A Practical Legacy Planning Tool for Financial Planners

This resource explores how financial planners can use legacy planning to support clients beyond financial advice. It focuses on organising essential records, capturing care wishes, and helping clients prepare for life transitions with clarity and confidence.

Estate planning is often a delicate topic that many financial professionals hesitate to bring up during consultations. Despite knowing its importance, advisers sometimes feel it’s outside their expertise or lack a clear framework to discuss wills and legacy planning effectively. Imagine turning this awkward conversation into a streamlined, value-added service simply by leveraging a smart digital tool. This blog explores how Evaheld Legacy Vault empowers advisers to bridge that gap with ease and professionalism.

Why Estate Planning Conversations Often Stall Among Advisers

Estate planning is a critical component of holistic financial planning, yet many advisers find themselves hesitating or avoiding the conversation altogether. Despite understanding its importance, advisers often encounter a range of barriers that cause these discussions to stall. Recognising and addressing these challenges is the first step towards bridging the estate planning gap and delivering greater value to clients.

Perceived Scope and Role Boundaries

Many financial planners and risk advisers acknowledge that estate planning—including wills, powers of attorney, and guardianship—is essential for their clients’ long-term security. However, there is a common perception that discussing these topics falls outside their professional scope. Estate planning is often viewed as a legal specialty, best left to solicitors. This belief can lead advisers to sidestep the topic, missing opportunities to provide a truly comprehensive financial planning service.

Lack of Structured Approaches

One of the most significant reasons estate planning conversations stall is the absence of a clear, structured framework. Without a practical process to follow, advisers may feel uncertain about how to raise the topic or guide clients through the necessary steps. This discomfort can result in estate planning being left off the agenda, even when advisers know it should be addressed. The lack of a workflow also means advisers may not know how to document these discussions for compliance purposes, increasing their reluctance to engage.

Estate planning is often associated with complex legal jargon and intricate documentation. Advisers may worry that they lack the legal expertise to answer client questions or that they might inadvertently provide advice outside their qualifications. This fear of overstepping professional boundaries or making compliance errors can be paralysing, causing advisers to avoid the conversation altogether.

Emotional Client Responses

Discussing topics like incapacity, death, and asset distribution can be emotionally charged for clients. Advisers may hesitate to broach the subject, concerned about triggering anxiety or discomfort. This emotional aspect adds another layer of complexity, making it easier for advisers to defer the conversation rather than risk upsetting their clients.

Compliance and Documentation Concerns

Compliance is a key concern for financial planners. Advisers worry about how to properly document estate planning discussions, especially when they are not the ones drafting legal documents. The risk of non-compliance or inadequate record-keeping can deter advisers from initiating these conversations, even when they recognise the value for their clients.

Missed Value and Opportunities

When advisers avoid estate planning, they not only miss the chance to protect their clients’ interests but also lose an opportunity to differentiate their practice. Clients increasingly expect holistic financial planning, and the ability to facilitate estate planning discussions adds tangible value. Moreover, a structured approach to estate planning can enhance client trust, satisfaction, and retention.

Bridging the Gap with Evaheld Legacy Vault

Tools like the Evaheld Legacy Vault offer a practical solution to these challenges. By providing a clear workflow—introducing the concept during a strategy meeting, allowing clients to organise their documents and wishes in their own time via the app, and following up to review and integrate this information—advisers can confidently facilitate estate planning. The Evaheld partner dashboard allows advisers to monitor engagement and document the process for compliance, turning a traditionally awkward conversation into a streamlined, value-added service step. This approach empowers advisers to overcome barriers, deliver comprehensive financial planning, and ensure clients’ estate planning needs are met.

Plan ahead with confidence — create your free Advance Care Plan in the Evaheld Legacy Vault to record your healthcare wishes, appoint decision-makers, and give your loved ones clarity, comfort, and peace of mind.

Introducing Estate Planning with Evaheld: Scripted, Simple, Effective

For many financial planners and risk advisers, the topic of estate planning is both essential and daunting. While advisers recognise the importance of discussing wills and asset management, it’s common to feel uncertain about how to approach the conversation or worry that it falls outside their professional remit. Evaheld bridges this gap, offering a practical, compliant, and client-friendly estate planning tool that transforms an awkward topic into a streamlined, value-added service step.

