Money Tree Investing End of Life Planning: Creating a Legacy That Lasts with Dr. Kimberly Harms
Sep 26, 2025
Dr. Kimberly Harms, a grief counselor, death doula, and life coach, shares her journey from dentistry to supporting families through end-of-life planning. She highlights how avoiding conversations about death can lead to conflict and emphasizes the importance of clear wills and healthcare directives. Dr. Harms discusses creating a meaningful legacy, focusing on love, resilience, and life skills for future generations. She encourages open family discussions about death to prevent misunderstandings and offers practical tips to prepare emotionally and practically.
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Healthcare Directive Prevented Conflict
- Jim, Dr. Harms's husband, completed a healthcare directive stating he wanted to die at home and avoid returning to hospital life support.
- That directive allowed a peaceful home death and prevented family arguments about his end-of-life care.
Use A Letter Of Intent And Clear Inventory
- Write a letter of intent that explains why you distributed assets the way you did to reduce suspicion and litigation.
- Inventory and distribute sentimental items beforehand because heirs often don't want most physical possessions.
Communicate Wishes With Family Meetings
- Hold a family meeting (record it if needed) or write a letter of intent to communicate wishes and reduce misunderstandings.
- Involve key family members early, review wills together, and document choices like jewelry distribution as an addendum.