EPISODE · Apr 18, 2026 · 52 MIN
Wills, Trusts & What Most SC Families Get Wrong About Estate Planning
from ClearPath Retirement Radio · host Stewart Smith
Most people assume that having a will means their estate is taken care of. But a will does not avoid probate, and probate could cost your family thousands of dollars, months of waiting, and more stress than you'd expect. If you've been putting off estate planning because it felt complicated or expensive, this episode of ClearPath Retirement Radio is for you.Stewart Smith, LUTCF®, RICP®, and Mitch Davies break down living revocable trusts in plain terms — what they are, who needs one, how to fund it, and why they may be one of the most practical steps a retiree can take right now.In This Episode: → Why a will alone does not avoid probate and what probate could actually cost your family → What a living revocable trust is and why it is simpler than most people expect → How to fund the trust — what to retitle, what to name as beneficiary, and what to leave alone → The step-up in cost basis question: you do not lose it with a revocable living trust → How trusts address blended families, aging spouses, and complicated ownership situations → Why healthcare and financial power of attorney documents may be just as critical as the trust itself → Why beneficiary designations need a review now, not someday → Mitch's Market Minute: what the recent sharp market recovery means for retirees Ready to get this taken care of once and for all? ClearPath Retirement Planning helps retirees and pre-retirees in the Upstate SC and Columbia, SC areas build a complete estate plan — including living revocable trusts, power of attorney documents, and beneficiary reviews — all in one place, without the confusion.Ready to build your retirement plan?ClearPath Retirement Planning helps retirees and pre-retirees in the Upstate SC and Columbia areas and Western NC create tax-efficient retirement income strategies. 📍 300 Executive Center Drive, Suite 104 | Greenville, SC 29615 📞 (864) 775-5033Schedule your ClearPath Retirement Review today www.clearpathretirement.com Subscribe & Connect: YouTube: @ClearPathRetirementPlanning Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearPathRetirement LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clearpathretirementImportant Disclosure:Investment advisory services offered through Alphastar Capital Management, LLC, a SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the SEC nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Fixed insurance products are offered through Clearpath Retirement Planning, LLC and Alphastar Capital Management is not involved in the offer, recommendation, sale or management of commission-based fixed Insurance products. Alphastar Capital Management and Clearpath Retirement...
What this episode covers
Most people assume that having a will means their estate is taken care of. But a will does not avoid probate, and probate could cost your family thousands of dollars, months of waiting, and more stress than you'd expect. If you've been putting off estate planning because it felt complicated or expensive, this episode of ClearPath Retirement Radio is for you. Stewart Smith, LUTCF®, RICP®, and Mitch Davies break down living revocable trusts in plain terms — what they are, who needs one, h...
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Wills, Trusts & What Most SC Families Get Wrong About Estate Planning
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