Estate Planning: Don't Leave it to Chance

Hello Folks,

If there is one thing I ask you to fully read this year, this is it.

As we evolve our services and we all get older, it has become glaringly apparent that many of us have a need for proper Will and Estate Planning. Through a number of conversations with clients recently, I have discovered that almost all of you are in situations that need a better plan put in place that ensures your wishes on how you want your assets and property distributed after you die, and that it will be executed properly. The tricky part has been finding the right solution that covers the full range of complexities I see, provides access to competent professionals, and is cost effective. We have found that solution.

Do any of these sound like your situation?

• Are you in a blended marriage and want to ensure that if something happens to you that assets will be divided properly to your kids and yet not leave your spouse out on the street?

• Do you have minor children, or your children may be irresponsible with money, and you don’t know how to manage that situation?

• Do you want a professional to settle your estate, so your loved ones are not responsible for managing your affairs while they are grieving?

• Do you think your death might trigger conflict and want a neutral third party to alleviate any burden or liability within your family?

• Are you a young family and want to ensure both your insurance and assets are used to raise your family and not abused or stolen if you pass?

• Are you concerned with who would take care of you or your spouse if you became incapacitated? Or make sure your kids are properly taken care of if something happens to one or both of you?

• Do you have disabled kids or parents that cannot manage their own affairs responsibly?

• Are you recently separated or divorced? Has the Will been updated to reflect that?

• Are you afraid of your assets going to your children's spouse or (future ex-spouse) and their family rather than your grandchildren?

• Does your child have a large debt or credit issues and need creditor protection with the inheritance?

• Do you have assets and no Will because it seems like too much work?

• Have you talked about it lots and just haven't done it yet?

I could go on. You get the point. It's time to act.

I cannot stress the importance of having a proper Will! If you pass away without one -what is called Intestate- this means you will have it done... By the government. The provincial court will decide how your assets are distributed. This process can be long, costly, and a headache for all those involved, and may not be done the way you wanted. I do not think you want the government deciding the fate of your estate. Do your Will.

For years I have been looking for the right solution for clients who need assistance creating a simple Will or those in need of a more complex Estate plan. I have finally found that partner with ClearEstate. This is the new way to plan, monitor and be able to access/change your Will online, and have all relevant information available to your executor in one easy-to-access place. No more binders and searching through folders and cabinets. They offer the full range of solutions from the do-it-yourself case right to full-on complex and in-house managed Trusts, Executorships, and Powers of Attorney.

Contact us at the office to get started. Before it’s too late.

Steve

This information has been prepared by Steve Switzer who is a Portfolio Manager for iA Private Wealth Inc. and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of iA Private Wealth. The information contained in this newsletter comes from sources we believe reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any of the securities mentioned. The information contained herein may not apply to all types of investors. The Portfolio Manager can open accounts only in the provinces in which they are registered. iA Private Wealth Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. iA Private Wealth is a trademark and business name under which iA Private Wealth Inc. operates.

Estate Planning services offered through ClearEstate. Only products offered through iA Private Wealth are covered by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.