Finances
The Hardest Job No One Talks About
In this episode of Millennial Money Canada, David Edey explains the key role of an executor in estate planning and how to avoid the most common pitfalls.
January 21, 2025
Table of Contents
Estate planning isn’t just about having a will—it’s about making sure your loved ones don’t inherit a mess instead of a legacy.
In our latest episode of Millennial Money Canada, we sat down with David Edey, author of Executor Help, to dive deep into one of the toughest but most crucial roles in estate planning: the executor.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Being an executor is harder than you think
Most people accept the role without realizing it’s a huge responsibility—18 to 24 months of work dealing with taxes, real estate, legal documents, and sometimes family drama.
🔹 Family disputes happen more than you’d expect
Every family has its complexities, and inheritance fights are common. Clear communication before a loved one passes can prevent expensive legal battles.
🔹 "Intensive care is no place to find out there’s no will"
Over 50% of Canadians don’t have a will. Without one, the government decides who gets what—and that’s rarely what the deceased would have wanted.
🔹 Executors should be prepared
If you’re named as an executor, ask questions now. Where are the key documents? Who are the financial professionals involved? How will digital assets be handled?
🔹 The best gift you can give your family? Organization.
Creating an estate plan, keeping an updated will, and having honest conversations now can save years of stress later.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
📖 Interested in learning more? Check out David’s book, Executor Help, for practical tips on settling an estate smoothly.
Enjoy your week!
Guillaume Girard, CFA CFP | Sam Lichtman, CFP
Millen Wealth Advisors
P.S. If this episode got you thinking, forward this email to a friend or family member who you think should hear it.
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