Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast with Attorney Elsa W. Smith | Empowering Women Through Estate Planning

What if we created a safe space for women that demystified estate planning? What if we talked with professionals from various disciplines and shared their "not-so-straight" paths to creating wealth and lasting legacies? That's what the Wills, Women & Wealth podcast is all about. Hosted by award-winning Attorney Elsa W. Smith, owner of the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC - each episode will give you the confidence and resources you need to make the next right move to protect your health, your family and your money. The goal is to move you from overwhelmed to empowered. Let's do this!

Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast with Attorney Elsa W. Smith | Empowering Women Through Estate Planning is a business podcast hosted by Elsa W. Smith, with 92 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Elsa W. Smith hosts Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast with Attorney Elsa W. Smith | Empowering Women Through Estate Planning, a business show with 92 episodes published.

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  Episode #92

  Episode 92 (Encore): ”Estate Planning Made Simple” MPT Webinar Highlights

  Sep 9, 202618 min

  Episode 92 (Encore): ”Estate Planning Made Simple” MPT Webinar Highlights We’re bringing back one of our most impactful episodes in this must-listen encore presentation, originally airing on November 26, 2025. In this special episode, Attorney Elsa W. Smith revisits highlights from her Maryland Public Television webinar, “Empower Your Legacy: Estate Planning Made Simple,” offering practical guidance on the essential elements of a comprehensive estate plan. Whether you’re creating your first plan or considering whether your existing plan still meets your needs, this encore episode is a helpful reminder that estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it starts with understanding your options and taking the right steps to protect your legacy. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: The Core 4 of estate planning: Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, Advance Directive, and HIPAA Authorization The role of a Revocable Living Trust How to properly fund a trust How wills and trusts work together to create a complete, effective estate plan Click here to watch the complete webinar on the Maryland Public TV YouTube Channel: ​​ https://youtu.be/0b1TPnT4CgA?si=AEwdUWi2S2oX7Fbv SUBSCRIBE Follow the podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and professionals access this empowering information. STAY CONNECTED ✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: Linktree – Elsa W. Smith Law ✔️ Visit us at @elsawsmithlaw ✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube ✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only) DISCLAIMERSInformation in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney. SPONSORThis podcast is sponsored by Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC —a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. © 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

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  Episode #89

  Episode 89: The Foundation of Your Legacy: Why Every Woman Needs a Will

  Jul 22, 202613 min

  Episode 89 – Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast The Foundation of Your Legacy: Why Every Woman Needs a Will In this empowering episode, "The Foundation of Your Legacy: Why Every Woman Needs a Will," Attorney Elsa W. Smith explores why a Last Will and Testament is one of the most important—and often misunderstood—documents in any estate plan. Many people believe a will is only necessary later in life or after they've accumulated significant wealth. Others assume they can simply download a template online and check estate planning off their to-do list. But a will is much more than a legal form—it's your opportunity to protect your family, preserve your wishes, and provide clear guidance for the people you leave behind. Elsa explains why every woman should have a will, particularly Black women and women of color who are building wealth, caring for loved ones, and creating lasting legacies for future generations. She also highlights why a will is especially important for professionals and practice owners whose businesses are valuable assets that require thoughtful planning. Finally, she discusses the hidden risks of relying on generic online estate planning documents and why personalized legal guidance can make all the difference when your loved ones need your plan to work. In this episode, you'll learn: Why a Last Will and Testament is the foundation of every estate plan What happens when you pass away without a valid will How a will protects your loved ones by providing clarity and direction Why women, especially entrepreneurs and professionals, should prioritize creating a will The unique estate planning considerations for practice owners and business owners Why a business should be considered an important part of your legacy The hidden dangers of relying on online estate planning templates Why working with an experienced estate planning attorney helps ensure your wishes are legally enforceable and tailored to your unique circumstances Most importantly, this episode reminds us that creating a will isn't simply about deciding who inherits your property. It's about protecting the life you've worked so hard to build, giving your loved ones confidence instead of uncertainty, and ensuring your voice continues to guide the decisions that matter long after you're gone. Whether you're creating your very first will, own a professional practice or small business, or have been wondering whether an online template is "good enough," this episode offers practical guidance to help you build a stronger foundation for your legacy with confidence. Portions of this episode were originally recorded as educational videos and have been adapted for this podcast episode. Follow the podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and professionals access this empowering information. ✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: Linktree – Elsa W. Smith Law ✔️ Visit us at @elsawsmithlaw ✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only) Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney. This podcast is sponsored by Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC —a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. © 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved. SUBSCRIBESTAY CONNECTEDDISCLAIMERSSPONSOR

