Forget New Year’s Resolutions. It’s Time for a New Year’s Revolution.
As we step into 2026, many people are thinking about resolutions. Eat better. Exercise more. Spend less time scrolling.
And while those intentions are well meaning, most of us know how this story goes. A few weeks in, life takes over and those resolutions quietly fade into the background.
This year, I would like to suggest something different. Instead of another resolution, let’s talk about a New Year’s revolution.
Not a loud or dramatic one, but a meaningful shift toward clarity, intention, and peace of mind.
Why Clarity Matters More Than Motivation
Motivation comes and goes. Clarity stays.
When people reach out to me through NEXsteps, it is rarely because they lack motivation. Most already know they should have a will. They know they should name a power of attorney and complete a medical directive. They know they should talk to their family.
What holds them back is uncertainty.
Where do I start?
What decisions really matter?
What happens if I get it wrong?
How do I even begin these conversations?
Clarity answers those questions. And once clarity is in place, action becomes much easier.
The Conversations We Keep Postponing
One of the most common regrets I hear from families is not about documents. It’s about the conversations that never happened.
Conversations about wishes
Conversations about values
Conversations about what matters most if something unexpected happens
A New Year’s revolution means deciding that 2026 is the year you stop postponing those discussions. Not because it’s comfortable, but because it’s caring.
Estate planning is not about preparing for death. It’s about protecting the people you love while you are very much alive.
The Foundation Everyone Should Have
You don’t need a complex plan to get started. All you need is a solid foundation.
At a minimum, that foundation includes:
A valid will
A power of attorney
A medical directive or personal directive
Clearly named beneficiaries
An understanding of who will act for you if you cannot
These documents create direction. They reduce confusion. They give your loved ones confidence when they need it most. And, just as importantly, they give you peace of mind today.
Planning as an Act of Empowerment
There’s a noticeable shift that happens once someone takes these steps.
They stop worrying about “what if.”
They stop avoiding the topic altogether.
They feel more in control of their future.
Planning isn’t restrictive; it’s empowering.
For some, that empowerment includes working with financial professionals to reduce taxes or ensure assets are structured properly. For others, it includes preparing legacy messages for loved ones. Written notes. Recorded stories. Even short videos that capture values, memories, or guidance.
This is the part of planning that turns documents into meaning.
How NEXsteps Supports Your New Year’s Revolution
My role through NEXsteps is not to overwhelm you or rush you through a checklist. It’s about helping you create space for thoughtful planning.
That means:
Breaking the process into manageable steps
Helping you understand what decisions matter most
Supporting difficult conversations with clarity and calm
Acting as a guide so you are not navigating this alone
Clarity leads to comfort. Comfort leads to confidence. And confidence brings peace of mind. That’s the real outcome of a New Year’s revolution.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move into 2026, my wish for you is simple.
Less avoidance
More clarity
Fewer unanswered questions
More confidence in the plan you have in place
Your future does not begin someday. It begins with the choices you make now. If you’re ready to replace resolutions with real progress, I invite you to reach out. I would be happy to help you take the first step.
Here’s to a year built on clarity, intention, and peace of mind.
Warm wishes for a safe, healthy, and meaningful 2026.
Prepare Your Will (and Keep the Peace in the Family)
“Where there’s a will, there are relatives.” – Old proverb
Writing a will can feel uncomfortable, but learning how to prepare your will properly is one of the most caring things you can do for your family. It is not just about dividing your assets. It is about reducing confusion, avoiding unnecessary stress, and preventing the classic family disagreements that tend to surface when there is no clear plan.
When done right, your will becomes a final act of kindness, one that spares your loved ones from making tough decisions in an already emotional time. Here are nine steps that will help you prepare your will thoughtfully and keep family peace intact.
1. Choose the right executor
This person is the cornerstone of your estate plan. They will handle the paperwork, deal with institutions, and ensure your wishes are carried out. Choose someone trustworthy, organized, and emotionally capable of managing details and relationships under stress. It is perfectly fine to choose a non-family member, including a professional, if they are the best person for the job.
