Life as Pam Baker knew it changed in an instant.
“My story began on October 8, 2018, when my husband, Jon, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer,” Pam shared. “Jon lived twice as long as doctors predicted and was released from his pain on November 12, 2021.”
During Jon’s battle, the Bakers had what many would consider a dream team—financial advisors, lawyers, and CPAs. Jon was a successful financial planner himself.
“We had a full team at our disposal, and still, things slipped through the cracks,” Pam said. “We were left wishing we had done more to prepare while he was alive. Navigating the ‘business’ of death was incredibly difficult—especially while grieving.”
That pain, and the chaos that followed, led to something unexpected: a book. Pam partnered with her nephew, financial expert Cameron Zabko to write Where’s the Key to the Safe?—a user-friendly, real-talk guide to planning for the inevitable.
“I wanted to make this process easier for others so they wouldn’t go through what I did,” Pam said. “The book felt like the most effective way to help people take action and proactively prepare their families.”
Written in a conversational tone, the book is meant to feel like a chat over coffee. It blends personal storytelling with professional advice.
“One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting,” Pam said. “They assume they have time, but loss can come when you least expect it.”
“The best advice I can give is to stop delaying. Start now. All aspects of your financial life run more smoothly when your professionals work together,” added Cameron. “A good advisor will coordinate with your attorney and CPA to help keep your plan airtight.”
“We all experience loss,” Pam said, “but very few are prepared—emotionally, mentally, or financially. Death is inevitable, which is why we are passionate about normalizing the conversation and encouraging people to plan with a clear mind—before grief clouds their judgment.”
To learn more, visit lastinglegacyconsulting.com.