Thoughtful Planning
Life doesn’t always go as expected. That’s why planning for contingencies is so important. The Thoughtful Planning podcast will help you understand why having these conversations, and making these decisions are so important. Putting a plan in place gives your family peace of mind knowing and understanding your choices. Reduce stress and anxiety about finances, insurance, and your final wishes. Husband and wife hosts Santiago and Honey Bueno share the steps they’ve taken and explain the questions they are still considering. Create a plan now, while you’re able to thoughtfully consider how you’d like things handled. Santiago and Honey share advice with compassion and understanding. They know that hard conversations need to happen, but you don’t have to be alone as you begin your planning Journey.
Episodes
July 29, 2025 • 9 mins
Episode Summary:
Picture this: You're in a hospital abroad, and your family has no idea what your travel insurance covers or who to call. In this episode, Honey and Santiago share how they turned their 53-page travel insurance policy into actionable information using AI. Their goal is to make sure loved ones know exactly what to do in an emergency. You’ll learn the 5 critical questions every family needs answered before traveling i...
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July 15, 2025 • 12 mins
Episode Summary: In this kickoff episode of our travel planning series, Honey and Santiago share real-life lessons from their recent international vacation. They walk through a simple, actionable checklist to help you get prepared before you travel. From choosing your trusted contacts to prepping your home, this episode gives you the essential steps to protect your loved ones while you are away.
Disclaimer:
This episode is for ed...
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July 1, 2025 • 8 mins
Episode Summary: You’ve earned those points, miles and cashback. But what happens to them if you become incapacitated or pass away? In this episode, Honey walks you through what most people never think to ask: What does your credit card company do with your rewards after death? She explains how to find the answers, what your executor needs to know and how a few simple steps now can protect what you've worked hard for later.
Discla...
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June 17, 2025 • 11 mins
Episode Summary: Could a forgotten power bill from a co-op be holding money that rightfully belongs to you or your loved ones? In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey explains how capital credits from electric cooperatives work, why they matter, and how they can go unnoticed for years. She shares her personal experience of moving frequently as a military family and how failing to document known co-op balances could have left ...
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Episode Summary: What if you or someone you love has money sitting out there, completely forgotten and legally yours? In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey shares a real-life story of discovering hidden funds and breaks down what unclaimed property is, why it happens, and how you can check for it. This isn’t a get-rich-quick gimmick. It’s a reminder that thoughtful planning includes knowing where all your assets are - even ...
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Episode Summary: When most people think about leaving a legacy, they imagine money, possessions, or family traditions. But what if one of the most meaningful gifts you could leave behind is something most people never even consider — your brain?
In this episode, Honey explores the rarely discussed topic of brain donation, including how it differs from organ donation and how it can contribute to groundbreaking research. She shares ...
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Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Brittany Clayborne and her son Micah, both heart transplant recipients who have transformed their personal health journey into a mission of supporting young transplant recipients and their families. They share insights about their innovative support program, Transplant Teenz, and discuss the profound impact of organ donation.
Disclaimer:This episode is for educational...
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Episode Summary:
In this series finale, Santiago and Honey Bueno bring together key insights from their exploration of end-of-life options, challenging conventional assumptions about "traditional" practices while presenting environmentally conscious alternatives. From home funerals to human composting, discover how your final arrangements can align with your values and protect both your loved ones and the environment.
Disclaimer:
...
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April 8, 2025 • 30 mins
Episode Summary:
In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago interview Lilia Fuller, founder of Eternal Waters Aquamation in Converse, Texas, to talk about a topic many of us avoid until it’s too late: what to do when our beloved pets pass away. Lilia walks us through aquamation, a gentle, eco-conscious alternative to cremation that’s changing the way families say goodbye to their pets. W...
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March 25, 2025 • 11 mins
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Santiago and Honey explore a revolutionary and eco-conscious death care option: human composting, also known as Natural Organic Reduction (NOR). With support from Recompose, a green funeral home in Seattle, they walk you through how this gentle, sustainable process transforms a human body into nutrient-rich soil and how it might just change the way we think about our final ac...
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March 11, 2025 • 103 mins
Episode Summary:
Have you ever considered a burial option that’s both environmentally friendly and deeply personal? In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, we sit down with Sunny Markham, President of Countryside Memorial Park, to explore the world of natural burials. Discover how natural burials honor both the deceased and the earth, the surprising environmental impact of conventional funerals and how families can create meaningfu...
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February 25, 2025 • 36 mins
In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Santiago and Honey interview Genaro Reyes, Jr. from Compassion Funeral Home in San Antonio, Texas, to discuss the growing movement of home funerals. They explore the legalities, benefits, and emotional impact of bringing end-of-life care back into the home. From shrouding and preparation to family-led rituals, this conversation sheds light on an alternative way to honor loved ones with dignit...
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February 11, 2025 • 51 mins
In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, hosts Honey and Santiago sit down with Pattie Trujillo, a life insurance agent and pre-planning specialist from Sensible Planning. They discuss the key differences between life insurance and funeral pre-planning policies, debunk common misconceptions, and help listeners understand which option may be best for them. Pattie shares expert insights on the financial and emotional benefits of pre-p...
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January 28, 2025 • 16 mins
In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago build upon the topics from the last two episodes by exploring the emotional and logistical challenges of advanced care planning through a visual lens. Inspired by the powerful Netflix documentary Extremis, they discuss how watching scenarios play out can help individuals and families better understand and prepare for healthcare decisions. This episode serves as a companion ...
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January 14, 2025 • 18 mins
In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago explore the vital importance of planning for dementia and mental health challenges. From understanding psychiatric advance directives to crafting dementia-specific care plans, they provide actionable steps and resources to help you prepare for the unexpected. Join them as they share stories, tools, and insights to navigate these critical aspects of end-of-life planning.
Dis...
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December 31, 2024 • 30 mins
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago tackle a critical but often overlooked topic: Advance Care Directives. Together, they break down essential healthcare documents like living wills, medical power of attorney, and DNR orders, while sharing practical advice to empower you to take charge of your healthcare decisions. Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, this episode equips lis...
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December 17, 2024 • 17 mins
Summary:
In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago delve into the complex and often misunderstood topics of Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) and Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED). As part of their journey in end-of-life planning, they discuss the emotional and legal intricacies of these options, providing insights to help individuals and families navigate these deeply personal decisions.
Disclaimer:
This epi...
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December 3, 2024 • 60 mins
In this episode, Honey and Santiago visit with Jennifer Norton, founder of Norton Estate Planning and Elder Law Firm in Indianapolis, Indiana. With her expertise, Jennifer helps listeners understand the vital importance of having a will or trust and the nuances of probate. They dive into the complexities of estate planning, sharing actionable insights, real-life stories, and practical advice to make navigating this often-overwhelmi...
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November 19, 2024 • 13 mins
In this special one-year anniversary episode, hosts Honey and Santiago reflect on a year of thoughtful conversations, memorable stories, and essential planning insights. They revisit key episodes, share their favorite moments, and discuss what’s ahead for Thoughtful Planning.
Today’s essential question: How can we best support you in taking the necessary steps forward in your own thoughtful planning journey?
Episode Highlights:
R...
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November 5, 2024 • 20 mins
In this solo episode, Honey shares her personal journey of planning her own obituary, eulogy, and funeral presentation. Inspired by her experiences in her death doula training, she reflects on how preparing these final elements can be an act of love for those left behind. Honey discusses why she initially left these responsibilities to her family but later realized the peace and clarity that comes from planning these aspects hersel...
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