A Scripted Approach to Estate Planning Conversations

One of the most effective ways to overcome adviser hesitation is to use a straightforward, scripted introduction. This not only removes anxiety but also ensures consistency and professionalism in every client interaction. Here’s a ready-to-use script for introducing estate planning during a client review:

“As part of our holistic review, we look at how your assets would be managed if you were unable to act. An important part of that is ensuring your legal documents are in order. We have a tool to help you organise this.”

This simple script naturally integrates estate planning into the broader financial review, positioning it as a standard part of comprehensive client care. It also opens the door to introduce the Evaheld Legacy Vault as the solution.

Evaheld Legacy Vault: A Practical Estate Planning Tool

The Evaheld Legacy Vault is a secure, digital platform designed to help clients organise and store their important legal documents, wishes, and instructions. By leveraging this estate planning tool, advisers can:

  • Empower clients to manage their estate information in their own time, reducing pressure during meetings.
  • Enhance security with bank-grade encryption, ensuring all sensitive information is protected.
  • Streamline compliance by documenting client engagement and actions within the Evaheld partner dashboard.
  • Increase client trust by providing a modern, transparent, and user-friendly solution.

Ideal Workflow for Advisers Using Evaheld

  1. Introduce the concept during the strategy or annual review meeting using the provided script.
  2. Invite the client to use the Evaheld Legacy Vault app to organise their documents and wishes at their own pace.
  3. Schedule a follow-up meeting to review the information (with client permission) and ensure it aligns with the broader financial plan.
  4. Refer to a solicitor for complex drafting or legal advice if required, ensuring the client receives comprehensive support.

This workflow not only simplifies the estate planning process but also clearly demonstrates the adviser’s proactive approach to client wellbeing and risk management.

Client Autonomy and Enhanced Engagement

Evaheld is designed to support client-led information input. Clients can access the Evaheld Legacy Vault from any device, allowing them to update their details, upload documents, and record wishes at their convenience. This autonomy fosters greater engagement and ensures that the information is accurate and up-to-date.

Security, Compliance, and Value-Add

Security is paramount in estate planning. Evaheld employs bank-grade encryption and robust access controls, giving both advisers and clients peace of mind. Additionally, the Evaheld partner dashboard provides a compliance-friendly way to track client engagement, document adviser actions, and demonstrate value to both clients and regulators.

By integrating the Evaheld Legacy Vault into their service offering, advisers can confidently bridge the estate planning gap, deliver tangible value, and strengthen client relationships through a secure, effective, and client-centred approach.

For many financial planners, risk advisers, and client relationship managers, discussing estate planning can feel daunting. While it is widely recognised as an essential part of holistic advice, the lack of a clear workflow and practical tools often leads to hesitation. The Evaheld Legacy Vault and its integrated Evaheld partner dashboard offer a structured, compliant, and client-friendly solution that bridges this gap. Below is a practical, step-by-step workflow designed to make estate planning conversations and processes manageable, transparent, and valuable for both adviser and client.

1. Introduce Estate Planning During the Strategy Meeting

Start by acknowledging the importance of estate planning as part of a comprehensive financial review. Use a simple, scripted approach to introduce the topic:

“As part of our holistic review, we look at how your assets would be managed if you were unable to act. An important part of that is ensuring your legal documents are in order. We have a tool to help you organise this.”

This approach normalises the conversation and positions estate planning as a standard, value-added service rather than an uncomfortable afterthought.

2. Client Uses Evaheld Legacy Vault App Independently

After the initial discussion, invite the client to use the Evaheld Legacy Vault app. This estate planning software empowers clients to:

  • Catalogue their key documents (wills, powers of attorney, insurance policies, etc.)
  • Record personal wishes and instructions
  • Access educational resources and checklists

Clients can complete this step in their own time, which increases participation and reduces pressure. The self-guided nature of the app also ensures clients feel in control of their information.

3. Planner Reviews Client Data via Evaheld Partner Dashboard

With the client’s explicit permission, advisers can access the information uploaded to the Evaheld partner dashboard. This dashboard provides:

  • Real-time engagement monitoring
  • Visibility of which documents and wishes have been catalogued
  • Alerts for missing or incomplete information

This structured workflow enables advisers to track client progress, identify gaps, and prepare for meaningful follow-up discussions. It also supports compliance by documenting each interaction and permission granted.

