Where’s the Key to the Safe?: How to Avoid Probate Pitfalls and Maximize Family Finances

by Cameron Zabko, Pam Baker

When they’re gone, will you know what to do? A guide to avoid probate pitfalls and protect your family.The death of a loved one is devastating—but the financial aftermath shouldn’t make it worse. Yet too many families find themselves overwhelmed by probate, missing paperwork, and financial confusion when a loved one passes. If you’re financially tied to someone—a spouse, parent, child, or business partner—are you truly ready for what happens when they’re gone?

Financial advisor Cameron Zabko, CFP®, and Widows Who Wine™ founder Pam Baker know firsthand how overwhelming finances can be after a loss. Despite having a well-planned estate, Pam still faced countless unexpected challenges when her husband passed. Cameron, as a financial expert, saw firsthand the gaps in conventional planning. Now they bring their dual perspectives to simplify estate planning, bridging the emotional and financial realities so you can confidently prepare what to do before and after losing someone you’re financially connected to.

Blending real-life storytelling and expert financial guidance, Where’s the Key to the Safe? helps estate planning beyond wills and trusts, including taxes, spousal benefits, and business succession.Avoid financial nightmares like the widow’s tax, probate pitfalls, and lost assets with simple, proactive strategies.Build a financial safety net by choosing the right advisors, attorneys, and CPAs.Manage must-know details like online accounts, insurance, health care directives, and passwords.Ease the financial burden and stress on loved ones and proactively protect assets with clear-cut, easy-to-follow steps.
More than an estate planning book, Where’s the Key to the Safe? is an empathetic, action-driven guide to financial peace of mind. Packed with checklists, real-world examples, and step-by-step strategies, this book is the support you need to prepare for death before a crisis forces you to.

Don’t leave your loved ones guessing. Read Where’s the Key to the Safe? and protect your family’s future today.

191 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2025

About the author

Cameron Zabko, Certified Financial Planner®, is a wealth advisor and the founder of Westhollow Wealth Management, where he helps families, business owners, and individuals take control of their financial futures through holistic financial planning, estate strategies, and investment management. With a strong focus on protecting family legacies, he ensures his clients have a clear, actionable road map that secures their assets and avoids costly mistakes.

Cameron’s passion for financial planning is deeply personal. His late uncle, a financial advisor himself, introduced Cameron to the world of detailed, intentional estate planning. After witnessing the financial complexities left behind despite careful preparation, Cameron was driven to help others avoid the stress, confusion, and unnecessary financial burdens that often come after a loved one’s passing. He saw firsthand that estate planning is more than just legal documents—it’s about ensuring that families have the knowledge, guidance, and preparation they need to navigate life’s most difficult transitions.

As a CFP® professional with a bachelor of business administration in finance from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, Cameron has spent years helping families and business owners create estate and financial plans, manage wealth, and prepare for the unexpected. His insights have been featured in NerdWallet and industry periodicals, and he has advised clients through complex financial situations, including business succession planning, multigenerational wealth transfers, and high–net worth estate strategies. Before founding Westhollow Wealth, he played a key role at a leading wealth management firm, where he guided over 100 clients through critical financial decisions and helped facilitate the transition and sale of his uncle’s firm after his passing.

Westhollow Wealth was built on purposeful planning for a lasting legacy, a philosophy that shapes the firm’s unique approach. Unlike large financial institutions that focus solely on investments, Cameron believes in a fully integrated strategy that blends financial, tax, and estate planning to create security for generations. His firm is designed to provide personalized, fiduciary-level guidance, ensuring each client has a plan tailored to their specific needs.

Originally from Vermont, Cameron now lives in Milton, Georgia. When he’s not working with clients, he enjoys traveling internationally, trying new restaurants, and cheering on University of Georgia Athletics football. He also dedicates time to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, serving on fundraising committees and supporting research efforts.

Reviews

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read on this topic. Super easy to read and actually kind of hard to put down, which I didn’t expect from a book about estate planning.
It breaks everything down in a way that makes sense, without being overwhelming or full of legal jargon. The real-life stories make it feel personal, and the checklists and examples are super practical. I walked away with a clear idea of what I need to do to get things in order — and what could happen if I don’t.
If you have a family, aging parents, or just want to make life easier for the people you care about, I seriously recommend this.

