When it comes to estate planning, unique assets like fine art, vintage wine, rare watches, and even Egyptian antiquities come with more than just sentimental value - they come with complications. In this episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole and Greg are joined by Steven Joe, Senior Financial Planner at Assante Financial Management, who dives deep into the world of collectible wealth.

From $5,000 bottles of spoiled wine to heirs feuding over doilies, Steven shares real-life stories and expert advice on how to preserve, protect, and pass down your prized possessions without creating chaos. Tune in to learn how to avoid the hidden pitfalls of alternative assets and why gifting with a “warm hand” might just save your legacy.

In this insightful episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole and Greg welcome Sabeena Bubber, veteran mortgage broker and founder of The Divorce Circle.

Sabeena unpacks practical wisdom from her decades in the mortgage industry, tackling topics like how mortgages impact estate planning, what happens to real estate debts when someone passes away, and the growing complexities of blended families and divorce on property ownership.

Learn the differences between mortgage insurance and personal life insurance, discover the truths about reverse mortgages, and hear Sabeena’s essential tips for preserving financial stability and building a legacy. Whether you’re planning your estate or navigating big life changes, this episode offers valuable guidance you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Nicole and Greg welcome Holly Palmer, a licensed insolvency trustee with MNP, to discuss managing estates with more debts than assets. Holly explains the roles and responsibilities of executors, how creditor claims are prioritized, and the differences between secured and unsecured debts. The conversation also covers the importance of documenting family loans and clarifies when family members may be liable for a deceased person’s debts. Listeners gain practical insights into handling insolvent estates and the legal considerations involved in these complex situations.

In this fascinating episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole and Greg sit down with Jim Finlay, accredited fine art appraiser and founder of Finlay Fine Art Appraisals. Jim shares his unique journey from architecture to art, and reveals what really goes into valuing fine art collections. How can art collectors protect the value of their investments? What role does provenance play in preserving an artwork’s legacy? And how does Canada’s cultural property export system affect the art market? Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends art, law, and estate planning and discover why fine art is about much more than just beauty on a wall.

When families fight over wills and inheritances, the courtroom isn’t the only way forward. In this insightful episode of Your Estate Matters, hosts Nicole and Greg are joined by Edward Macaulay, an experienced estate litigation lawyer and mediator, to unpack the power of mediation in resolving complex estate and elder care disputes.

From strained family dynamics and second marriages to allegations of undue influence and executor challenges, Edward shares real-world scenarios where mediation helped avoid costly court battles. He explains the mediation process, its benefits over litigation, common pitfalls, and how preparation and mindset can make or break a resolution.

Whether you're an executor, a beneficiary, or just planning ahead, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and cautionary tales you won’t want to miss.

In today's episode, Nicole and Greg welcome estate lawyer Perminder Tung to discuss the intersection of cultural traditions and estate planning in Canada. Focusing on challenges within the South Asian community, Perminder shares insights on inheritance customs, legal rights, and the impact of British Columbia’s Wills, Estates and Succession Act. The conversation highlights the importance of open family dialogue, proactive planning, and community education to ensure fair and equitable estate distribution. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional advice and consider cultural factors in their own estate planning.

In this compelling episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole and Greg sit down with Father Tim Prattas, Parish Priest at Sts. Nicholas and Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Community. Father Tim shares how a lifelong calling to the priesthood has shaped his views on responsibility, legacy, and the power of community.

How does faith influence the way we approach estate planning and service? What does it really mean to leave behind more than just financial assets? And how can Orthodox teachings help us navigate life’s biggest questions with grace and purpose?

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation at the crossroads of theology and practical life.

In this week's episode, Nicole and Greg are joined by estate lawyer Katrina Yaworsky from Lindsay Kenney LLP. Together, they explore the fundamentals of estate administration, including the roles and responsibilities of executors, the probate process, and the challenges of managing an estate. Katrina offers practical advice on choosing executors, updating wills, and planning for tax implications, especially with non-resident beneficiaries. The discussion emphasizes the importance of organization and proactive planning to ease the burden on loved ones and ensure a smooth estate administration process.

In this episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole and Greg delve into the complexities of estate planning and tax matters, particularly for Canadians with cross-border interests. They are joined by Areet Kaila, a principal at Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers, who shares her extensive experience in personal and corporate tax issues. Areet discusses her career journey, approaches to tax planning, and the intricacies of cross-border tax issues, including departure tax for Canadians. The episode provides valuable insights into navigating the tax landscape, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies and proactive planning.

In this week's episode, Nicole and Greg are joined by Rose Shawlee, a seasoned estate planning expert with 15 years of experience and a shareholder at Boughton Law. The discussion delves into the intricacies of estate planning, focusing on the strategic use of multiple wills, the implications of probate fees, and the challenges of managing estates. Rose shares insights from her professional journey into estate law, elaborating on the benefits and considerations of multiple wills and the legal ramifications of joint asset ownership, especially concerning adult and minor children. The conversation underscores the importance of collaboration among estate planning professionals and examines the impact of recent legislative changes on estate management.