4. Align Estate Data with the Broader Financial Plan

During the follow-up meeting, review the client’s estate data within the context of their overall financial strategy. Discuss how their documented wishes and legal arrangements align with their goals for wealth transfer, risk management, and family protection. This step ensures estate planning is not siloed but integrated with the client’s broader objectives.

Some estate planning needs—such as complex trust structures, blended family arrangements, or business succession—may require specialist legal input. Use the insights from the Evaheld dashboard to identify these areas. With the client’s consent, refer them to a qualified solicitor for further drafting or legal advice. This seamless handover demonstrates professionalism and care.

6. Document Interactions for Compliance and Transparency

Throughout the process, all adviser-client interactions, permissions, and document reviews are recorded within the Evaheld ecosystem. This not only supports regulatory compliance but also provides a transparent service record, enhancing client trust and audit readiness.

By following this workflow, advisers can confidently integrate estate planning into their service offering, leveraging the Evaheld Legacy Vault and partner dashboard to streamline the process, improve client engagement, and deliver measurable value.

Tangible Benefits: Adding Value, Enhancing Experience, Compliance-Ready

Peace of Mind Through Organised, Accessible Essentials

One of the most immediate and measurable benefits of integrating the Evaheld Legacy Vault into estate planning conversations is the peace of mind it delivers to clients. By providing a central, secure location for all essential documents—such as wills, advance care directives, and power of attorney paperwork—clients can be confident that their wishes are documented, accessible, and protected. This reduces the stress and confusion often faced by families during critical moments, ensuring that important instructions are never lost or overlooked.

Enhancing Adviser Value: Positioning as a Holistic Planner

For financial planners, risk advisers, and client relationship managers, the Evaheld Legacy Vault is more than just a digital filing cabinet. It is a practical tool that elevates the adviser’s role from transactional to truly holistic. By introducing the Vault during a strategy meeting—using a simple script such as,

“As part of our holistic review, we look at how your assets would be managed if you were unable to act. An important part of that is ensuring your legal documents are in order. We have a tool to help you organise this.”

—advisers can confidently bridge the estate planning gap. This approach demonstrates genuine care for the client’s broader wellbeing, not just their financial assets.

  • Workflow Integration: Advisers introduce the concept, clients organise documents in their own time via the app, and follow-up meetings ensure alignment with the financial plan.
  • Client Engagement: The Evaheld partner dashboard allows advisers to monitor client progress and engagement, making follow-ups timely and relevant.
  • Referral Pathways: For complex matters, the process supports seamless referrals to legal professionals.

Compliance-Ready: Documentable and Secure

Regulatory compliance is a central concern for financial professionals. The Evaheld Legacy Vault is designed with this in mind. Every step of the process—from document upload to permission management—is fully documentable, providing a clear audit trail that supports compliance with industry standards. Advisers can demonstrate that they have addressed estate planning, discussed key documents, and facilitated secure storage, all of which can be referenced in compliance reviews.

  • Bank-Grade Encryption: The Vault uses bank-grade encryption and secure online storage, ensuring that sensitive information is protected against unauthorised access.
  • Permission Controls: Multiple permission levels allow clients to decide who can view or edit each document, supporting both privacy and collaboration.
  • Audit Trails: Every action is logged, providing transparency and accountability for compliance purposes.

Simplifying Complex Topics: Advance Care Directives & Power of Attorney

Estate planning often involves sensitive and complex topics, such as advance care directives and power of attorney arrangements. The Evaheld Legacy Vault streamlines these discussions by offering dedicated modules for each document type. Clients can upload, update, and share these documents securely, making it easier for advisers to ensure that all necessary legal instruments are in place and up to date.

Legacy Preservation: Supporting Family Bonds and Ethical Wills

Beyond financial and legal documents, the Evaheld Legacy Vault supports the preservation of personal values and family stories through ethical wills and legacy messages. These features allow clients to leave behind more than just assets—they can share life lessons, family traditions, and personal reflections, strengthening family bonds and providing comfort to loved ones.

By integrating security, compliance, and emotional legacy tools, the Evaheld Legacy Vault delivers tangible, measurable benefits for both clients and advisers, making estate planning a seamless and value-added part of the holistic financial planning process.