[Kristi Fielder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an accessible and practical guide to planning ahead before you or a loved one dies. Cameron and Pam alternate personal anecdotes from their own experience with professional, actionable advice about how to structure your finances, estate plan and personal information so you are not faced with unpleasant surprises, delays or gaps in funding, or other difficulties after the death of a loved one. Each chapter ends with a list of questions for reflection and action, so you can follow the plan step by step to be better prepared and not scrambling around looking for the key to the safe, your loved one's passwords, or important documents while dealing with the emotional stress of grieving.

[Richard Pape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where's the key to the safe was informative and engaging. I read it in about 2 hours and received a lot of good information that I hadn't heard before. It reads really well, not at all like a textbook. The information was very important to know whether you're young or a senior. Sadly, the author had to learn all this while dealing with the death of her middle aged husband.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must-Read That Brings Peace of Mind

"Where’s the Key to the Safe?" is such an important book. After watching a friend’s family struggle with probate and finances after a loss, I realized I wasn’t nearly as prepared as I thought. This book changed that.

Pam Baker’s personal story, combined with Cameron Zabko’s expert advice, makes for a powerful and practical guide. It’s not just about wills—it’s about protecting your loved ones from unnecessary stress when they’re already grieving.

The book is filled with real-world examples, simple checklists, and clear, actionable steps. More than anything, it gave me peace of mind knowing I’m not leaving a mess behind.

If you’re financially tied to anyone you care about, read this book. It’s compassionate, honest, and exactly what I needed.

[Lisa Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be extremely eye opening and helpful to me. It’s hard to imagine what to do but this book helps put it all in a way that makes sense. Being prepared for your spouse passing is something everyone should be prepared for. I appreciate the guidance from this book!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for providing all of this valuable information in a clear and easy to read format. I lost my husband suddenly and wish I had all of this information before that happened.

[Karen Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had access to an advance copy of WHERE'S THE KEY TO THE SAFE. I found it very readable, unusually complete and very helpful. The tasks are still complex and very time consuming whenever they are undertaken, but this book alerts to what they all are, and one can then choose to delve in whenever (sooner rather than later) able.

I applauded my behavior through the first 5 chapters. I am in pretty good shape, but Chapter 6 blew me away! I hadn't thought at all about Passwords, Financials and Deeds. Also, I am not very well set for a complete team, but the team I have is top drawer. Now I am on to these when there is time. Whether I do anything more or not, at least I now know what I could do. Oh, where is the key to my safe???

Thanks Cameron and Pam for writing this special book. I am ordering several copies on May 2, 2025.

[Grayson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was genuinely helpful and surprisingly easy to read. Cameron does a great job breaking down a complicated (and kind of intimidating) topic without making it feel overwhelming or overly technical.
One thing I really appreciated is that it’s written by a CFP who clearly knows his stuff - you can tell he understands both the legal and emotional side of these situations. It’s the kind of book that makes you realize how important it is to get things in order before there’s a crisis - and it actually gave me a solid checklist of what to start doing.
Definitely recommend it for anyone with aging parents or just trying to get their own affairs in order. A quick, practical read that makes a usually stressful subject way more approachable.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful guide for anyone thinking ahead about what happens after the loss of a spouse. As someone who works in personal finance, I found the chapter on managing a loved one’s digital presence, things like social media and online accounts, especially useful. These are the kinds of details that often get missed until it’s too late. The book combines practical advice from Cameron Zabko CFP (R), with real life perspective from Pam Baker, who shares her story with honesty, and even some humor. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to be prepared, so that when the time comes, their loved ones can focus on grieving and healing, rather than navigating unexpected complications.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pam and Cam did a great service by writing this book. They take a very personal and difficult experience and use that to help others. The intention behind this book is genuine and the advice is top notch! A must read and a great resource.
Everyone should follow this advice now and not wait for the unexpected to happen.

