Olivia describes how “savoring” can boost your financial well-being. By turning our attention to what we already have rather than what we lack, we can decrease anxiety, improve our cognitive functioning, and boost feel-good neurochemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Learn how to apply the "Three A's" of savoring—Attend, Amplify, and Absorb—to appreciate your current wardrobe, vehicle, home, and even relationships. Discover how simple acts like deep cleaning your car or organizing your closet can provide a sense of newness that saves you money and ultimately increases your net worth.

Olivia continues her conversation with attorney Emily Baggett to demystify what happens to debt after someone dies. They explain the legal hierarchy of claims—beginning with administration and funeral costs, then taxes, followed by secured debts, and finally unsecured debts—illustrating how insolvent estates must prioritize payments by law rather than preference. Emily clarifies the creditor claim process, noting that claims don’t get paid automatically, filing first doesn’t guarantee priority, and every claim can be challenged for validity. The episode also addresses how emotional distress can impair decision-making and why choosing a trustworthy, organized executor is essential to moving through financial “surprises” during grief. Olivia and Emily highlight common hidden issues—such as undisclosed debts or judgments—that can surface only after death and complicate probate proceedings. They encourage seeking professional support, noting that estates can often cover legal fees, thereby reducing stress for surviving loved ones and ensuring compliance with state law. The episode concludes with key readiness takeaways: debt persists after death, insolvent estates are more common than many realize, and knowledgeable guidance can prevent costly mistakes.

If you would like to hear more from Emily, be sure to look for her previously recorded classes and keep a lookout for her upcoming virtual class series, starting 20 May, at https://armyeitaas.sharepoint-mil.us/:l:/r/sites/HQAMC/Lists/AMC_HQ_AMPE_WellnessEvents?e=TtaQm6

Previous classes include the recording link, which may be limited to Army365 users.

Olivia and attorney Emily Baggett unpack common myths about spousal debt and what really happens when a partner passes away. They clarify the differences between joint accounts, authorized user status, and individual accounts—and how each determines whether a surviving spouse is legally responsible for remaining balances. The conversation explores how grief can create vulnerability, making people especially susceptible to pressure tactics from third‑party debt collectors who may misrepresent what a survivor owes. Emily explains the rights and protections offered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the importance of directing creditors to the estate’s representative rather than paying prematurely out of pocket. Listeners learn a step‑by‑step action plan that includes pulling credit reports, obtaining death certificates, requesting written validation of debts, and filing complaints when necessary. The episode emphasizes slowing down, verifying everything, and never letting urgency override legal order or personal protection.

If you would like to hear more from Emily, be sure to look for her previously recorded classes and keep a lookout for her upcoming virtual class series, starting 20 May, at https://armyeitaas.sharepoint-mil.us/:l:/r/sites/HQAMC/Lists/AMC_HQ_AMPE_WellnessEvents?e=TtaQm6

Previous classes include the recording link, which may be limited to Army365 users.