By Kathleen M. Rehl, Ph.D., CFP®, CeFT® Emeritus The last few minutes of my late husband’s life were the most intimate we ever experienced—quiet moments where words were unnecessary, replaced by the warmth of holding hands and a shared presence that spoke more deeply than language. Just a month…
Read MoreBy Kathleen M. Rehl, Ph.D., CFP®, CeFT® Emeritus My late husband died in my arms two months after his cancer diagnosis, whispering the word “love” on his lips and locking eyes with me. Mom passed a month later, as my brother and I held her hands. And I was…
Read MoreBy Kathleen M. Rehl, Ph.D., CFP®., CeFT® Emeritus What’s a Legacy Letter? We all want to be remembered, to leave something behind at the end of our life —more than just money and “stuff.” What influence do you want to have when you’re gone? You…
Read MoreWe all know we’ll meet our end But with silence we pretend That’s not our fate, won’t happen to us We push it aside with little fuss. Tiptoeing around the pachyderm To skirt the end-of-life alarm Wills, trusts, and directives Decisions wise but often postponed Yet, the elephant looms…
Read MoreBy Kathleen M. Rehl, Ph.D., CFP®, CeFT® In the tapestry of time, I recently completed the 77th chapter of my life, surrounded by warmth of about the same number of heartfelt notes, cards, phone calls, digital “likes,” and messages wishing me a happy birthday. The outpouring of love from…
Read MoreBy Kathleen M. Rehl, Ph.D., CFP® “Where do you want to live when we’re old?” I asked my husband two years ago. That was before my 75th birthday. Charlie replied, “Our grandkids already think we’re old!” Conversations followed over the coming days and months, resulting in…
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