[Vicki Manus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone and everyone should read this book! The best part about it is how practical and understandable it is. After each chapter there are questions to make you think about your situation and then homework to get you started. I’m a list maker and to have actual action steps to take is amazing. My husband and I are both CPAs and there were things in the book that we hadn’t even considered doing as part of our overall planning. It’s not just about where all the money is….it’s about all the pieces of a life well lived that need to be preserved and honored. What a gift to give your family members the peace of knowing all is right and organized if and when things don’t go as planned with illness or worse case death. Highly recommend!!!!

[Katherine Hanniford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life can be so difficult, especially when you have to do it alone. Things that were so much simpler with a husband or a partner become mind-boggling when faced by yourself. There are so many loose ends in our lives that we do not recognize. This book will help you put it all back together.

[Allison M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly well written and informative. There are SO many things I learned that I never would have thought about. I feel so prepared if something were to happen to my husband. I love how it goes back and forth between the two authors.
I cannot wait for your next book(s)!

[Laureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I read this book! It makes a challenging subject very approachable and feels like you're hearing it from a friend. (They've even provided an email helpline if you have follow-up questions!)

I love how this book is broken down - with real-life examples, in addition to the "information" (which can be daunting and intimidating for many.) Wrapping up each chapter with a summary and reflection is also beneficial to the reader. I would highly recommend this book to all, it provides knowledge and motivation to prepare for life's inevitable ups and downs!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHERE’S THE KEY TO THE SAFE is a clear, detailed guide to managing finances. As a widow, I wish I had access to this information in the months following my husband’s death. Better yet I would have liked to read it with him earlier in our marriage. I especially appreciated the chapter reviews and homework sections that provide action items that are easy to follow. I will be purchasing copies for my adult children as well as friends, who like me tend to avoid these vital topics!

[AKE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take it from a Grief Recovery Coach - Grief is hard - Don't leave a message behind!

As a Grief Recovery Specialist, I’ve seen firsthand the difference it makes when a loved one’s affairs are in order—and the chaos and heartbreak when they’re not. Grief is disorienting. When you lose someone deeply woven into the fabric of your daily life, especially a spouse or partner, your ability to focus is severely impaired. Yet the legal, financial, and logistical tasks don’t wait. They must be done—grieving or not. This book is a powerful call to action: do it now, for your sake and for those you love.

What I appreciated most about Where’s the Key to the Safe? is the tone—warm, practical, and inviting. Pam and Cam make a difficult subject feel doable. Their step-by-step advice prompted even me, someone who thought I was prepared, to update my password vault with PINs to access my computers—something I’d completely overlooked. They’ve thought through everything.

And it’s not just for couples. I’ll be buying copies for my single, adult children because no one is exempt from needing to prepare.

Pam and Cam, thank you for sharing what you learned the hard way. You’ve provided an extraordinary, compassionate, and critical service!

[Pamela Jo Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

It only took me this long to read and review this book because after I finish rest started reading it, the chapter endings: “Chapter Reflections” Summary” “Reflective Questions” and “Homework” kept me taking notes and going back to the beginning of the chapters and rereading, trying to get my s*** together. It’s not easy and it is not an easy subject to face, but necessary. Especially since I’m past 50 years old now; I need to face this head on. Luckily, the authors Pam and Cam, break it down into easy to read and understand sentences, paragraphs and chapters. And the “Chapter Reflections” gave me the insight to know what I don’t know and what I need to find out. Good reference material I’m adding to my “Learn and Know” collection. Thank you!

Disclaimer - I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.

[Angela Medley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conversations about death are always challenging but this book provides an easy way to start the conversation so that loved ones feel informed about end of life decisions and don’t have to deal with more stress and worry than they are already experiencing in loss. When the financial and estate prep work has been taken care of and communicated effectively, the families can truly grieve and experience the loss fully. There is nothing worse than having to skip a grieving process because you have to search for the will or find the bank account or figure out how to pay the bills. That’s not a burden any of us want to leave so I highly recommend we get our lives in order now by reading this very informative book!

[Penny Shefsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read “Where’s the Key to the Safe” and found it to be a roadmap for learning how to navigate the waters of a loved one’s death. I especially liked the approach of Pam who wrote an emotional and warts-and- all account of her husband’s death and of Cam who was the more practical and fact- given co-author. Dealing with death is an emotional rollercoaster, and having this book as a guide makes the grieving process a little easier to navigate. I definitely recommend this book for everyone and it’s nice to have this topic dealt with in such a caring, compassionate practical manner.