In this week's episode, Nicole and Greg are joined by Rose Shawlee, a seasoned estate planning expert with 15 years of experience and a shareholder at Boughton Law. The discussion delves into the intricacies of estate planning, focusing on the strategic use of multiple wills, the implications of probate fees, and the challenges of managing estates. Rose shares insights from her professional journey into estate law, elaborating on the benefits and considerations of multiple wills and the legal ramifications of joint asset ownership, especially concerning adult and minor children. The conversation underscores the importance of collaboration among estate planning professionals and examines the impact of recent legislative changes on estate management.

In this week's episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole and Greg engage with Catherine Dorazio, a seasoned wealth advisor from Connor Clark & Lunn Private Capital. They explore the growing influence of women in wealth management, noting that women are projected to control significant portions of wealth in the coming years. Catherine discusses the societal and economic impacts of this trend, the conservative investment approaches often adopted by women, and the challenges they face in financial literacy. The episode emphasizes the importance of education and professional support, encouraging women to take control of their financial futures.

In this week's episode, Nicole and Greg speak with Madison Mailey, a wealth and insurance advisor at Scotia McLeod. Madison, an Olympic gold medalist in rowing, shares her journey into wealth management, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy and proactive planning. The discussion covers strategies for young Canadians to build wealth, including the use of financial tools like the First Home Savings Account and the Home Buyers Plan. Madison also addresses the impact of technology and social media on financial decisions, advocating for informed, professional advice over online trends.

In this week's episode, Nicole and Greg chat with Julia Chung, CEO of Spring Planning, to explore the intricacies of estate planning and wealth transfer. Julia shares her expertise on the evolving dynamics of wealth transfer, emphasizing the importance of open family communication and recognizing various forms of wealth beyond financial assets. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by blended families and the common "shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves" phenomenon. Julia advocates for a multidisciplinary approach, involving financial planners, lawyers, and mental health experts, to create a holistic and harmonious estate planning process.

This week, Nicole and Greg engage with Tegan Smith, CEO of Channel Consulting and founder of Uplift Fund. Tegan shares her 26 years of expertise in urban planning and real estate development, focusing on real estate investing as a key strategy for family wealth-building. She discusses the challenges in the Canadian real estate market, particularly in British Columbia, and highlights investment opportunities like transit-oriented development and student housing. The episode also emphasizes the importance of involving younger generations in wealth-building and offers practical advice for navigating real estate complexities.

This week, Nicole and Greg welcome Steve Parr, a lawyer and founder of Parr Business Law, to discuss estate planning for business owners. Steve emphasizes the importance of addressing succession planning, incapacity, and death to ensure business longevity. He outlines key components of a succession plan, including identifying successors, training, business valuation, and essential legal documentation. The conversation also covers various exit strategies and tax planning tools like estate freezes and life insurance. Steve encourages early planning and collaboration with knowledgeable advisors to protect assets and ensure a smooth business transition.

This week on Your Estate Matters, Nicole and Greg chat with Natasha Knox, a financial therapist and principal of Alaphia Financial Wellness. They explore the unique field of financial therapy, which combines financial planning with therapeutic techniques to address the emotional aspects of money management. Natasha shares her journey into financial therapy, the impact of upbringing on financial behaviours, and common money beliefs. She offers strategies for couples to improve financial communication and discusses teaching children healthy money attitudes. The episode aims to help listeners enhance their financial well-being and protect their legacies.

In this episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole and Greg, alongside guest Sarah McGrath from Heritage Trust, explore the benefits of professional executor and trustee services offered by independent trust companies. Sarah, with over 15 years of financial sector experience, explains the advantages of choosing a professional trust company over family members or friends. They discuss the types of trusts managed by Heritage Trust, the qualities of a good trustee, and the importance of fiduciary duties. The episode aims to help listeners make informed decisions about their estate planning needs.

In today's episode, Nicole and Greg chat with Cheyenne Reese, a partner at Legacy Tax and Trust Lawyers, to explore the intricacies of cross-border estate planning between Canada and the United States. Cheyenne sheds light on the significant differences in tax laws, the challenges of managing assets across borders, and the implications for U.S. citizens or green card holders living in Canada. The discussion covers practical strategies for expatriation, managing vacation properties, and the importance of professional guidance to navigate these complex issues effectively.

In this episode of Your Estate Matters, Greg and Nicole chat with Jonathan Beasley, a high net worth relationship manager at Citibank Canada. The trio discuss the intricacies of wealth management for ultra high net worth individuals and families. They explore the definition of ultra high net worth, the role of family offices, the specific needs and goals of wealthy clients, and the landscape of ultra high net worth individuals in Canada. The conversation also delves into cross-border wealth management, Citibank's global services, emerging trends in wealth management, and the importance of alternative investments and hedge funds.