Steve Irwin’s Estate Plan: The Lesson Behind the Legend – Pt.2 – EP. 211 – Life’s Third Act

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subscribe: RSS

In Part 2 of our discussion on Steve Irwin, we focus on what happened to his estate and conservation mission after his sudden death at age 44. When the face of a business or nonprofit is gone overnight, the real challenge begins. How do you keep operations running? Where does liquidity come from? And is a will alone enough to protect the surviving spouse and children? In this episode of Life’s Third Act, sponsored by Cordell & Cordell, we examine how Steve’s will provided direction, where funding gaps created stress, and how tools like trusts and life insurance could have eased the transition. We also discuss a common entrepreneurial blind spot: assuming there will always be more time to plan. Terry Irwin’s resilience ultimately preserved the legacy they built. But this story is a powerful reminder that a plan must fund the transition, not just outline the vision. Subscribe for weekly conversations focused exclusively on estate planning, retirement, and your financial future.

Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!

Steve Irwin’s Estate Plan: The Lesson Behind the Legend – Pt.1 – EP. 210 – Life’s Third Act

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subscribe: RSS

What really happened with Steve Irwin’s estate planning? The internet often suggests his plan fell short, but the full story is more nuanced. In Part 1 of this two-part discussion, Life’s Third Act takes a closer look at the legacy of Steve Irwin and the estate planning lessons business owners and families can learn from his story. While his mission-driven approach to conservation built an extraordinary global brand, it also created real challenges around liquidity, succession, and key-person risk after his unexpected death. In this first episode, we break down who Steve Irwin was, how his conservation empire was structured, and why his estate was anything but typical. In Part 2, we will examine what happened after his passing, where the real pressure points emerged, and the specific planning moves that could have made the transition smoother. If you own a business, support a mission-driven organization, or want to ensure your family is protected, this discussion offers practical insights you can apply today. Subscribe for more conversations on estate planning, retirement, and protecting what matters most. Cordell & Cordell is your partner for estate planning and beyond.

Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!

Healthcare Power of Attorney Explained – EP. 209 – Life’s Third Act

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subscribe: RSS

In this solo episode of Life’s Third Act, senior estate planning attorney John Sauter breaks down the essentials of a Healthcare Power of Attorney and why it plays a critical role in protecting your wishes if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself. He explains how key documents like a healthcare POA, HIPAA release, and living will work together to guide medical decisions, designate a trusted advocate, and provide clarity during difficult moments. John also shares practical insight on choosing the right person, communicating your preferences, and avoiding the complications families can face when no plan is in place.

Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!

Five of the Strangest Wills – EP. 209 – Life’s Third Act

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subscribe: RSS

Explore five of the strangest wills on record, from Jeremy Bentham’s “auto-icon” still attending meetings in London to a Portuguese aristocrat who picked beneficiaries straight from the phone book. Attorney CPA Joe Cordell and Senior Estate Planning Attorney John Sauter unpack the real legal lessons behind these odd stories, including what courts will (and will not) enforce, why vague language can spark litigation, and how tools like trusts (including pet trusts) can help balance control with flexibility.

Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!