisis moments arrive.

Together, they explore why people delay estate planning, how unresolved fears block meaningful dialogue, and the emotional freedom that comes when your affairs are in order. Greg shares how, shortly after publishing his book, he was unexpectedly diagnosed with a large brain tumor — a life-altering moment that reaffirmed everything he teaches about planning early, building a trusted team, and reducing the burden on loved ones.

Marguerite and Greg also cover blended families, choosing successor trustees, digital access, charitable giving, and why planning is ultimately an act of love. Whether you are updating your plan, thinking about your legacy, or supporting aging parents, this conversation offers the clarity and motivation you need to act now.

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:

00:00 – Opening: why most people avoid thinking about mortality

00:52 – Introducing guest Greg Barnsdale

02:03 – Greg’s inspiration behind Do Not Ignore Your Mortality

03:45 – Why planning early relieves stress for everyone

05:10 – Emotional barriers: fear, guilt, and avoidance

06:42 – How loved ones react when you finally get things organized

08:05 – The brain tumor diagnosis that changed everything

09:58 – How sudden health events reshape priorities

11:21 – Planning for blended families and second marriages

12:48 – Choosing successor trustees and understanding responsibility

14:02 – Digital access, passwords, and modern planning needs

15:20 – Why estate planning is an act of love, not control

16:45 – Charitable giving and long-term intentions

18:15 – Preparing documents so family isn’t scrambling

20:04 – What most people regret waiting too long to address

21:18 – Greg’s advice for those feeling overwhelmed

22:40 – Why your plan is a gift to the people who love you

23:58 – Closing thoughts from Marguerite

✨ 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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