BEFORE THE CALL: Planning Ahead as an Act of Love

Published July 3, 2026, BEFORE THE CALL: A Family Guide to Planning Ahead for the People You Love Most by Eric Gage is a practical and deeply moving guide that reframes legacy planning as an act of love. Every adult child knows the fear, even if they never say it out loud: the call that changes everything.

The Emotional ROI of Preparation

Gage identifies the "planning premium"—the profound peace of mind that comes from having difficult conversations before they are forced by crisis. In a 2026 economy where families are increasingly mobile and fragmented, BEFORE THE CALL provides a tactical roadmap for protecting the people who raised you. The book's focus on "practical love"—the sometimes uncomfortable work of organizing documents, wishes, and conversations—aligns perfectly with the ChildCost mission of building robust, resilient family systems.

Strategic Lessons for Families:

• Proactive Care: Turning logistical preparation into a gesture of deep family connection.
• Transparent Legacy: Why sharing wishes and plans reduces anxiety across generations.
• Systemic Resilience: Building family infrastructure that survives economic and personal volatility.

The ChildCost Verdict

BEFORE THE CALL is an essential volume for any family bookshelf. Gage reminds us that the ultimate ROI of parenting is not just in the raising of children, but in the graceful and prepared navigation of the full life cycle.