Estate planning is often seen as something for the wealthy or something to tackle later—but the reality is far more immediate. The decisions you make today can shape how your loved ones navigate difficult moments in the future.

In this episode of The Planning Perspectives Podcast, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Garrett Spangler, JD, LLM, Senior Wealth Strategist at Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, to discuss why estate planning goes well beyond transferring assets. They explore the importance of family conversations, the roles of powers of attorney and living wills, and how tools like beneficiary designations, legacy letters, and digital asset planning help ensure your wishes are clearly understood.

The conversation also highlights common missteps, the need to revisit plans after major life events, and how thoughtful preparation can ease stress for loved ones when guidance matters most.

Key takeaways:

• Estate planning should address life events, incapacity, and family decision-making—not just wealth transfer
• Beneficiary designations can override wills, making regular reviews essential
• Legacy letters and family communication help clarify intentions beyond legal documents
• Digital assets and life changes require ongoing updates to keep plans current

Resources:

• Bryn Mawr Trust Digital Assets Research Project

Connect with Bryn Mawr Trust:

• 833-973-7633
• LinkedIn: Bryn Mawr Trust
• Website: Bryn Mawr Trust

Connect with Kate Duffy:

• LinkedIn: Kate Duffy

Connect with Jamie Hopkins:

• LinkedIn: Jamie Hopkins

Connect with Garrett Spangler:

• LinkedIn: Garrett Spangler

About our Guest:

Garrett C. Spangler is a Senior Wealth Strategist with Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors. In his role, Garrett works with clients on a variety of planning areas such as trust and estate planning, business succession planning, retirement planning, income taxes, and liability exposure. Prior to his role in wealth planning, Garrett practiced tax, estate, and corporate law with an emphasis on international planning at law firms in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. Garrett earned his law degree (J.D.) and Master’s in Taxation (LL.M.) from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law and his bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from Penn State University’s Smeal College of Business. He has also received the CEPA (Certified Exit Planning Advisor) designation from the Exit Planning Institute.

In addition to his work with Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, Garrett spent many years as an adjunct faculty member of Delaware Valley University where he taught Corporate Taxation, Federal Income Taxation, Financial Planning, and Estate Planning. He has also lectured at Temple Law on international tax issues and presented to his peers on tax, business, and estate planning related topics in continuing education courses.

Garrett is a member of the bars of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court.