Welcome back to Law Days and Lattes!

In this episode, Sidney dives into practical, high-impact year-end strategies that help business owners finish 2025 with intention and enter 2026 with clarity, organization, and financial advantage.

While most people slow down for the holidays, this is your chance to quietly get ahead. Sidney breaks down what to review, what to adjust, and which decisions can save you thousands when made before December 31.

• Why You Shouldn’t Coast Into the Holidays

How being intentional in December gives you a measurable jump on your 2026 goals.

• Smart Year-End Tax Moves

Actionable strategies that may reduce your taxable income, including:

• Prepaying qualified 2026 business expenses
• Reviewing deductions
• Coordinating with your accountant to avoid last-minute scrambling

• Is Your Business Structure Still Working for You?

Why December is a key month to revisit your LLC, S-Corp election, or other structural decisions that affect taxes and asset protection.

• Retirement & Benefits Review

What to consider with your Solo 401(k), SEP IRA, HSA contributions, and depreciation choices before year-end.

• Operational Cleanup for a Smooth 2026

A practical audit of what is working—and what isn’t—in your business systems, offerings, and workflow.

• Starting 2026 Early

How beginning your planning on December 1 puts you a full month ahead of everyone else, easing stress and improving results in the new year.

Finishing the year strong doesn’t mean doing more—it means being intentional. A few smart December decisions can set the stage for a profitable, organized, and peaceful 2026.

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Until next time, grab your favorite latte, hold your loved ones tight, and have a great week! ☕

This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law. This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

In this Thanksgiving episode of Law Days and Lattes, Sidney Wheelan reflects on the meaning of family, tradition, and the importance of the conversations that shape our legacies.

The holidays bring people together in ways few other seasons do. Sidney shares how this time of year offers a natural moment to pause, reconnect, and consider the stories that have shaped our families—both the funny ones that get retold every year and the quieter ones that reveal resilience, love, and intention.

Sidney explores:

• How family traditions and shared stories become part of our legacy
• Why every family is unique in its makeup, challenges, and strengths
• The importance of gentle, meaningful conversations during the holidays
• Real examples of how communication (or the lack of it) affects families after a loss
• How estate planning is ultimately an act of love
• Ways to prepare, protect, and strengthen the future of those who matter most

Key Themes

• Gratitude as a driving force for planning
• The value of clarity and communication with loved ones
• Protecting traditions, property, and peace among family members
• Understanding how thoughtful decisions today can spare others hardship tomorrow

A Thanksgiving Message

Sidney encourages listeners to take this season as an opportunity—not for difficult legal debates around the dinner table, but for simple conversations rooted in care. A moment to appreciate the people around you and consider the plans that will one day guide them.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with friends or family members who may also benefit from starting these meaningful conversations.

Wishing you a warm, peaceful, and memorable Thanksgiving from all of us at the Wheelan Law Firm.

☕ Connect & Subscribe

Follow Law Days and Lattes on your favorite podcast platform for inspiring conversations about law, life, and finding joy in the journey.

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Until next time, grab your favorite latte, hold your loved ones tight, and have a great week! ☕

This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law. This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

In this episode of Law Days and Lattes, host Sidney Wheelan brings listeners into a different kind of estate planning conversation that begins at the firepit the night before deer season.

This episode is not about statutes, documents, or legal procedures. It is about the quiet places where legacy actually forms. It is about shared meals, familiar traditions, and the people who continue to gather year after year.

• The evening before deer season at the ranch
• Why legacy forms long before any paperwork is created
• How family stories, rituals, and gathering places shape the next generation
• What we pass down without realizing, such as kindness, steadiness, and belonging
• Why estate planning is about protecting more than assets
• How to start important conversations about land, responsibility, and the future
• The difference between inheritance and responsible legacy

Key Takeaways

• Legacy is not built in courtrooms. It is built in circles of connection.
• Families do not lose their farms because of a lack of love. They lose them because of a lack of a plan.
• Meaningful traditions create the foundation for honest conversations.
• Protecting land, stories, and family identity requires intention and clarity.

Why This Episode Matters

As the holiday season approaches, this episode encourages you to think about your own fire circle. These are the places where your people gather, laugh, remember, and belong. Legacy begins in those moments, and these are the same spaces where important conversations can finally take place.