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  Episode #87

  Episode 87: The Estate Planning Gap –Why Women Need a Plan of Their Own

  Jun 24, 202624 min

  Episode 87 – Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast The Estate Planning Gap –Why Women Need a Plan of Their Own In this empowering episode of the Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast, Attorney Elsa W. Smith explores the misconceptions, barriers, and outdated beliefs that prevent many women from creating an estate plan—despite how essential planning is to protecting themselves, their families, and their legacies. Through highlights from two important conversations, Elsa examines why fewer women have estate plans compared to men and challenges the dangerous belief that married women do not need their own estate plans. For many women, estate planning may feel overwhelming, unnecessary, or like something to address later. Some may believe they do not have enough assets to protect, that their spouse already has everything handled, or that their family will know what to do when the time comes. But estate planning is about much more than wealth. It is about having a voice, making informed decisions, protecting your future, and ensuring that your wishes are respected. You’ll learn: • Why traditional gender roles and caregiving responsibilities can influence women’s approach to estate planning • How financial literacy, confidence, and access to resources impact estate planning decisions • Why some women delay planning because they underestimate the value of what they have built • How financial disparities and career interruptions can affect long-term planning and wealth protection • Why women should not assume their spouse’s estate plan automatically protects their individual wishes • The risks of relying solely on a spouse’s plan during incapacity or after death• Why every spouse should have a plan that reflects their own goals, needs, and priorities • How estate planning protects more than assets—it protects your voice and your choices • Why having an individual estate plan can support financial confidence and independence • How estate planning can become a tool for building and preserving generational wealth Your wishes, and your legacy deserve a plan that reflects you. SUBSCRIBE Follow the podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and professionals access this empowering information. STAY CONNECTED ✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: Linktree – Elsa W. Smith Law ✔️ Visit us at @elsawsmithlaw ✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube ✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only) DISCLAIMER Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney. SPONSOR This podcast is sponsored by Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC —a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. © 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

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  Episode #86

  Episode 86: Aquanetta Betts | Building a Legacy Through Strategic Charitable Giving

  Jun 10, 202652 min

  Episode 86: Aquanetta Betts | Building a Legacy Through Strategic Charitable Giving In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode of the Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast, Attorney Elsa W. Smith sits down with philanthropy strategist and legacy advocate Aquanetta Betts to explore how charitable giving can become a powerful part of a woman’s legacy. Aquanetta is the founder and principal consultant of Johnson Betts, LLC, where she helps nonprofits, faith-based organizations, professional advisors, and charitable individuals develop impactful planned giving and philanthropic strategies. As Aquanetta explains, meaningful charitable giving is not about the size of your bank account—it’s about aligning your resources, values, and life experiences with the causes that matter most to you. Drawing from her work helping individuals create intentional giving strategies, Aquanetta shares practical ways professional women can incorporate philanthropy into their estate plans, use beneficiary designations to support charitable causes, and build a lasting impact that extends beyond their lifetime. Together, Elsa and Aquanetta discuss how charitable giving can become a meaningful expression of purpose, family values, and legacy—and why every woman has the ability to make a difference, regardless of her level of wealth. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why philanthropy is not just for wealthy families • The importance of identifying specific causes instead of giving broadly • Practical ways to align charitable giving with your personal values and lived experiences • Why charitable giving often resonates deeply with professional women and communities of color • How charitable gifts can be incorporated into an estate plan • Ways beneficiary designations on life insurance policies and financial accounts can support charitable causes • Common mistakes people make when they fail to review beneficiary designations over time • How often you should revisit your charitable goals and giving strategy • The inspiring story of a scholarship fund created from a family's loss and transformed into a lasting legacy • What an endowment fund is and why it can be a powerful legacy-building tool • How to balance supporting family members while also supporting charitable causes • and more But this conversation is about more than charitable donations. It's about intentional living. Because legacy is not simply about what you leave behind—it's about the values you pass forward. Through thoughtful charitable giving, women can create opportunities, strengthen communities, honor loved ones, and make an impact that continues for generations. This episode is a powerful reminder that legacy planning isn't only about protecting assets. It's also about using your resources with purpose and creating a lasting reflection of what matters most to you. SUBSCRIBE Follow this podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and families access this empowering information. STAY CONNECTED WITH OUR GUEST ✔️ Connect with Aquanetta Betts on LinkedIn: @aquanettabetts ✔️ Learn more about her work and charitable giving initiatives: JohnsonBetts.com STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HOST ✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw ✔️ Visit us at elsawsmithlaw.com ✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube ✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only) DISCLAIMERS Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney. SPONSOR This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more at elsawsmithlaw.com . © 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

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  Episode #85

  Episode 85: Deborah Yelvington | The Permit Problem: Hidden Property Risks That Can Cost Your Family

  May 27, 202647 minS0

  <p>Episode 85: Deborah Yelvington | The Permit Problem: Hidden Property Risks That Can Cost Your Family</p><p>In this eye-opening episode of the Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast, Attorney Elsa W. Smith sits down with permit expediting expert and business owner Deborah Yelvington for a conversation every homeowner needs to hear.</p><p>Most families assume that once they buy a home—or complete a renovation—the hard part is over. But hidden permit issues, expired inspections, missing certificates, and undocumented work can quietly create serious financial and legal problems that surface years later during a sale, refinance, inheritance, or probate proc...

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