Think about whether this person has the time and willingness to take on the role, not just the title. An executor may be dealing with grieving family members, lawyers, accountants, banks, and government agencies, sometimes all at once. You should name a backup executor in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to act when the time comes. In some situations, it may also make sense to involve a professional to support or share the role so that your executor is not left to figure everything out on their own.
Marion’s Story
After Marion passed, her oldest son was named executor simply because he was the eldest. He lived out of province, rarely checked emails, and was uncomfortable dealing with financial matters. Six months later, bills went unpaid, the house insurance lapsed, and family tension was at an all time high. Choosing a capable executor at the start could have saved everyone time, money, and frustration.
2. Make a list of your assets and accounts
Think of this as giving your executor a map. List your bank accounts, investments, properties, insurance policies, vehicles, and valuables. Include where to find them and who to contact. Many estates get delayed because nobody knows what exists or where the paperwork is stored.
This list does not need to include exact balances, but it should be detailed enough so that nothing important is missed. Include account numbers, the names of financial institutions, and the location of key documents such as property titles and insurance policies. Remember to include less obvious items, such as workplace pensions, group benefits, or small investment accounts that can easily be overlooked. Store this list in a safe place and update it from time to time so your executor is not left hunting for missing pieces when they already have enough to manage.
3. Name your beneficiaries clearly
Be specific. Instead of saying “divide equally among my children,” clarify what “equally” means and account for any loans or gifts you have already made. Review your insurance and registered investment beneficiary designations; they do not automatically update when your will does.
Blended families, stepchildren, former spouses, and common law relationships can all add layers of complexity. If you want to leave something to a charity, a friend, or a particular family member, put it in writing and use their full legal name. Consider what happens if a beneficiary dies before you. Setting out alternate or contingent beneficiaries can help your plan still work the way you intend. Clear instructions now can prevent confusion and hurt feelings later, especially when family dynamics are already complicated.
4. Address sentimental items
Sentimental belongings often cause the biggest emotional battles. If you want certain people to receive certain keepsakes, write it down. You can include a simple memorandum or letter of wishes to accompany your will. It does not have to be formal, just clear.
Items like jewellery, artwork, tools, collections, and family heirlooms often have more emotional value than financial value. You can list who should receive specific items and why, or you can suggest a process, such as taking turns choosing items in order. If you prefer flexibility and want clarity, keep these wishes in a separate document that is easier to update than the will itself, while still providing guidance to your executor. Taking time to think about these personal items now can prevent long lasting resentment over something that could have been handled with a few sentences.
The Jewellery Box Saga
When John’s mother passed, her will said her personal belongings should be “shared among the children.” What she did not realize was that all three had very different ideas about what that meant. The biggest argument was not about money, it was over a small jewellery box that reminded them of her. A clear list could have prevented the fight entirely.
If you find it hard to keep track of all these details, you are not alone. You can make things easier by using a simple checklist to walk through each of these decisions one by one. The free resource, The Top 9 Things You Absolutely Need To Do To Prepare Your Will, is downloadable here and can help you stay organized as you work through your plan while giving you a bit of a laugh.
5. Include your digital assets
Your digital life matters, too. Think of online banking, email accounts, social media, and cloud storage. Provide instructions for how you would like these handled and how your executor can access them. Just do not write passwords directly into your will! Store them securely elsewhere and tell your executor how to find them.
Your digital assets can also include photo libraries, loyalty points, online subscriptions, websites, and even digital currencies. Without guidance, these accounts may simply disappear or remain inaccessible, which can be frustrating and sometimes costly. Consider using a password manager or a secure record that your executor can access when needed. Decide whether you want social media accounts closed, memorialized, or transferred, and let your executor know your preferences. This is an area many people overlook when they prepare their will, yet it is increasingly important in the digital reality of today’s world.
6. Choose guardians for minor children
If you have dependent adult children or children under 18, this is essential. Name who you would want to care for them and who would manage their inheritance until they are adults. The guardian and trustee can be different people. Without this in place, the courts will decide on your behalf, and they may not choose who you would have picked.
Choosing a guardian is about more than logistics. Think about values, parenting styles, and the stability of the person or couple you are considering. Have an honest conversation with them so they understand the role and can agree to it. You can also outline how you would like funds to be used for your children’s needs, such as education, activities, and healthcare. You may have a trust for a dependent adult child. Putting this guidance in place helps your chosen guardian make decisions that are consistent with your wishes and reduces uncertainty during an already difficult time.