☕ Connect & Subscribe

Follow Law Days and Lattes on your favorite podcast platform for inspiring conversations about law, life, and finding joy in the journey.

Check out our Law Days & Lattes pages on Facebook and Instagram where you can join the conversation, share your thoughts, and ask questions

Until next time, grab your favorite latte, hold your loved ones tight, and have a great week! ☕

This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law. This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

In this Veterans Day episode, host Sidney Wheelan honors the brave men and women who have served our country and shines a light on the legal, financial, and personal challenges veterans face after returning home. From navigating benefits and estate planning to combating homelessness and fraud, this episode offers insight, resources, and practical steps to help veterans and their families find stability and peace of mind.

In This Episode

• The Transition Home: Legal hurdles veterans face when returning to civilian life
• Estate Planning for Veterans: Why having a proper plan matters for your benefits and family
• Scams Targeting Veterans: Common fraud schemes and how to protect yourself
• Legal & Community Resources: Where veterans can find trusted, affordable legal aid
• Homelessness & Mental Health: The ongoing crisis and programs making a difference

Key Resources Mentioned

• VSAFE Fraud Hotline: 1-833-38V-SAFE (1-833-388-7233)
• Missouri Veterans Resources: mo.gov/veterans
• Veterans Crisis Line: Call or text 988 (press 1), text 838255, or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net

Closing Reflection

This Veterans Day, let’s honor service with action — by supporting veterans through advocacy, legal assistance, and community care. Whether you’re a veteran yourself or simply someone who wants to help, there are ways to make a difference every day.

☕ Connect & Subscribe

Follow Law Days and Lattes on your favorite podcast platform for inspiring conversations about law, life, and finding joy in the journey.

Check out our Law Days & Lattes pages on Facebook and Instagram where you can join the conversation, share your thoughts, and ask questions

Until next time, grab your favorite latte, hold your loved ones tight, and have a great week! ☕

This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law. This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Episode 69: Elder Fraud — Red Flags We Shouldn’t Ignore

Host: Sidney Wheelan, Attorney & Founder of Wheelan Law Firm

Serving North Central Missouri in Moberly & Carrollton

In this episode, Sidney tackles a heartbreaking but increasingly common issue: elder financial fraud. Seniors — even those who are mentally sharp and capable — can be targets of manipulation, deceit, and financial exploitation. Often, the warning signs are subtle at first.

Sidney shares a powerful real-world story about a client almost taken advantage of by a seemingly trustworthy caretaker — and how vigilance and intuition helped uncover a larger scheme before it was too late.

1. A Story That Happens Too Often

• A senior client suddenly wanted to leave everything to a new caretaker.
• No proof at first — just a gut feeling something wasn’t right.
• Careful documentation, repeated confirmation, and family involvement uncovered forged checks, undervalued property sales, and a full financial exploitation plan.
• A reminder: Trust your instincts.

2. Warning Signs of Elder Financial Exploitation

Look for these red flags:

• New “friends” or caregivers becoming overly involved in finances.
• Isolation — screening calls, discouraging visits, limiting communication.
• Sudden changes to wills, deeds, or powers of attorney.
• Unpaid bills, missing funds, unusual withdrawals.
• The senior appears fearful, confused, or overly dependent on someone new.

3. Scams Targeting Seniors — Especially Around the Holidays

Common schemes include:

• Gift card scams (“Your grandchild is in trouble…”)
• Sweepstakes or inheritance scams (“You’ve won — just pay the taxes upfront”)
• Romance scams (fake online relationships for money)
• Tech support scams (fake pop-ups and virus warnings asking for access or payment)

Rule to remember: No legitimate agency will ever ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or personal banking info.

4. Legal & Practical Tools for Protection

Proactive planning is the best defense:

• Bank and credit card alerts for large or unusual activity.
• Two-signature rules for major transactions.
• Trusted contacts listed on financial accounts.
• Regular reviews of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
• Teach tech safety: strong passwords, spotting fake emails or calls.
• Suspect fraud? Contact law enforcement, Adult Protective Services, or an elder law attorney immediately.

💬 Final Thoughts

Elder fraud doesn’t just take savings — it steals dignity, trust, and independence. It can happen in any family, at any income level. Awareness and early intervention matter.

