It’s Time to Prepare Your Will

The discussion of “spring cleaning your finances” continues on today’s show, as Dave and Reb interview Ottawa lawyer Ian McLean on a subject dear to his heart – preparing your last will and testament.

According to statistics that Ian shares on the show, 50 to 60 per cent of Canadians do not have wills. This is a number that troubles him greatly.

A will is a legal document that outlines your wishes for how you want your property and finances distributed, and your minor children cared for. To ensure your wishes are carried out, you want a will that is written out and signed by you and your witnesses.

A lot of pain for grieving family members can be avoided if people leave their last wishes in this formal document. It takes away government and court involvement, family fighting, and leaves a legacy of trust for those you leave behind.

Ian believes that one of the reasons people don’t have wills is because they don’t like talking about death. “We have a culture that tries to stay young,” he says. “Our culture tries to deny death.”

If you don’t have a will and written legacy for your family, Dave strongly encourages people to discuss this during in the spring season when you can start afresh with your finances.“There is no better time than now, in making the decisions that need to be made for your family,” he says. “If you don’t do it for yourself, do it for those you love.”

To hear how you can make a plan that leaves a lasting legacy, tune in to the show.

Today’s show has been recorded in partnership with Brent Vandermeer and the team at Vandermeer Wealth Management and HollisWealth. We want to thank them for their support and let you know that Brent and his team help their clients find the purpose for their wealth, through extensive financial planning using their unique investment management platform. They help clients track their progress and determine whether they have “more than enough” to reach their future financial goals. You can find them at www.vandermeerwealth.com or by calling 613-722-0408.