Your Estate Matters

Nicole Garton
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Welcome to Your Estate Matters with your host, Nicole Garton of Heritage Trust. Your Estate Matters is a podcast dedicated to everything estates, including building and preserving your legacy. If it's estate related, we'll be talking about it. We’re having the conversations today that will help Canadians protect their families, their assets and their legacies tomorrow. Whether you are planning your own estate or are an executor for someone else’s, Heritage Trust can help. Partner with Heritage Trust to protect your family, your assets and your legacy. If you would like more information about Heritage Trust, please visit our website at www.heritagetrustcompany.ca

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 67 - Building a Business That Thrives Without You with Katie Bennett

    In this episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole speaks with Katie Bennett, a master certified chair with Mackay CEO Forums and founder of Double Black Diamond Coaching, about the often-overlooked human side of business succession planning. With 76% of Canadian small business owners planning to exit within the next decade, yet only 9% holding a formal succession plan, the stakes are high. Katie shares practical insights on reducing owner dependency, building strong leadership teams, and creating clear strategic plans. As Nicole reminds listeners, a will can determine who inherits a business, but it cannot make that business run. -- Follow Katie Bennett: Website - https://www.katiebennett.ca/ Double Black Diamond Coaching - https://doubleblackdiamondcoaching.com/ MacKay CEO Forums - https://mackayceoforums.com/our-chairs/katie-bennett/ LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/katiebennettdbdcoaching Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco   Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

    38 min

  2. Jun 11

    Episode 66 - Wills, AI, and Cybersecurity with Steve Parr

    In this episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole interviews Steve Parr, founder of Parr Business Law, about the critical intersection of corporate law and estate planning for business owners. Drawing on his background as both an entrepreneur and lawyer, Steve outlines essential risk management tools — including wills, powers of attorney, shareholders agreements, and insurance. He also addresses today's pressing challenges: AI disruption, cybersecurity threats, supply chain vulnerabilities, and financial uncertainty. Steve encourages business owners not to feel overwhelmed, but instead to audit their risk exposure, lean on trusted professionals, and embrace adaptability as the new cornerstone of business resilience. -- Follow Steve Parr: https://www.parrbusinesslaw.com/ LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/steveaparr Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxv_AFussiH1f4-TnN7SJRQ Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco   Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

    21 min

  3. Jun 4

    Episode 65 - How to Keep Your Company Thriving After You’re Gone with Michael Scott

    In this episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole speaks with estate planning lawyer Michael Scott, exploring the unique complexities business owners face when planning their estates. Michael explains why having a will and power of attorney forms the essential foundation, while also discussing advanced strategies such as estate freezes, family trusts, and probate fee avoidance. The conversation covers shareholders' agreements, key person insurance, and the lifetime capital gains exemption. Michael also addresses common misconceptions, warning against handshake deals and delayed planning. His key message: even a basic plan can save families significant stress, expense, and uncertainty when the unexpected happens. -- Follow Michael Scott: LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/michael-scott-ba105148 Clark Wilson LLP - https://www.cwilson.com/people/michael-scott/ Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco   Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

    39 min

  4. May 21

    Episode 64 - How Executors Can Avoid Insolvent Estate Pitfalls with John Sandrelli

    In this episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole speaks with John Sandrelli, a seasoned restructuring and insolvency expert, about the complexities of insolvent estates in Canada. With consumer debt reaching a record $2.6 trillion, John explains why this issue is becoming increasingly relevant. He outlines the warning signs executors should watch for, the serious personal liability risks they face, and the critical choice between administering an estate under BC's WESA or the federal Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. John also covers exempt assets, creditor priorities, family law intersections, and emphasizes that seeking professional advice early is essential for any executor navigating an insolvent estate. -- Follow John Sandrelli: Website - https://www.dentons.com/en/john-sandrelli LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/johnsandrelli Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco   Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