If something feels off — ask questions, get involved, and don’t wait.

Elder fraud doesn’t start with greed — it starts with access.

Notice the red flags early. Protect the people who once protected you.

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🎃 Episode 68: Don’t Let Fear Haunt You — Real-Life Legal Nightmares That Could Have Been Avoided

This Halloween, we’re not talking about ghosts or goblins — we’re talking about something even scarier: the real-life legal nightmares that happen when fear keeps people from getting professional advice.

Host Sidney Wheelan, attorney and founder of The Wheelan Law Firm, shares stories from her own experience about clients who let fear of cost, paperwork, or “bad news” stand in their way — and what it ended up costing them.

👻 In this episode:

• The hidden fears that stop people from getting legal help.
• Real stories of what happens when you let fear take the wheel:
• The Surviving Spouse Nightmare — when a name left off a deed changes everything.
• The Special Needs Trap — how “saving money” online cost a family vital benefits.
• The Vanishing Beneficiary — an ex-spouse who came back from the paperwork grave.
• The DIY Will Disaster — a free online form that turned into a probate horror story.
• The Business Owner’s Curse — when no contracts mean no protection.

🕯️ Key takeaway:

Ignoring fear doesn’t make it disappear — it only lets it grow. The best way to fight fear is to shine a light on it. A conversation with a lawyer can save you from the real-life monsters that hide in procrastination.

💼 Episode quote:

☕ Connect & Subscribe:

Follow Law Days and Lattes on your favorite podcast platform for inspiring conversations about law, life, and finding joy in the journey.

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Until next time, grab your favorite latte, hold your loved ones tight, and have a great week! ☕

This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law. This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Episode 67: Funding Your Revocable Trust

Law Days and Lattes with Sidney Wheelan

You’ve set up your revocable trust—now what? In this episode, Sidney Wheelan explains the crucial next step that too many families overlook: funding your trust.

Think of your trust like a basket—it can only protect what’s inside it. Sidney breaks down, step by step, how to move your assets into that “basket” so your estate plan actually works when you need it to.

💼 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why transferring real estate to your trust keeps your family out of probate
• How to assign LLC and business interests correctly
• The right way to handle vehicles and bank accounts (and when to use a Certification of Trust)
• How to include non-titled assets like jewelry, farm equipment, and collectibles
• Why you should not retitle your retirement accounts—and what to do instead

Sidney also shares practical examples from the Wheelan Law Firm’s process, helping you understand not just what to do, but why it matters.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to turn your trust from an empty promise into a powerful protection plan for your family’s legacy.

☕ Connect & Subscribe:

Follow Law Days and Lattes on your favorite podcast platform for inspiring conversations about law, life, and finding joy in the journey.

Check out our Law Days & Lattes pages on Facebook and Instagram where you can join the conversation, share your thoughts, and ask questions

Until next time, grab your favorite latte, hold your loved ones tight, and have a great week! ☕

This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law. This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Welcome back to Law Days and Lattes, the podcast where we blend real-world stories with practical legal and financial strategies to help you live boldly and protect your future.

In this episode, host Sidney Wheelan, founder of the Wheelan Law Firm, shares lessons from her recent hike up Mount Rainier and what scaling a literal mountain can teach us about growth, preparation, and resilience in everyday life.

From the rocky trails of Camelback Mountain to the misty slopes of Rainier, Sidney reflects on what happens when we step outside our comfort zones and how the same principles apply to building a business, managing finances, or planning for the future.

• The surprising parallels between mountain hiking and life’s toughest challenges
• How proper preparation—from hiking gear to legal planning—creates confidence and security
• Why it’s important to pace yourself instead of sprinting toward every goal
• The power of teamwork and trusted advisors to help you reach the summit
• How discomfort leads to growth, and why you might be capable of more than you think

💡 Takeaway:

Growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone. Whether you’re climbing a mountain or making hard decisions about your family, business, or finances, the view is worth the climb.

☕ Connect & Subscribe:

Follow Law Days and Lattes on your favorite podcast platform for inspiring conversations about law, life, and finding joy in the journey.

Check out our Law Days & Lattes pages on Facebook and Instagram where you can join the conversation, share your thoughts, and ask questions

Until next time, grab your favorite latte, hold your loved ones tight, and have a great week! ☕

This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law. This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.