Evaheld Legacy Vault Ecosystem: Tools That Turn Awkward Into Easy

For many financial planners and risk advisers, estate planning is a recognised necessity, yet it often feels like a conversation best left to solicitors. The challenge is not a lack of intent, but rather the absence of a practical, compliant, and client-friendly framework. The Evaheld Legacy Vault ecosystem bridges this gap, offering a digital estate planning solution that transforms an awkward topic into an easy, value-added service step.

Introducing Estate Planning with Confidence

Advisers can seamlessly introduce the estate planning conversation using a simple, scripted approach:

“As part of our holistic review, we look at how your assets would be managed if you were unable to act. An important part of that is ensuring your legal documents are in order. We have a tool to help you organise this.”

This positions Evaheld as a practical, supportive resource, rather than an intimidating legal process.

Streamlined Workflow for Advisers and Clients

  1. Introduce the concept during a strategy meeting, explaining the importance of digital estate planning and how Evaheld can help.
  2. Client uses the Evaheld Legacy Vault app to organise vital documents, wishes, and legacy content in their own time, with intuitive prompts and AI-powered suggestions.
  3. Planner reviews client progress via the Evaheld partner dashboard, which displays real-time engagement status and highlights areas needing attention.
  4. Follow-up meeting to review information (with client permission), ensuring alignment with the financial plan and identifying if referral to a solicitor is required for complex drafting.

This workflow not only simplifies the process but also ensures that every step is documentable for compliance and audit purposes. Advisers can demonstrate tangible value, enhancing both client trust and professional credibility.

Key Features That Set Evaheld Apart

  • Client App for Easy Organisation: The Evaheld Legacy Vault app enables clients to securely collect and store wills, powers of attorney, insurance policies, and even personal wishes. It supports structured data, cloud sync, and media integration for a comprehensive digital estate plan.
  • Partner Dashboard with Real-Time Engagement: Advisers can monitor client activity and progress in real time, allowing for timely follow-ups and improved responsiveness. This data-driven approach boosts client engagement and ensures no detail is overlooked.
  • Zero-Knowledge Security: Evaheld employs zero-knowledge security protocols, meaning only the client can access their sensitive data. Even Evaheld staff cannot view the contents, ensuring privacy and data integrity at the highest standard.
  • QR Access Cards for Emergency Responders: Clients can generate QR Access Cards, providing first responders with secure, time-limited access to essential documents in emergencies—a unique feature that adds real-world value and peace of mind.
  • AI Assistant Charli: Evaheld’s AI assistant, Charli, guides clients through the process, offering legacy content suggestions, reminders, and collaborative tools for involving family or advisers. This user-friendly touch demystifies legacy planning and encourages completion.
  • Support for Family Heirlooms and Ethical Wills: Beyond legal documents, Evaheld allows clients to record videos, upload photos, and document the stories behind family heirlooms or ethical wills, preserving personal legacies for future generations.

Enhancing the Adviser-Client Relationship

The Evaheld Legacy Vault ecosystem is more than just a digital filing cabinet. It is a collaborative platform that empowers advisers to offer proactive, holistic estate planning support. By leveraging real-time data, zero-knowledge security, and AI-driven guidance, Evaheld turns a traditionally awkward conversation into a streamlined, compliant, and highly valued part of the client experience.

Real-World Stories: How Evaheld Changed the Estate Planning Conversation

Overcoming Client Reluctance with a Simple Script

Many financial planners know the importance of discussing estate planning, but often hesitate, unsure how to introduce the topic without overstepping. One Sydney-based adviser, Mark, shared how Evaheld’s structured approach made all the difference. Using the recommended introduction—“As part of our holistic review, we look at how your assets would be managed if you were unable to act. An important part of that is ensuring your legal documents are in order. We have a tool to help you organise this.”—he was able to open the conversation naturally. Mark reported that clients responded positively, appreciating the practical support rather than feeling pressured. The Evaheld Legacy Vault provided a clear next step, making the estate planning conversation a routine part of his client engagement process.

Preserving Family Heirlooms and Legacy Letters Digitally

For many families, estate planning is about more than just assets—it’s about preserving memories and values. The Smith family, for example, used Evaheld’s estate planning software to create a digital inventory of family heirlooms, complete with photos and stories. They also uploaded legacy letters, ensuring future generations would understand the significance of each item. This digital record not only safeguarded their treasures but also sparked meaningful conversations about legacy and family history. The ability to store and share these items securely in the Evaheld Legacy Vault added a new dimension to their planning, blending emotional and practical needs seamlessly.

