by Diana
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
This week, the dynamic duo of Erin Matherne and Jennifer Young spoke to us about being prepared for tribulation – practically, financially and spiritually. Erin and Jennifer call Austin Ridge home and are both former MOPS moms.
First, Erin shared her story of fighting breast cancer at only 37. She spoke of the support from friends – prayers, meals, comfort, help with her two young boys – over the nine months of her treatment and recovery. This life-threatening experience prompted her to compile some legal considerations for others to be prepared for serious medical situations. The benefits of prepared documents include protecting family, providing peace of mind for yourself, and making decisions in advance to clearly evaluate options.
Erin’s Essential Estate Planning Documents
Will
- advantages: establish who will inherit property, set a guardian for children, establish a trust, name an executor
- if you don’t do these things, the state court will
Power of Attorney
- gives a person legal authority to make binding financial decisions
- includes specific powers, and the person must act in your best interest
Medical Power of Attorney
- names someone to make medical decisions when you are unable
Living Will
- advance directive
- describes your wishes for types of life-sustaining medical intervention you do or don’t want
- gives you a voice when you cannot communicate
Then Jennifer shared the story of the life changes that took places when her husband was involved in a serious car accident. She realized there were many important financial things they had not discussed. She spoke for the majority of us when she said, “We spend more time planning our vacations than planning our lives and talking about these things.”
Jen’s Top Ten Conversations You Need to Have
- money management
- list of accounts and passwords
- know your debts
- life insurance
- disability
- safe or safety deposit box – who has access, where are the keys
- worker’s compensation
- general emergency plan – fire, natural disaster, etc
- power if attorney
- plan for your kids
She also shared her spiritual learnings from facing adversity as a family:
desperate dependence – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
eager expectation – “I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.” Isaiah 45:3
humble heart – “First pride, then the crash—the bigger the ego, the harder the fall. It’s better to live humbly among the poor than to live it up among the rich and famous. It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God.” Proverbs 16:18-20, The Message
Erin and Jennifer have a passion for helping families prepare for unexpected times. They have personally experienced life-changing circumstances and want to be available for those who have questions while compiling essential documents and having serious conversations. Feel free to contact them, information below. And check out Jen’s playlist of songs for the storm.
All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming.
Helen Keller
Erin Matherne
Of Counsel
Levatino Pace
1101 S. Capital of Texas Hwy.
Building K, Suite 125
Austin, TX 78746
erin@lpfirm.com
(512) 637-1581 ext. 4
Jennifer Young
Stylist at Edit By Lauren
http://www.editbylauren.com/
jennifer@editbylauren.com
(678) 772-9975