The Mortality Mentor

05/03/2026

⚠️ When You Hit the “What Do We Do With This?” Moment...check out these resources!

Earth911 - Search by Zipcode

United States Environmental Protection Agency - Unwanted Household Medicines

Helpful for: Figuring out how to responsibly dispose of things like electronics, paint, batteries, medical equipment, or household medicines

Reality check: Disposal is often one of the most time-consuming parts of a clean-out.

You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
I support individuals and families through 1:1 and family consultations to help make the administrative side of things after your loved one's death more manageable and less overwhelming. I also collaborate with other professionals depending on what’s needed, so you’re not left figuring out who to call for each piece of the process.

05/01/2026

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04/28/2026

No one warns you about the second job that shows up after someone dies.

I had a chance to talk with St. Louis Magazine about that reality and why it catches so many families off guard.

If you’ve ever experienced this or want to spare someone else from it, take a look and feel free to share!

The one thing that is 100 percent guaranteed in life is the thing humans avoid talking about the most: death. As a society, people tend to ignore the inevitable in hopes that it will never happen. But loss and grief is very real—and with them come a whole lot more mundane concerns as well. Keep ....

04/26/2026

Recent reporting, including from The 19th, highlights just how challenging the process for Social Security survivor benefits can be in practice. Some individuals spend hours navigating phone systems, gathering documentation, and trying to understand eligibility. There is no online application available. Without support or guidance, some abandon the process altogether.

You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
I support individuals and families through 1:1 and family consultations to help make the administrative side of things after your loved one's death feel more manageable and less overwhelming. I also collaborate with other professionals depending on what’s needed, so you’re not left figuring out who to call for each piece of the process.

04/11/2026

Interested in learning more about estate planning? Check out these upcoming free info sessions with The Laiderman Law Firm P.C. at various St. Louis City Library locations!

02/24/2026

Did you know that both a financial Power of Attorney and a medical Power of Attorney (also called a health care proxy) can be established without working with an attorney?

That said, working with an attorney is strongly recommended to help ensure the documents reflect your wishes, meet state requirements, and avoid gaps.

If your current situation doesn’t allow for working with an attorney, whether due to cost or timing, there are still ways to put basic Powers of Attorney in place. The resources below can help you explore DIY options.

Financial Power of Attorney Forms (Free or Low Cost)

Freewill

LegalZoom

RocketLawyer

Medical Power of Attorney (healthcare proxy) Forms (Free or Low Cost)

AARP Find Advanced Directive Forms by State

Five Wishes

ShowMeRights.org (by the Missouri Bar) - this page also highlights why anyone 18 years and older should have a medical POA completed (not just senior citizens).

Important:
Be sure to follow your state’s requirements (e.g. number of witnesses and notarization).

Make copies and share with your trusted family and/or friends.

Proactively take the financial POA to your financial institutions and your medical POA to your doctor to ensure there are no hurdles at a later date.

The Mortality Mentor is not a law firm and does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice.

02/19/2026

Did you know that daily money managers like On Track Advisors exist to help individuals and families manage the practical, day-to-day financial tasks that often feel overwhelming—whether before, during, or after a health crisis?

02/05/2026

Funeral planning doesn’t have to wait for a crisis. In fact, doing a little thinking ahead of time can be one of the most thoughtful gifts you leave behind.

If you want to make this a proactive, values-based exercise, here are a few resources and trending ideas worth exploring:

9 Things to Include in Your Departure Directions® from Willow End of Life Education and Planning
A free, practical template that walks you through the big picture. From sharing the news of your death to roles for loved ones, logistics, and expenses, it helps ensure nothing important gets overlooked.

• Aquamation (water cremation)
A gentle, eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation. While about 60% of Americans who choose cremation opt for the traditional method, aquamation has been gaining traction. As of 2023, it was legal in 20 states and actively practiced in 14, including Missouri and Illinois.

• Terramation (human composting)
Now legal in over a dozen states and growing nationwide, this option appeals to those who want an earth-centered, regenerative approach to disposition.

• Daisybox
For those who prefer to keep things simple, Daisybox offers cardboard and wicker caskets that families can personalize and decorate as part of the memorial itself.

And one important reminder: pre-planning your funeral and pre-paying for it are not the same thing. Planning ahead can spare loved ones from making emotional decisions. Pre-paying comes with additional considerations, like age, the possibility of relocating, and more that deserve careful thought in it's own right.

A little clarity now can mean less stress later. And your family will thank you for it.