Ethical Wills: The Missing Piece in Estate Planning
I remember it well—two days after coming back from our honeymoon, my husband and I were sitting in the lawyer’s office drafting our first will. We were 30, just beginning our life together, yet here we were, making plans for a future we hoped was far away. Some might have thought we were overly cautious, but to us, it just felt right.
Fast forward 13 years—we’ve updated our wills multiple times. Because life brings change. Yet 60% of Canadians don’t even have a will. A striking 70% don’t have an estate plan. Why?
Research shows many reasons: some feel it’s too soon to address, others find the process overwhelming, and some believe estate planning is only for the wealthy. But perhaps there’s another reason—estate planning is often framed as just about finances when, in reality, it’s about so much more.
In busy lives, it’s easy to put off planning, seeing it as a “someday” task. But here’s the thing: legacy isn’t just about assets. It’s about ensuring your voice, values, and lessons aren’t lost. Because no matter what’s happening in the world, the wisdom, stories, and guidance we pass down have lasting value.
Anyone who has lost someone understands the void of their absence—the silence that follows can be deafening. The wisdom they carried, the experiences they lived, the impact they made—it all matters. Yet too often, their insights fade with time, leaving behind unanswered questions. What shaped their decisions? What were their biggest lessons? What did they hope for the future? These aren’t just sentimental questions—they’re the foundation of wisdom, well-being, and connection across generations.
That’s where ethical wills come in. Traditionally, they’ve been a way to pass down values rather than assets—typically written documents capturing life lessons, beliefs, and hopes for the future. But while the concept has existed for generations, it’s often overlooked.
LegacyNex is changing that. Through legacy storytelling, we take the essence of ethical wills and bring them to life in a way that’s personal, engaging, and lasting. It’s more than a letter—it’s your voice, your reflections, your guiding wisdom, all documented for the people who matter most.
If you’ve ever wished you had a loved one’s voice, their stories, or their wisdom preserved—this is your chance to make sure that doesn’t remain a wish. Whether for yourself, your children, or an aging parent, capturing a legacy isn’t just a gift for today—it’s something that will resonate for generations.
Your story, insights, and values deserve just as much consideration as your financial plans. When reviewing your will and estate plan, don’t overlook the opportunity to document your ethical legacy. Because in the end, the stories we share and the wisdom we pass down become the real inheritance that lasts.
Who in your life would you love to capture a legacy for? Have you considered adding an ethical will to your estate plan? If not, let’s start the conversation - we’re here to help.