7. Review and update regularly
Life changes, and so should your will. Marriage, divorce, new grandchildren, property purchases, or financial changes all affect your estate plan. Review your will every few years or after any major life event. Outdated instructions can be as damaging as no will at all.
Changes in the law can also affect how your will is interpreted or whether certain clauses still work as intended. Instead of making handwritten changes on your own, which can create confusion or even invalidate the will, speak with a qualified professional about updating it properly. A regular review gives you the chance to confirm that your executor is still the right person, your beneficiaries are still accurate, and your documents still reflect your current life. Think of it as routine maintenance for your legacy.
8. Store your will safely and tell someone where it is
Your will is only useful if it can be found when it is needed. Keep the original in a secure, dry place, not in a filing cabinet that nobody ever opens. Some provinces allow you to register its location, which can help prevent delays in probate. Always tell your executor or a trusted person where the original is kept.
Common storage options include a fire resistant home safe, your lawyer’s office, or a secure storage service recommended by your advisor. Be cautious about storing the only original in a safety deposit box, especially since access is likely to restricted after death. Make sure the location you choose is both safe and practical for the person who will need to retrieve it. A short note to your executor that confirms where the will and other key documents are kept can save a great deal of stress and uncertainty later.
Elaine’s Missing Will
Elaine’s will was carefully prepared but tucked inside a bookcase no one touched for years. When she died, her family could not find it, and the estate had to be settled as if no will existed. The result was a lengthy court process and legal costs that could have been avoided with one short conversation about where to find the document.
9. Communicate your wishes
Even the best drafted will cannot prevent emotional reactions. Have open conversations with your family about what you are doing and why. It may feel awkward, but those discussions can prevent hurt feelings and misunderstandings later. When your family understands your reasoning, they are more likely to respect your choices.
These conversations do not need to cover every dollar or every detail. Instead, focus on the big picture, such as why you chose a particular executor, how you hope property will be handled, or why certain gifts matter to you. Let your loved ones know where your documents are kept and who they can turn to for help. Talking about your plans while you are able to explain them clearly can reduce uncertainty, calm worries, and strengthen trust among the people you care about most.
Final thoughts
Preparing your will is not about wealth, it is about wisdom. By taking time to organize your affairs, name the right people, and document your intentions, you are giving your loved ones a tremendous gift, clarity and calm when they need it most.
If you are unsure where to begin, or you would like a trusted professional to guide you through preparing your will and organizing your estate documents, visit nexsteps.ca to learn more or request a consultation. Together, we can help you plan with confidence and peace of mind.
Do you know what most wills miss? When people think of creating a will, they often breathe a sigh of relief once the legal paperwork is signed. After all, that piece of paper tells everyone who gets what, right?
Well… yes and no.
A will is a legal document—it handles the basics of your estate: who gets your property, who will care for your minor children, and who’s in charge of settling your affairs. But when we look closer at what most wills miss, it becomes clear: a will alone doesn’t fully reflect the life you’ve lived or the legacy you want to leave.
Let’s explore what’s missing from a will, and how a complete legacy plan can fill the gaps—capturing both your values and your assets.
The Legal vs. the Personal
Most wills are transactional. They transfer ownership of things: a house, bank accounts, jewelry, and maybe a few heirlooms. But your life is not just a collection of items—it’s also your values, relationships, stories, intentions, and lessons learned.
Without a more holistic view—one that goes beyond the will—many families are left with:
Unclear guidance about how to handle emotionally sensitive items
Confusion about digital assets like photos, email, or online accounts
Disagreements over items with more sentimental value than financial worth
No written guidance around long-term caregiving wishes or family responsibilities
Even with a will in place, these issues can create unnecessary tension or delay during estate administration.
What a Will Typically Covers
Let’s start with what a standard will includes:
Designation of beneficiaries for your physical and financial assets
Appointment of an executor to carry out your wishes
Guardianship instructions for minor or dependent children
Basic instructions on how debts, taxes, and expenses should be handled
This is the legal foundation. But without a legacy planning strategy in place, your loved ones may still feel lost—left to interpret decisions without your voice or guidance.
