Gratitude and the Legacy We Leave Behind 🍂✨
As we ease into autumn, Thanksgiving always invites the same, simple question: what are we grateful for? This year, my list feels full. A healthy baby who’s discovering the world one curious glance at a time. A patient, gentle dog. A loving partner who keeps our little family grounded. And a business that keeps growing because people like you choose to align money with what matters. I feel lucky, and I don’t want to take any of it for granted.
There’s another Thanksgiving tradition in my family that has shaped how I think about gratitude and legacy. My mom calls it “turkey talk.” Whenever we gather for a turkey dinner—usually Thanksgiving or Christmas—she sits with my sisters and me to review any changes to her wishes for end-of-life care, her paperwork, and the practical stuff that so many families avoid. It’s not dramatic. It’s honest, clear, and caring. I’m grateful she started those conversations early. Not everyone gets that gift.
Death and money are two of our culture’s greatest taboos. Put them together, and you have a recipe for disaster. Too often, I meet people who have just lost a parent or loved one and are forced to make some of the biggest financial decisions of their lives while they’re deep in grief. I do my best to hold space and help, but I always wish their family had a version of “turkey talk,” plus a simple, written plan to guide them.
Here in Canada, we don’t have a formal estate or inheritance tax, but when someone dies, the estate still has to file a final tax return. Without preparation, that process can trigger large, unexpected tax bills and create costly delays. A recent story made the rounds in the financial planning community about an adult child facing a huge liability after both parents passed in the same year. It was heartbreaking—and avoidable.
This is why legacy planning matters. To me, legacy planning is about three things:
Clarity: Documenting wishes for health care, guardianship, and distribution of assets so loved ones don’t have to guess.
Ease: Organizing accounts, beneficiaries, passwords, and key contacts to make practical work lighter during difficult times.
Intention: Deciding how your money can support the people and causes you care about in life and in death.
Legacy planning is not a service I personally offer, but I regularly refer clients to trusted partners who excel in this area, including our friends at Genus for full-service planning support. It can feel awkward to start, but it’s one of the most loving gifts you can give your family. Have the conversation. Write it down. Revisit it every year—maybe even make “turkey talk” part of your own tradition.
If this stirs something for you, let’s chat. My calendar is filling up for the rest of 2025, so request a free consultation sooner rather than later. I’ll help you map the first steps, connect you with the right experts, and ensure your investments reflect your values while your legacy reflects your love.
Gratitude is about more than counting blessings; it’s about acting on them. Here’s to full tables, honest conversations, and a future our kids will be proud to inherit.
Cheers, Tim