Building Trust Through Permission Controls and Security

Security and privacy are top concerns for clients sharing sensitive information. One client, Jane, highlighted how Evaheld’s permission controls gave her confidence to participate fully. She explained,

“I liked that I could choose exactly who could see each document and when. It made me feel safe sharing personal wishes and financial details.”

The platform’s robust permission controls allowed Jane to grant her adviser access only to relevant documents, while keeping other information private. This feature not only increased her trust in the process but also encouraged her to engage more deeply with her estate planning.

Remote Collaboration with AI Assistant Charli

Modern families are often spread across different cities or even countries. Evaheld’s AI assistant, Charli, played a pivotal role for the Nguyen family, who needed to coordinate estate planning remotely. Charli guided family members through the process, answering questions and helping them upload documents at their own pace. The adviser could track progress via the Evaheld partner dashboard, ensuring everyone was on the same page. This streamlined workflow made it possible to involve all stakeholders, regardless of location, and kept the process moving smoothly.

Empowering Clients to Discuss Care Wishes Openly

An unexpected benefit reported by several advisers was the way Evaheld empowered clients to talk openly about their care wishes. By providing a secure, structured environment, clients felt more comfortable discussing topics like guardianship, medical directives, and end-of-life preferences. This openness led to more complete estate plans and reduced the risk of misunderstandings down the line. Advisers noted that these conversations often brought families closer together, turning a traditionally awkward topic into an opportunity for connection.

Enhanced Compliance and Smoother Referrals

From a technical perspective, planners found that Evaheld’s estate planning software improved compliance and documentation. The platform automatically recorded client engagement, document uploads, and adviser interactions, creating a clear audit trail. When complex legal drafting was required, advisers could refer clients to solicitors with all necessary information neatly organised. This not only saved time but also ensured a higher standard of service and compliance.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Estate Planning With Digital Tools

As the financial advice landscape evolves, so too do client expectations around estate planning and legacy preservation. Increasingly, clients seek not just traditional wills and asset management, but secure, user-friendly digital estate planning solutions that reflect the realities of modern life. The shift towards digital tools is not only a response to this demand but a proactive step for advisers aiming to deliver comprehensive, future-proof services.

One of the most significant changes is the integration of estate planning software into the adviser-client relationship. Tools like the Evaheld Legacy Vault are at the forefront, offering a practical, cloud-synchronised platform for clients to organise, store, and share their most important documents and wishes. This digital vault goes beyond asset lists and legal documents, enabling the inclusion of ethical wills—personal messages, values, and stories—ensuring that a client’s legacy is preserved for generations.

The workflow for advisers is now more streamlined and collaborative. Rather than feeling that estate planning is outside their scope, advisers can confidently introduce the topic with a simple, client-centred script: “As part of our holistic review, we look at how your assets would be managed if you were unable to act. An important part of that is ensuring your legal documents are in order. We have a tool to help you organise this.” From there, the process is straightforward: introduce the concept during a strategy meeting, invite the client to use the Evaheld app to organise their documents and wishes in their own time, and then review the information together to ensure it aligns with the broader financial plan. For more complex needs, a referral to a solicitor remains best practice.

The Evaheld partner dashboard provides advisers with real-time engagement status, making it easy to track client progress and document compliance. This not only adds tangible value to the adviser-client relationship but also ensures that every step is documentable for compliance and audit purposes. The digital ecosystem transforms what was once an awkward or overlooked conversation into a seamless, value-added service step.

Looking to the future, the potential for further integration is vast. Estate planning software like Evaheld is increasingly connecting with legal services and insurance providers, creating a unified digital experience for clients. Artificial intelligence and cloud synchronisation are making it easier for advisers and clients to collaborate securely, with advanced data protection and instant updates across devices. These technological advances are shaping new standards for client-adviser interactions, with transparency, accessibility, and security at their core.

The importance of ethical wills and legacy sharing is also growing. Clients are recognising the value of passing on not just financial assets, but their values, stories, and care wishes. Digital vaults play a crucial role in preserving family bonds, allowing future generations to access a rich, enduring legacy that goes beyond paperwork.