7 Critical Elements Most Wills Don’t Address
To create a legacy that reflects your full life—not just your legal obligations—consider these often-overlooked components:
1. Values and Life Lessons
Have you told your family what mattered most to you in life? A legacy letter or ethical will is a non-legal document that expresses your beliefs, values, hopes, and life lessons. It doesn’t direct assets—it shares meaning.
One thoughtful way to do this is with a Digital Memory Legacy Book—a guided collection of your stories, reflections, and messages that future generations can hold onto.
➡️ Learn more about the Digital Memory Legacy Book
This non-financial legacy may become the most cherished part of what you leave behind.
2. Digital Footprint
Most wills don’t cover digital assets like:
Passwords and online banking
Social media accounts
Cloud storage (photos, documents, etc.)
Crypto or digital wallets
A complete legacy plan includes a digital asset inventory and instructions. Otherwise, your digital life could be locked away—or worse, misused.
3. Caregiving and Aging Wishes
A will doesn’t explain how you want to live if you require assistance later in life. That’s where lifestyle and legacy planning come in—documenting preferences for aging in place, caregiving roles, housing transitions, and more.
This proactive layer of planning is essential in today’s aging population and deserves to sit alongside your legal documents.
4. Personal Items with Emotional Weight
Grandpa’s watch. Mom’s recipe box. A family photo album. These often become the biggest sources of conflict because their value isn’t financial—it’s personal.
A personal property distribution list, included in your estate planning checklist, can eliminate confusion and emotional tension.
5. Pet Care Plans
Did you know that legally your pet is “property”? But we know that your pet is more than property—they’re family. While a will might name a caregiver, it rarely includes the day-to-day details that make your pet feel safe and loved. A complete legacy plan outlines routines, dietary needs, medications, and vet contacts, giving your pet a smooth transition and your loved ones peace of mind.
This kind of planning is especially important if you live alone or have loved ones who may not know your pet’s needs firsthand.
6. Instructions for Celebrations or Ceremonies
Your end-of-life wishes deserve to be known—whether it’s a traditional funeral, memorial celebration, or something deeply personal.
Without written preferences, families often default to what feels safest, not what feels right.
7. Who Helps Your Executor?
Even with a clear will, most executors are unprepared for the detailed, time-consuming nature of estate administration.
That’s where NEXsteps can help. Our Executor Essentials and Executor Ally Plus programs provide step-by-step support to guide executors through the legal, financial, and emotional complexities of the role.
Your executor shouldn’t have to figure it all out alone.
The Complete Legacy Planning Checklist
Want to ensure nothing is missed? Use this simplified estate planning checklist as a guide:
✔️ Legal Will (current and signed)
✔️ Power of Attorney (financial)
✔️ Personal Directive (health care)
✔️ Guardianship documents
✔️ Legacy Letter or Ethical Will
✔️ Digital Asset Inventory & Instructions
✔️ Caregiving Preferences & Housing Plan
✔️ Personal Property Distribution List
✔️ Pet Care Plan
✔️ Funeral/Memorial Wishes
✔️ Executor Roadmap & Support Contacts
✔️ Updated Contact List of Key People
✔️ Document Organizer or Master Binder
Reflection: A Will Tells Them What. A Legacy Plan Tells Them Why.
What most wills miss isn’t due to neglect—it’s simply because most people don’t realize how much more they can – and should – include.
Think of your will as the skeleton of your final wishes. A full legacy plan adds the heart—capturing your health preferences, financial values, and personal intentions.
The Top 3 Estate Administration Mistakes Executors Need To Know
Administering an estate is often more complicated than people expect, and three estate administration mistakes consistently top the list of common issues. Even with a clear will and a well-thought-out estate plan, unexpected issues can arise that cause delays, disputes, and financial stress. If you’ve ever taken on the role of executor, you know it’s so much more than just reading a will and handing out assets. It’s a process filled with paperwork, legal requirements, financial accountability, and often, unexpected challenges.
Whether you’re an executor now or planning ahead to make things easier for your loved ones, knowing what can go wrong is half the battle. Let’s take a closer look at three of the most common estate administration pitfalls and how to avoid them.
