Episode 097: Estate Planning with Dera Johnsen-Tracy

Mar 5, 2021

On this episode Rhonda talks to Dera Johnsen-Tracy, an Estate Planning Attorney and a partner at Horn & Johnsen SC. Dera law firm, about the importance of Estate planning.

Dera’s message for us today is: Getting started on your Estate plan, or even getting a plan in place, gives you a sense of control. You can decide, even if your divorce is not final yet, who is going to make financial decisions for you if you cannot do that for yourself; your healthcare decisions; who is going to plan your funeral…

Here are some of Dera’s recommendations:

1. Staff happens. For your own peace of mind, and for those who you leave behind, it is much better to make sure you have a plan in place.
2. You have to make sure your divorce attorney and your estate planning attorney are working together to make sure that you will have the authority to take care of things the way that you want.
3. Take back your power. The best way to do it is to get started, take control of your own assets, take control of your own decisions; it really does provide the peace of mind.

Contact Information and Other Resources

Our guest today was Dera Johnsen-Tracy, a shareholder and co-founder of Horn & Johnsen SC. Dera is a 2008 graduate of Marquette University Law School and focuses her legal practice in the areas of estate planning, probate and guardianship. Prior to completing law school, Dera gained 14 years of legal experience as a paralegal in Texas and Wisconsin. Dera’s extensive experience provided a strong and practical client-centered foundation for her legal practice. She strives to meet the needs of her clients in a personal and efficient manner.

Here’s how Dera describes herself:

I am a shareholder and co-founder of Horn & Johnsen SC, focusing my legal practice in the areas of estate planning, probate and adult guardianship. I am also a co-author of Wills, Trusts, and Probate: An Insider’s Guide to Estate Planning in Wisconsin. 

I have been invited as a special guest on a number of radio shows such as Ginger Martin of Magic 98 and Hawke’s Radiothon for the Veterans of WJJO, and I have been invited to speak as a featured presenter at various conferences throughout Wisconsin and nationally.

Further, I am a frequent contributor to Young at Heart Magazine and to the national AAII Journal, and I have taught a variety of classes through PINNACLE (State Bar of Wisconsin's Continuing Legal Education Department) and the National Business Institute (NBI).

Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube

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Our host of Divorce Conversations for Women Podcast is Rhonda Noordyk, CFEI, CDFA®

Rhonda Noordyk's relentless pursuit of financial justice for women going through divorce drove her to leave the financial industry in 2014 to open The Women's Financial Wellness Center. She was in search of a better way. She used her knowledge, passion, and experience to build a leading-edge business model. The intention was to create a business that provided a safe place for women - especially those in a vulnerable position - to find their paths, find their voices and find the financial confidence they need to lift themselves out of seemingly hopeless situations. Since starting the Women’s Financial Wellness Center, after a 10+ year career in the financial industry, she has helped alleviate financial vulnerability for thousands of women.

In addition to being the CEO of The Women’s Financial Wellness Center, Rhonda is also a professional speaker. While her platform is women’s money wellness, it is not just about money. Her topics include: assertive communication, boundaries, leadership and overcoming financial myths. Her speaking experience includes: GE Healthcare, UWM Women’s Leadership Conference and Marquette Law School. In addition, she has appeared on Fox6 News, Real Milwaukee, and Morning Blend. Her dynamic and inspirational style leaves women with a sense of empowerment.

Rhonda Noordyk, CFEI, CDFA®

CEO | The Women's Financial Wellness Center

[e-mail] | [phone]

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Schedule a FREE 30-Minute Phone Call

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Sponsored by: Divorce Conversations For Women (online course)

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Visit the Women’s Financial Wellness Center for a full directory listing of experts. Be sure to reach out if you would like to connect personally with the Women’s Financial Wellness Center. You can visit our website or grab a complimentary 30-minute consult.

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