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.

So, your great-aunt Mabel left you an unexpected chunk of change. First off, our condolences – and congratulations? (It’s okay to feel both sad and excited – money emotions are complicated!)

Let’s face it—talking about wills and powers of attorney (POA) isn’t exactly the most thrilling dinner table topic. But stick with us! Creating these essential documents isn’t just about creating paperwork; it’s about making sure your family doesn’t have to guess what you would have wanted while juggling life’s curveballs. Plus, wouldn’t you rather call the shots even if you’re not around to say, “I told you so”?

Talking to your kids, or other loved ones, about your estate plan may not be the easiest topic to bring up, but it’s an important step in preparing your family for the future. By being open and transparent, you can help your family understand your wishes, reduce confusion, and promote harmony when it comes time to manage your affairs.

Think estate planning is just for the rich and famous – think again. It’s for anyone who wants to ensure a legacy for their loved ones so there’s no better time than now to get started. And, once it’s done, you’ll have the peace of mind that everything’s sorted.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you rolling.

Let’s be honest – being named an executor isn’t exactly like winning the lottery. In fact, it’s more like inheriting a part-time job you never applied for. But understanding what this role entails can help you decide whether to accept this honour (or politely decline it).

Creating an estate plan involves working with several professionals to ensure your plan is legally sound, comprehensive, and tailored to your goals. Here’s who you may need to collaborate with:

Do you remember the good old days: $5 footlongs at Subway, Toonie Tuesdays at KFC or a BigMac extra value meal for less than $5? The price of these delicious meals long ago versus the prices now are examples of inflation. Sadly, this has drastically affected my fast food addiction. Unless you’ve been living in a cave, I’m sure you’ve noticed that hardly anything lately has been immune to these price hikes. In this blog, I am going to do my best to describe inflation, how it can hurt your future self and some options you have available to reduce its effects.

Retirement planning is more than just opening an RSP or contributing to a pension plan through your employer. There are life changes, tax implications, short term goals, current cash flow, risk tolerance questions, and much more to consider. Establishing a strong relationship with a financial planner can help you focus, keep you on track, and ensure that someone is equally invested in helping you achieve your retirement goals.

This is one of the questions that most investors find themselves asking once they have either ceased employment or are down to part time, or maybe even once a health event hits. As usual, there is no one size fits all solution to this question, but I want to shed some light on some of the underlying factors that go into the decision.