Interview with Rachel Donnelly, Author of Late To Your Own Funeral and Founder/CEO of AfterLight

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper speaks with Rachel Donnelly, author of 'Late to Your Own Funeral' and founder of AfterLight. Rachel's mission is to help the living deal with dying. They discuss the importance of estate planning, the emotional and administrative burdens that come with death, and how to navigate these challenges with clarity and care. Rachel shares her personal experiences with loss and how they inspired her mission to help others prepare for the inevitable. The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive planning, open family discussions, and the inclusion of digital assets in estate management.TakeawaysPersonal experiences with loss inspired Rachel to create AfterLight.Estate planning is essential for everyone, regardless of perceived wealth.The administrative burden of death can be overwhelming without a plan.Creating an inventory of assets and debts is a crucial first step.Estate plans should be revisited regularly as life changes.Proactive planning can significantly reduce stress for loved ones.Conversations about death and planning should be ongoing within families.Digital assets are an important part of estate planning.Communication among family members can prevent conflicts during estate settlement.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Aging Journey Podcast01:26 Rachel Donnelly's Personal Journey with Death and Estate Planning04:19 Understanding the Burden of Estate Settlement08:35 The Importance of Planning Ahead12:03 Creating an Inventory of Assets and Debts14:38 The Role of Executors and Communication19:12 Facing Mortality and Taking Action21:02 Navigating Grief and Responsibility23:15 The Importance of Planning Ahead26:09 Opening Conversations with Aging Parents27:20 The Role of Executors in Estate Management32:25 Digital Assets and Their Significance40:10 Taking Action: Simple Steps for Asset ManagementTo Connect with Rachel:Website: myafterlight.comInstagram: @myafterlightLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbdonnelly/ © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.