[Ray-Gun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where’s the Key to the Safe?
Wow, what a book and wow to the authors. This is selfless service to live through such an event and use that as power to help others.
The book is excellent and an easy read with what you need to do in each chapter. I thought I was prepared with my Life Insurance Policy and my Will safely placed in a fire box and locked in my larger safe. This book really spells out the additional pieces that I need to put in place to better prepare for my family.
I’m one of the lucky 50 year olds that still have my parents living. I’m buying an additional copy for them.

[Jared Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where’s the Key to the Safe? is a clear, honest guide to getting your financial and legal affairs in order before crisis hits. The authors write from real experience. They don’t lecture or talk over your head. Instead, they offer practical advice mixed with personal stories that make the topic easier to face. It’s not fun to think about death, but this book makes it feel doable. The tone is direct, the language is plain, and the message is simple. I better comprehend now that I need to do the hard stuff now so my loved ones aren’t left scrambling later.

[Ray Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information delivered in an easy to understand manner. Though I have a will and some basic estate planning completed, I found myself motivated to take additional steps to ensure an easy process for my loved ones after I’m gone.

Also with the recent death of my father and the probate process I’m working through, these lessons hit even harder. This book simplifies the process, defines the terms, and provides simple strategies to ‘build your team’ so that you’re informed and prepared. Great read for anyone who may pass someday and for those whose loved ones aren’t immortal either…

[Kylee Fulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book emphasizes the importance of clear communication and thorough preparation to ensure that loved ones are not left in the dark during challenging times.
A particularly valuable aspect of the book is its focus on providing peace of mind for widows and surviving family members. By encouraging readers to leave behind clearly organized records and accessible information, Baker and Zabko show how good planning can reduce stress and confusion during already emotionally difficult moments.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron and Pam did a fantastic job illuminating a topic that none of us wants to face. They did it with humor and grace, but also with directives and check lists. There are so many things to manage when you lose a loved one, and when you are faced with loss and grief, you are not always in the best state of mind to do any of it. This book helps you to prepare ahead of time and ask yourself questions you might not have considered. Do yourself and your family a favor and read it!

[Lynn Hacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought my husband and I were pond the right track when we drew up a will, but this book helped us see gaps in our plan and decisions that still needed to be made. It was helpful in planning for our future.

[Holly Haman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely thorough and very helpful. I have handled several estates of immediate family members and there are several topics in this book that I didn’t think about. Well done Pam and Cameron! Perfect gift idea for your family and close friends!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. It is so helpful and presented in such a unique way. Having a story woven into the information made it all so much more accessible.

[Pam Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for life changes. Cameron and Pam explain all the life decisions that need to be made in terms where it all makes sense. Not a bunch of technical terms that are impossible to understand. Highly recommend!

[Lauri Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From its beautiful cover to the incredibly helpful content, I absolutely loved this book. I only wish I had it two years ago when my husband passed—it would have been an invaluable guide during such a difficult time.

Pam and Cameron have done a phenomenal job of breaking down everything we need to plan for and take care of when a loved one passes. It’s a quick, easy read, and yet it’s packed with wisdom, clarity, and practical steps. For me, knowing them both personally, it felt like they were speaking directly to me through the pages.

I especially appreciated Pam’s comment about never seeing a “girlfriend’s guide to your husband dying”—it made me laugh out loud, even through the heaviness of the topic. That mix of honesty, heart, and humor makes this book truly special.

Whether you’re planning ahead or coping with loss, this is a must-have resource. Pam and Cam, you’ve created something truly meaningful. Thank you.

[Liz Favara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with valuable information for getting your affairs in order. Pam’s sharing of her personal experience was very relatable whether you had already lost a spouse, or you are just getting your affairs in order. Cam’s information was enlightening and thought provoking. I will be rereading this book and checking off the list of things I need, so my affairs are in order for my family. I want to make it as stressless as possible. I wish I had a guide like this book to help me though the difficult time I was having after the loss of my husband.