Sarah Beck - Planning for What Matters

03/22/2026

Having just finished my first 8 weeks of pottery class, I love seeing this article from the Washington Post! It has been great to try something new, be creative, and learn a new skill. Hopefully I will still be at the pottery wheel at 101 like this guy!

George Strausman said his sudden stardom has been a shock, and he doesn’t quite understand why millions of people are interested in watching him shape clay.

02/20/2026

What are you reading this month? 📚

I almost always have two books going at once — one fiction, one non-fiction. Fiction is a real paper book for me, but non-fiction is almost always audiobook — just how my brain works, I guess.

For book club this month, I’m reading This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger. On the non-fiction side, I’m re-“reading” Die With Zero by Bill Perkins.

Die With Zero really resonated with me. It challenges the default setting — save, accumulate, hold. Instead, consider giving to your kids, family, or charitable organizations during your lifetime — when the impact can be greatest.

Helping your kids buy a house or supporting them while they’re raising your grandkids can be far more meaningful than leaving them a large inheritance when they’re in their 60s.

That said, I don’t think most people should literally plan to die with zero — I’m too risk-averse for that plan! But as a framework, it’s a helpful way to think about intentional living and intentional giving.

What books are on your list right now?

02/14/2026

Nothing says romance like a reminder about death and incapacity. 🌹💀
But stay with me.

Love isn’t just flowers, chocolate, and dinner reservations. Love is taking care of your people. Even when you’re gone. Even when you can’t explain where anything is.

Leaving your family:
📂 Organized instead of overwhelmed
📝 Instructions instead of a scavenger hunt
💡 Clarity instead of chaos

It's boring and adulting. But that’s love on paper. ❤️

Happy Valentine’s Day! 💕

02/01/2026

“I’ve signed my estate planning documents — now what do I do with them?” 📝🤔

A few tips (just for info, not legal advice):

• Keep originals safe but accessible 🔒🔥 A fire-proof (or at least fire-resistant) home safe or bag is great.

• Avoid bank safe-deposit boxes 🏦❌ The documents needed to get into the box are often inside it, which can cause delays.

• Copies can be useful 📄💻 For some documents, paper or digital copies are just as valid as the original. Giving copies to those who will need to use them may speed up the timeline if they need to act.

• Store off the floor 🪜💧 Keep the safe/bag on a shelf so they stay dry if there’s a leak or flood.

• Make sure the right people know where they are and how to access them 👥🔑 This means the people who would actually need to use the documents — your spouse, adult children, power of attorney, medical agent, executor, or trustee.

• Double-check after changes 🔄🏠 Moves, renovations, or updates are good reminders to confirm where everything is.

Estate planning isn’t just signing papers — it’s making sure the right people can find the documents when they’re needed.

01/27/2026

Preparation doesn’t prevent disruption. It just helps you move through it.

This storm wasn’t a surprise. We spent the days before it arrived doing the small, ordinary prep—snow gear down, shovels out, fridge stocked, backup plans in place.

Now there’s wet snow gear by the door, texts about sledding meetups, and everyone home.

My days move between shoveling, kid logistics, and focused work helping families plan for life’s shifts. Nothing dramatic—but easier because we paused ahead of time and made plans.

Home life and work life aren’t separate. We can’t control disruption, but we can soften the landing.

01/20/2026

Estate planning attorney brain never really turns off 🧠⚖️

At my 6-month dermatologist check last week, my doctor mentioned she had just returned from maternity leave 👶. As a working mom, I immediately commiserated—because yes, it’s hard, and yes, babies are amazing.

What I didn’t say (but absolutely thought):
“Have you updated your estate plan now that you have a child?”

Life changes—having a baby, getting married, a health scare—are your reminder to put the basics in place or revisit documents you already have 📄✔️

On a personal note, I’m grateful for good news all around: clear skin check and officially graduating to annual visits 🎉💪

Professional mindset aside, this is also your reminder to take care of yourself—and future you ❤️

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! 🎉

Here’s to a 2026 full of adventure 🌍, wins big and small 🏆… and maybe finally tackling a few documents you’ve been putting off.

Whether it’s personal goals, professional milestones, or just making it through the week with a smile, here’s to making this year count! ✨

12/31/2025

Couldn’t say it better than this ER doc. Watch and notice these important points:

1) pick the right Agent
2) think about your values
3) have the hard conversations
4) put it in writing

Having an Advance Medical Directive is a critical part of an effective estate plan.

12/31/2025

“We’re going to fight over this broom when you’re gone.”

That’s what my son whispered to me on a recent trip to the Smoky Mountains.

On the way to our cabin, we kept driving past a little building with a hand-carved “Broom Shop” sign. After way too many “what do you think they sell there?” jokes, we finally pulled over.

I’m really glad we did. Kear’s Broom Shop is a third-generation, handcrafted broom shop—the kind of place you don’t expect to find and won’t forget once you do.

As we walked back to the workshop so the bristles on our new broom could be trimmed by hand, my son leaned in with that comment.

Something only the kid of an estate planning attorney would say.

Even the simplest things can hold stories, memories, and meaning.

12/30/2025

To be honest, if staying up late is required, I’m probably out — including on New Year’s Eve.

But I do love the idea of fresh beginnings. And the best part? We don’t have to wait for January 1. Each day gives us another chance to start again.

Here’s to new starts—quiet or noisy, today or any day.

12/30/2025

Welcome to Planning for What Matters!

This is a more personal space where I share stories, insights, and tips about planning for what really matters — your family, your loved ones, and your peace of mind. You’ll find educational content on wills, trusts, and life transitions, along with reflections, stories, and helpful resources. Sometimes it’s practical, sometimes a little playful, but always approachable.

I'm an attorney licensed in VA, DC and MD, but I’m not your attorney, and nothing shared here is legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Think of this page as a space to explore planning ideas, discover helpful perspectives, and get inspired to take small steps toward feeling more prepared. Planning doesn’t have to be intimidating — it can be meaningful, practical, and yes, even a little fun.