Month: June 2026
What Is Probate?

What Is Probate?

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What exactly is probate, and why do so many families want to avoid it? In this YSR FAQ episode, Dennis explains how the probate process works, where it originated, and why having a will does not automatically keep your estate out of probate court.

Using stories from English history to modern-day estate settlement examples, this episode breaks down why probate can become slow, public, and expensive for families handling an estate after a loved one passes away. Dennis also explains how probate laws developed over centuries and why estate planning today still relies on systems created hundreds of years ago.

If you’ve ever wondered how assets get distributed, what courts actually do during probate, or why trusts are often used to avoid delays, this episode offers a clear and practical explanation.

Key takeaways:

  • Why a will still goes through probate
  • How probate began centuries ago
  • Why probate can become public and expensive
  • What executors and personal representatives do 
  • And more!

Connect with Dennis O’Keefe: 

All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable, but it is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognitions.
Do You Need a Will?

Do You Need a Will?

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Do you actually need a will? In this YSR FAQ episode, we break down one of the most common estate planning questions and explain why a will still matters, even if some of your assets already have built-in protections. Dennis walks through how jointly owned property, beneficiary designations, and transfer-on-death accounts work, and what happens when someone passes away without a will.

This episode also explores the probate process, how state intestacy laws decide who inherits your assets, and why outdated or missing beneficiary forms can create major problems for families. Along the way, Dennis shares real-world stories and practical insights that help simplify a topic many people avoid talking about.

Key takeaways:

  • Why most adults should have a will
  • How joint ownership affects inheritance
  • The importance of updated IRA and 401(k) beneficiaries
  • What happens if you pass away without a will 
  • And more!

Connect with Dennis O’Keefe: 

All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable, but it is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognitions.
Don’t Trust the Easy Answer: How Bad Information Can Hurt Your Financial Decisions

Don’t Trust the Easy Answer: How Bad Information Can Hurt Your Financial Decisions

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It’s easy to believe something just because it sounds confident or is widely accepted. But what if the stories we trust most, from history to headlines to financial advice, are often simplified, distorted, or just plain wrong?

In this episode, Dennis O’Keefe discusses how human nature pushes us toward easy answers and how those shortcuts can lead to poor financial decisions. Whether it’s viral social media claims, sensational media narratives, or even government policies that sound helpful on the surface, Dennis shares why it’s critical to pause, question, and look more deeply before taking action.

Key takeaways:

  • Why people are wired to accept simple stories, even when they’re misleading
  • How social media can spread confident but inaccurate financial ideas
  • What drives media narratives, and why they may not serve your best interests
  • Real-world examples of policies that sound helpful but may create bigger problems
  • And more!

Connect with Dennis O’Keefe: 

All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable, but it is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognitions.