MAY 2026

There is nothing inherently wrong with owning things. We work hard, and buying something new can feel like a reward. But over time, those rewards can start to weigh on us, creating stress, taking up space, and even leaving behind a burden for the people we care about. The question is not just what we own. It is what happens to it later—who is left to sort through it, manage it, and ultimately decide what comes next. Read more to learn that being “stuff-blind” can complicate estate administration.

After we are gone, our belongings must be handled, and the responsibility often falls to those we leave behind. Read more to discover that conversations about who gets what are best had while your possessions are still yours—not after they have been left in a kind of personal property limbo where uncertainty can give rise to stress, conflict, and resentment.

Practical Estate Planning Strategies When Letting Go Is Hard

Nothing in your home will stay yours forever. Every item—each wall hanging, piece of furniture, book, device, or collected trinket—will one day belong to someone else. You do not need to adopt a minimalist mindset or purge everything of little value. Nor is it about extreme downsizing. Read more to learn that the focus is on “right-sizing”—finding a balance between holding on and letting go so that belongings are thoughtfully managed. The process begins with a simple but important question: How much is too much?

Note from Susana: Computer Stress and Paper Clutter (Continued)

This information is for educational purposes only and cannot be considered legal advice, nor does the receipt of this newsletter create an attorney client relationship.