    35 min

  5. May 14

    Episode 63 - Breaking the Inner Glass Ceiling with Jen Murtagh

    In this episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole speaks with Jen Murtagh, co-founder of Maturn and creator of the Brave Connectedness framework that she employs in her coaching practice Jen Murtagh Coaching. Jen shares her journey from C-suite executive to entrepreneur, shaped by burnout, divorce, and a life-changing heart disease diagnosis. Together, they explore how midlife transitions — retirement, caregiving, widowhood, and menopause — affect both identity and life planning. Jen encourages listeners to embrace small acts of bravery, lean into community, and do meaningful inner work, reminding us that reinvention is possible at any age and that it's never too late to live with greater intention. -- Follow Jen Murtagh: Jen Murtagh Coaching - https://www.jenmurtagh.com/ Maturn - https://maturn.com/meet-the-founders/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmurtagh/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jenmurtaghcoaching/ Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco   Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

    42 min

  6. Apr 30

    Episode 62 - Secrets to Money and Relationship Harmony with Alyson Jones

    In this week's episode, Nicole speaks with renowned therapist Alyson Jones about the complex relationship between money and couples. Together, they explore why financial conversations are so difficult, touching on emotional history, gender dynamics, power imbalances, and the taboo surrounding money. Alyson offers practical advice for improving communication, including regular financial check-ins, approaching discussions with curiosity and empathy, and recognizing warning signs of financial abuse. She also addresses how midlife transitions — retirement, supporting adult children, and estate planning — make open, respectful money conversations more important than ever. -- Follow Alyson Jones: Website - https://www.alysonjones.ca/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alysonjonesassociates/ LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/alyson-jones-13297930 Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco   Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

    37 min

  7. Apr 2

    Episode 61 - Understanding Cross-Border Tax and Estate Planning with Jonah Spiegelman

    In this episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole speaks with cross-border estate planning expert Jonah Spiegelman of Polaris Tax Counsel. Together, they explore the complex tax and legal challenges facing U.S. citizens living in Canada and Canadians with U.S. ties. Topics include annual U.S. filing obligations, estate and gift tax interactions, registered accounts like TFSAs and RRSPs, U.S. real estate ownership, and the pitfalls of improper estate planning. Jonah emphasizes that personalized, knowledgeable advice is essential to avoid costly mistakes, double taxation, and penalties for those navigating life on both sides of the border. -- Follow Jonah Spiegelman: Website - http://jspiegelman.com/attorneys/jonah-z-spiegelman/ Polaris Tax Counsel - https://polaristax.com/jonah-spiegelman/ LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jonahspiegelman Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco   Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

    50 min

  8. Mar 26

    Episode 60 - How to Safeguard Your Disabled Loved Ones in Your Estate Plan with Hugh McLellan

    In this week's episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole welcomes elder law expert Hugh McLellan to discuss estate planning for disabled beneficiaries in British Columbia. They explore the complexities of protecting inheritances and government benefits, the importance of trusts, and the role of representation agreements. Hugh highlights the need for early, individualized planning and explains the current legal framework, including guardianship laws and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The episode offers practical advice and emphasizes the value of professional guidance to help families secure their loved ones’ futures. -- Links: Follow Hugh McLellan: Website - https://mclellanherbert.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-mclellan-aa0b8b26/ Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist Financial and Legal Tools/Programs Community Living British Columbia - https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/ PLAN (Lifetime Advocacy Network) - https://plan.ca/ Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) - https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability/savings.html Disability Tax Credit - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html Section 7 Representation Agreement - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/incapacity-planning British Columbia Disability Benefits Program - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/services-for-people-with-disabilities/disability-assistance Books Financial and Estate Planning for the Mature Client in British Columbia - https://store.lexisnexis.ca/en/categories/shop-by-jurisdiction/british-columbia-9/financial-and-estate-planning-for-the-mature-client-in-british-columbia-skusku-cad-00035/details

    39 min
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About

Welcome to Your Estate Matters with your host, Nicole Garton of Heritage Trust. Your Estate Matters is a podcast dedicated to everything estates, including building and preserving your legacy. If it's estate related, we'll be talking about it. We’re having the conversations today that will help Canadians protect their families, their assets and their legacies tomorrow. Whether you are planning your own estate or are an executor for someone else’s, Heritage Trust can help. Partner with Heritage Trust to protect your family, your assets and your legacy. If you would like more information about Heritage Trust, please visit our website at www.heritagetrustcompany.ca

Information

  • Creator
    Nicole Garton
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Your Estate Matters

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