"You Have an Estate Plan. So Why Is Your Family Still Screwed?"

You spent thousands getting your estate plan done. Your trust is signed. Your will is in place. Everything is legally buttoned up. So why could your family still be completely lost when something happens to you? Welcome to the very first edition of The Braddock Reality Check, a new solo series within Estate Planning Nightmares and How to Avoid Them, where host Jon Braddock tackles the uncomfortable truths about estate planning—with real stories, practical advice, and a healthy dose of Braddock humor. In this episode, Jon shares the true story of discovering 752 shares of IBM stock hidden away in his late father-in-law's safe deposit box—and the frustrating search it took just to find them. It's a perfect example of what Jon calls The Clarity Gap™: the difference between having a legally complete estate plan and having a family that actually knows what to do when the time comes. You'll discover: Why even a perfectly drafted estate plan can leave your family scrambling. The five questions every family should answer during Estate Planning Awareness Month. Why your executor, successor trustee, or power of attorney may be completely unprepared. How forgotten accounts, missing documents, and digital assets create unnecessary headaches. One simple 30-minute challenge that could save your loved ones weeks or months of confusion. There are plenty of laughs along the way, but the message couldn't be more serious: Your family shouldn't have to become private investigators while they're grieving. Before you finish this episode, ask yourself one question: If something happened to me tomorrow, would my family know where to begin? Because estate planning isn't just about what happens to your stuff. It's about what happens to the people you love. Hosted by Jon Braddock, founder of My Life & Wishes® and creator of The Legacy Vault™. Learn more: ⁠https://mylifeandwishes.com⁠ Leave memories. Not mysteries.