[Many people avoid writing wills because they don’t feel ready to pass on yet, but the universe doesn’t care and the government already has one written for you with a higher tax rate.]
[The power of writing down “what occurs to you” can be helpful for gaining clarity.]
[Even if “you’re gone when you’re gone” and don’t care what happens to your stuff, it’s wise to make a power of attorney.]
[In some Canadian provinces, probating a will essentially makes it public. One workaround is to use a trust, which is often a private document.]
[For the first year, avoid taking complicated decisions (especially when you’re brain is foggy) and just mourn.]
[Trusts can own assets when passed to them by the settlor, and beneficiaries can be classes of definable people or entities (for example, grandchildren not yet born).]
[Those over 65 can create Alter Ego Trusts in place of a will to distribute assets with more privacy, and transfer some assets into a trust without taxation events.]
[Advisors you might deal with include: bankers, investment advisors, estate planners, insurance advisors, lawyers, and accountants. The last two must be fiduciaries (obliged to act in your interest under risk of legal proceedings or loss of license.)]
[Ask progressively squirm-causing questions, about their 1) qualifications and if they’re regulated by an organization; 2) experience in years; 3) services and how often you’ll meet; 4) licenses to handles specific asset types (like stocks, bonds, etc…); 5) errors and omissions insurance; 6) their team if any to be wary of rookies thrown in later; 7) fees and payment structure; 8) sales quota this week; 9) understanding of fiduciary and if they are one (they must answer this correctly); 10) audited track record of selecting investments; a) answers in writing on company letterhead.]
[Writing a will is unselfish because it mostly benefits your loved ones as opposed to you.]
[Update your will when someone turns 18, gets married or divorced, or if you move to another state or buy real estate. Check it every five years.]