Harsh Truth: Plan Your Legacy Now, Or Fail Your Family

2024 3 min read

Let’s face it: we’re all going to die. And if that blunt reality makes us uncomfortable, good—it should. Because if we haven’t planned for it, we’re not just leaving our families grieving; we’re leaving them to clean up a chaotic, avoidable mess.

Here’s the harsh truth:

  • 60% of adults in English-speaking countries die without a will. That’s a majority of people passing without a plan, forcing their families to navigate confusing intestacy laws.
  • Even those with wills often fail to complete the job. Missing asset inventories, unclear instructions, or outdated details make administration a nightmare. Read our posts on A Will is just a By-Product of Good Estate Planning and Why Preparing an Estate is So Much More Than Writing a Will: A Comprehensive Guide
  • Most Executors learn their responsibilities after a loved one’s passing. With zero preparation, they’re thrown into the deep end of probate, debt management, and legal hurdles.
  • Over half of families experience disputes during estate settlements. These disputes destroy relationships, causing lifelong damage at the exact moment families should unite.

Stop Fooling Yourself

Think about it: all those late nights, the sacrifices, the grind to “build something meaningful” for your family—what’s it all for if you can’t protect them from the fallout of your inaction?

When you leave this world without a plan:

  1. Your family faces uncertainty. No clear will? They’ll scramble for information, potentially missing critical details.
  2. Conflict erupts. Without explicit instructions, disputes over assets are almost guaranteed.
  3. Stress and costs skyrocket. Executors face time-consuming, expensive legal processes that they’re rarely equipped to handle.

You might be telling yourself, “I’ll get to it eventually.” Guess what? Eventually is a lie. The best time to plan was years ago. The second-best time is today.

Why Estate Planning Matters

Estate planning isn’t about “controlling your family from the grave.” It’s about love, fairness, and respect. It’s the ultimate act of responsibility, ensuring that:

How to Start Today

Planning your legacy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Platforms like Legacy360 (to prepare) or Estate360 (when your executor`s responsibilities kick in) simplify the process, offering tools to:

  • Consolidate your assets, documents, and wishes in one secure location.
  • Guide Executors and family members through their roles.
  • Minimize disputes with transparency and clarity.

Here’s your roadmap:

  1. Document your assets—everything from your home to your digital accounts.
  2. Write a clear, legally binding will.
  3. Use Legacy360 to organize your estate and communicate your wishes.

The Cost of Waiting

Without a plan, you’re gambling with your family’s future. Don’t assume they’ll just “work it out.” They won’t. Families fall apart over poorly handled estates, even ones with minimal assets.

This isn’t hypothetical. We see it all the time. Don’t let your family become another statistic.

A Final Reality Check

You will die. That’s unavoidable. But leaving your family in chaos is not. Planning your estate is an act of love. It’s proof that you care about your family’s well-being, even after you’re gone.

If you’re not doing it for them, do it for yourself. Most people will be taken care of by their family members at the end of their lives. A solid estate plan helps ensure that support is here when you need it.

Be proactive to avoid unnecessary taxes. Give gifts now. Make an impact while you’re alive to see the difference.

So what’s stopping you? Take a day. Take an hour. Go to Legacy360, and:

  • Secure your family’s future.
  • Ensure your legacy is one of clarity, not confusion.
  • Sleep better knowing you’ve done right by the people who matter most.

The Bottom Line

Stop hiding behind excuses. Stop pretending there’s time. Your family deserves better than your procrastination. Act now. Take responsibility. Leave a legacy of love and clarity—not conflict and regret.

The clock’s ticking. What are you waiting for?

Richard Sanders, CPA, CA, CBV is a seasoned professional and Partner at a leading global Accounting firm, bringing over 35 years of invaluable experience to the advisory board. With a background in Accounting & Finance, he has demonstrated a keen sense of the challenges to business management and growth throughout his career.

Having held key partnerships with several Accounting firms, Richard has a proven track record of success in advising businesses in areas ranging from Audit to Internal Controls, Tax and Valuations. His strategic thinking has been crucial in guiding organizations through periods of startup and growth.

As an advisory board member, Richard provides strategic counsel and invaluable insights on Audit, Finance and Accounting. His expertise and vision play a vital role in shaping the organization’s strategy and driving sustainable growth over the long term.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Accounting & Business Management from the University of Toronto. He continues to stay at the forefront of the Accounting industry’s developments through ongoing education and professional development initiatives.

Richard’s passion for success and his commitment to guiding businesses make him an invaluable asset to the advisory board.

Bob is a distinguished leader in Software M&A, bringing over 40 years of invaluable experience to the advisory board. With a background in the Canadian & US Information Technology sectors, he has demonstrated a keen understanding of the challenges driving business innovation and fostering growth throughout his career.

Having held prominent roles within the Fortune 500, Bob has a proven track record of success in supercharging business growth. His strategic acumen and forward-thinking approach have been instrumental in guiding organizations through periods of change and transformation.

As an advisory board member, Bob provides strategic counsel and invaluable insights on business development, partnerships and strategic alliances. His expertise and vision play a vital role in shaping the organization’s long-term strategy and driving sustainable growth.

Bob holds a BSc in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Ottawa. He continues to stay at the forefront of the Information Technology industry’s developments through ongoing education and professional development initiatives.

Bob’s passion for excellence and his unwavering commitment to the Software Industry make him an invaluable asset to the advisory board, driving the organization’s mission and vision forward with clarity and purpose.

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