Let’s face it – discussing estate planning with your parents might feel about as comfortable as watching a romantic movie scene with them. But unlike your teenage years, this conversation is one you definitely shouldn’t skip. After all, nobody wants to be caught in a messy family situation that could have been avoided with a few candid chats.
Here’s how to break the ice without breaking into a cold sweat:
No, we’re not talking about lunch. Begin with expressing how much you care about them and their wishes, then ease into the estate planning chat, and wrap up by reinforcing your support. Something like: “Mom, Dad, I’ve been thinking about how you’ve always taken such good care of us. I’d love to make sure your wishes are taken care of too.”
You don’t need to channel your inner funeral director. Try: “Remember how chaotic it was when Aunt Linda passed away without a will? I’d really love to avoid that family reunion remake.” A touch of humour can help everyone relax while keeping the conversation productive.
Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Start with the basics: Do they have a will? Who’s their executor? Where do they keep important documents? Think of it as a TV series rather than a movie – you can always have multiple episodes. Future conversations can dive deeper into topics like power of attorney, healthcare directives, and insurance policies.
Your parents might surprise you with their openness once you get the ball rolling. They might even have plans you didn’t know about. (Surprise: Mom’s leaving her vintage record collection to your brother!) Let them lead the way in sharing what they’re comfortable with, and don’t push for information they’re not ready to discuss.
If they’re not ready to talk, respect that. Plant the seed and try again later. Maybe share an article (like this one!) or mention a friend who recently got their affairs in order. Sometimes, it takes a few attempts before parents feel ready to open up about these matters.
When it comes to estate planning you deserve peace of mind. We’ll help you start the right conversations today, so your family’s tomorrow is as clear and stress-free as possible.
Frame the conversation around ensuring their wishes are respected, not about what you or your siblings might inherit. This isn’t about claiming dibs on Dad’s prized fishing boat – it’s about making sure their legacy is handled exactly as they want it to be.
Sometimes, having a neutral third party involved can make the conversation easier. Suggest meeting with a financial advisor or estate planner together. They can help guide the discussion and ensure all important bases are covered.
Once you’ve had that first successful conversation, don’t let the topic drop entirely. Check in periodically, especially when there are major life changes like retirement, health issues, or changes in the family structure.
Remember, this conversation isn’t about inheritance – it’s about ensuring your parents’ wishes are honoured and making a difficult time a little easier for everyone. Plus, you’ll sleep better knowing you won’t have to play detective with their filing system later. Who knows? You might even end up having some meaningful family moments along the way. Just maybe skip the romantic movie marathon.
Come in and speak to one of our advisors today.
Note The information contained in this article was obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, we cannot guarantee that it is accurate or complete. This material is for informational and educational purposes and it is not intended to provide specific advice including, without limitation, investment, financial, tax or similar matters. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Aviso Wealth.
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