For financial planners, risk advisers, and client relationship managers, embracing these digital tools early is key to maintaining a competitive advantage. Clients will increasingly expect their advisers to offer secure, cloud-based solutions that address both the practical and emotional aspects of estate planning. By integrating platforms like Evaheld into their practice, advisers can confidently bridge the estate planning gap, meet evolving client expectations, and deliver a truly holistic service.

In summary, the future of estate planning lies in digital innovation. By adopting estate planning software and leveraging the power of cloud synchronisation and AI, advisers can ensure they are not only meeting compliance requirements but also enriching the client experience and preserving legacies for generations to come.

Future-Proof Your Family’s Story with the Evaheld Legacy Vault

Imagine a single, permanent home for your life's most precious layers: the laughter in your stories, the wisdom in your wishes, and the clarity of your care plans. The Evaheld Legacy Vault is that home—a guaranteed sanctuary for your legacy, designed to outlive the digital noise and ensure your voice is heard for generations.

This is more than storage; it's the one account your family will thank you for creating.

Take control of what matters most — set up your free Evaheld Legacy Vault to keep your stories, care wishes, and essential documents safe, organised, and instantly shareable with loved ones and advisers, for life.

Get Your Vault Running in Minutes with Charli, Your AI Legacy Preservation Assistant

Stop feeling overwhelmed. Charli is your proactive guide who simplifies every step—from setting up your vault and inviting family members to sending smart content requests and helping you articulate your stories. She doesn't just help you write; she helps you build, ensuring your entire legacy is preserved efficiently and authentically.

Your All-in-One Legacy Solution

  • Preserve a Rich, Living History: Build a first-person narrative with video messages, audio recordings, legacy letters, and recipes—a digital heirloom where your wisdom and memories are kept safe and searchable.
  • Co-Create in Family Rooms: Spark conversations and gather memories together in shared, collaborative spaces. It’s a living scrapbook that grows with every contribution from your family.
  • Simplify Every Step with Charli, Your AI Legacy Preservation Assistant: From onboarding and inviting family to sending content requests and articulating your stories, Charli provides proactive guidance throughout your entire legacy-building journey—ensuring nothing is forgotten while keeping the process effortless.
  • Honour Your Care Wishes: Complete your legally valid Digital Advance Care Directive with our intuitive tool. Grant loved ones and clinicians instant, secure access, ending frantic document searches for good.
  • Grant Emergency Access in Seconds: Share or print your unique QR Emergency Access Card. A single scan gives first responders immediate access to your directives, enabling faster, better-aligned care when every second counts.
  • Safeguard Every Essential Document: Consolidate your will, power of attorney, superannuation details, and more in one bank-grade encrypted vault. Your family will always find what they need, securely.

How to Secure Your Legacy in Minutes

  1. Start Your Free Vault: Claim your personal, secure space in under a minute. No cost, no commitment.
  2. Add Your People & Open Rooms: Invite family to shared Rooms to begin co-creating your story and sending content requests.
  3. Build Your Legacy: Use your built-in AI assistant to help capture memories and refine your messages. Upload documents and record your care wishes. Your voice, preserved forever.

Why Thousands Are Choosing Evaheld

By starting your free Evaheld Legacy Vault, you gain:

  • A Living Time Capsule — preserve your family’s identity, values, and care choices in one lasting digital home.
  • With Charli, Your AI Assistant, Preserving Your Story is Effortless
  • Ease & Organisation — everything important, easily shared and always up to date.
  • Peace of Mind for All Generations — loved ones know exactly what you wish, and where to find it.
  • Free to Begin, Forever to Keep — create your vault now and secure lifetime access

Watch our Cofounder's Story to learn why we’re so passionate about Legacy Preservation and Advance Care Planning

The Best 3 Resources to Get Started

Start Your Vault — It’s Free and Forever Yours

Building your Evaheld Legacy Vault takes minutes — and protects your stories, care plans, and family legacy for generations. Give your loved ones the greatest gift of all: peace of mind that never expires.

TL;DR: Financial planners can seamlessly integrate estate planning conversations using Evaheld Legacy Vault, a secure digital platform that simplifies organising essential documents, supports client autonomy, and documents compliance, ultimately enhancing client trust and experience.

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