The Mystery of Missing Assets
One of the biggest headaches an executor can face is tracking down all of the deceased’s assets. You might think everything is accounted for—there’s a house, a car, some bank accounts—but what about that old life insurance policy they forgot to mention? What about the safety deposit box no one knew existed? What about digital assets—cryptocurrency, online investments, or even sentimental items stored in the cloud?
Unfortunately, if the deceased didn’t leave an organized record of their assets, the executor is left playing detective. This process can be time-consuming and frustrating, and if assets go undiscovered, beneficiaries could lose out on their rightful inheritance.
“My father had a small savings account in another province that we had no idea about. We only found out about it a year later when we received a statement in the mail. By then, the estate had already been settled, and getting access to those funds was a nightmare.” – Mark S.
So how can this be avoided? The best solution is preparation. If you’re planning your own estate, create a master document that lists everything—bank accounts, investments, real estate, insurance policies, and even digital assets like email or social media accounts. Keep it somewhere safe but accessible to your executor. If you’re an executor yourself, take your time. Review past tax returns, check unclaimed property databases, and notify financial institutions of the death to uncover any hidden assets. The more thorough you are, the fewer surprises down the road.
The Ticking Time Bomb of Debts and Taxes
A common misconception is that when someone dies, their debts simply disappear. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Before any inheritance can be distributed, the estate must settle outstanding debts and taxes. And here’s where things can get tricky. If debts or taxes are overlooked, it can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.
Imagine this: You, as the executor, start distributing assets to the beneficiaries, only to later discover a sizable unpaid tax bill or a creditor demanding payment. Now, you’re in a tough spot—how do you recover those funds from beneficiaries who may have already spent them? You could be held legally responsible.
“We thought everything was settled until a tax bill from the previous year showed up. By that time, the estate funds were already distributed, and we had to scramble to come up with the money. It was an expensive lesson.” – Susan R.
To prevent this nightmare, executors should first obtain a credit report for the deceased to identify all outstanding debts. It’s also a good idea to publish a notice to creditors in a local newspaper, which gives creditors a set time frame to come forward with claims. On the tax side of things, consulting a professional is key. A final personal income tax return must be filed, and depending on the estate’s value, estate taxes or probate fees might also come into play. The key takeaway? Don’t rush the process. Ensuring that all debts and taxes are accounted for before distributing assets will save a lot of headaches and potential legal liability down the line.
Family Feuds Over Inheritance
It’s a sad reality that money can bring out the worst in people. Even in the closest families, emotions run high when it comes to inheritances. Maybe one sibling feels they deserve more, or another is upset that sentimental items weren’t divided fairly. Perhaps the will is vague, leaving room for interpretation—and disagreement. These disputes can escalate quickly, sometimes even leading to legal battles that drain the estate and fracture family relationships permanently.
“My mother’s will didn’t specify who would get her jewelry collection. My sister and I ended up fighting over it for months, and it created a rift in our relationship that still hasn’t fully healed.” – Emily L.
So, how do you prevent an inheritance from turning into a battleground? The key is clarity and communication. If you’re making your own estate plan, make sure your will is as detailed as possible. Specify who gets what, and if you’re making unequal distributions, explain why. It may also be helpful to discuss your decisions with your family ahead of time to manage expectations. If you’re an executor handling a contested estate, transparency is your best friend. Keep meticulous records, communicate openly with all beneficiaries, and consider mediation if tensions start to rise. Sometimes, having a neutral third party can prevent conflicts from turning into costly court battles.
Final Thoughts
Administering an estate is not just about distributing assets—it’s about navigating a complex process while managing emotions, legal obligations, and financial matters. Losing track of assets, failing to account for debts and taxes, and dealing with family disputes are some of the most common pitfalls that can make estate administration a stressful experience.
The good news? Most of these problems are preventable with proper planning. If you are looking for someone with experience to guide you through the process, read out to NEXsteps. With Certified Executor Advisor certification and real-life experience in these matters, we can help.
Whether you’re setting up your own estate plan or serving as an executor, taking a proactive and organized approach can make all the difference. A little preparation now can save your loved ones from major headaches later—and ensure that your legacy is carried out exactly as you intended.
