Agapi Marketing/NEXsteps Changing Perceptions... Transforming Lives

Charitable giving has the power to carry your values forwardlong after you are gone. In this episode, I talk about why people choose to include charitable gifts in their estate plan, how it can support the causes that mattered most to them, and why these decisions can offer comfort and clarity to families. But did you know that it can also be a thoughtful way to plan ahead and use the tax rules to...

Estate planning becomes significantly more complex when abusiness is part of the estate. This episode accompanies my new article and video, both of which explain what Canadian business owners need to understand long before they leave shares to beneficiaries or expect an executor to navigate the company after death. A business introduces legal and tax issues that do not arisein a typical estate pla...

As we step into 2026, it’s time to rethink the idea of New Year’s resolutions. In this New Year’s message, Nancy Boisvert invites you to consider a different approach: a New Year’s Revolution rooted in clarity, intention, and peace of mind. Instead of goals that fade within weeks, this episode focuses on making thoughtful decisions that truly support the life you want to live and the people you ca...

This is a simple holiday message to say thank you. The holidays are often a time for reflection, connection, and thinking about the people we care about most. In this short episode, I share a message of gratitude along with a gentle reminder that planning is an act of care, not something to be feared or avoided. There's also a light-hearted message from a familiar holiday guest, encouraging th...

Dwight D. Eisenhower’s quote, “Plans are worthless, butplanning is everything,” captures the heart of today’s episode. Estate planning is not a one time task. Even the best drafted documents can become outdated long before they become invalid. When that happens, families face unnecessary stress, executors are left without clear direction, and important decisions become much harder. In this episode...

Many people who complete their estate plan never actually talk about it. Unfortunately, silence can cause confusion and conflict for the families left behind. In this episode, we discuss how open conversations about your estate plan can bring clarity, protect relationships, and prevent misunderstandings. In our article, you’ll read real examples of families who turned potential disputes into oppor...

Filing the final tax return is one of the most misunderstood executor duties, and one of the most important. This week, we discuss what executors must do, when to file, and how to avoid costly CRA mistakes. We’ll also talk about optional returns, clearance certificates, and how planning ahead can prevent major delays. Listen now, then read the companion article for full details: https://agapimarke...

You’ve named your executor, but have you prepared them? In this episode, I discuss what every testator and executor should understand about the practical side of estate administration. We’ll look at key responsibilities, common emotional hurdles, and why clarity before death can make all the difference afterward. The article that accompanies this episode includes more detail and real-life examples...

Preparing your will does not have to be stressful or complicated. In this week's episode, we introduce you to " 9 essential steps to help you prepare your will" with clarity and confidence so your wishes are honoured and your loved ones are protected. In the full article on the website, you will learn how to choose the right executor, what to include, how to manage sentimental items...

In this episode, I talk about why so many people avoid discussing death, money, and legacy , and how secrecy often creates confusion and conflict. See how honest, compassionate conversations can bring clarity, peace of mind, and lasting understanding for your family. Learn more by reading the full article . Visit NEXsteps to learn how we help. #nexsteps #thesecretswekeep #estateplanning #legacypla...

Being named executor is an honour, but it can also be one of the toughest roles you’ll ever take on. In this episode we explore the emotional side of being an executor. Learn how executor duties often collide with family emotions, and learn practical ways to manage communication, reduce tension, and stay organized while honouring your loved one’s wishes. If you’ve been named executor or expect to...

Estate planning nightmares aren’t fiction — they happen every day. Certified Executor Advisor Nancy Boisvert shares real-life stories of what can go wrong when planning is incomplete or outdated. Learn how small mistakes can create big challenges, and how a well-prepared plan can bring comfort, clarity, and peace of mind to the people you care about most. Read the full article. Learn more at NEXst...

When Dr. Jane Goodall recorded her final reflections, meant to be heard only after her death, she created something far more powerful than a documentary. She created a legacy message . In this week's episode, we talk about the idea of “Heirlooms of the Heart” and how to leave a message that carries your voice, values, and love long after you are gone. A legacy message is not about money or pos...

Estate planning isn’t just about death. It’s about livingwell today, protecting yourself if something happens tomorrow, and preparing your loved ones for the future. In this episode, " Estate Planning: By Design or By Disaster?" , I explore the difference between planning ahead with intention and leaving things unprepared. Real-life stories illustrate how design leads to peace of mind, w...

Grief is never easy, but estate planning can make a world of difference in how families experience it. In this episode, we explore the idea of “good " grief; grief that, while still painful, isn’t weighed down by confusion, missing documents, or family disputes. You’ll hear how outdated or incomplete plans can create what "heavy" grief, when legal conflicts and unanswered questions...

What can Netflix’s "My Life with the Walter Boys" teach us about estate planning? A lot more than you might think. In this episode, we unpack the Walter Boys estate planning storyline: from outdated wills to missing insurance, guardianship struggles, and the importance of communication. These fictional gaps create drama on screen, but in real life, they can cause real hardship for famili...

Executor duties aren’t just paperwork—they’re personal, stressful, and often overwhelming. In this episode, I explain what a Certified Executor Advisor (CEA) is, what the training covers, and how this designation helps families through estate settlement. Hear real-life examples of how CEAs provide clarity, reduce delays, and give executors the confidence to move forward. Whether you’re planning yo...

What’s the real difference between a will and an estate plan? Too often, people think they’re the same thing, until their families are left dealing with delays, disputes, and unexpected costs. In this episode, I break down why a will is only a “die and distribute” tool, and why true estate planning is about much more: protecting loved ones, reducing conflict, and preserving your legacy. Through re...

You’ve been named executor—now what? Executor duties aren’t just paperwork—they’re deeply personal. In this episode, I share a compassionate executor survival guide to help you manage the emotional, legal, and logistical weight of settling someone else’s estate. From grief and burnout to real-life examples and expert tips, you’ll learn how to protect your peace of mind while fulfilling one of life...

Some of the worst estate planning advice sounds simple — but it can cost your family dearly in time, money, and peace of mind. In this episode, I share the 7 most damaging estate planning myths I hear most often and explain why they’re so risky. Listen now to learn how smart planning can protect your loved ones and safeguard your legacy. Read the full article. Visit NEXsteps to learn more about ou...

DIY estate planning may sound like a smart, cost-saving move - but it can create more problems than it solves. In this episode, Certified Executor Advisor Nancy Boisvert explains the hidden risks of DIY wills and trusts, shares real-world examples of costly mistakes, and explores when tools like alter ego trusts make sense (and when they don’t). Estate planning is about more than documents; it’s a...

Having a will and powers of attorney in place doesn’t always guarantee a smooth estate settlement. Executors can still face months—or even years—of delays caused by missing details, outdated information, or disputes no one expected. In this episode, I explore the 7 most common problems that slow down estate settlement, including outdated beneficiary designations, hidden bank accounts, CRA tax fili...

Why do so many people put off estate planning—even when they know it’s essential? In this episode, we talk about the real reasons behind the delay. It’s not always procrastination or lack of knowledge—it’s emotional. Fear of death. Family conflict. Guilt. Denial. Even grief for things that haven’t happened yet. If you or someone you know has been avoiding estate planning, this episode will help yo...

What happens if you don’t have anyone to name as your executor? No family, no friends, no one you trust to carry out your final wishes? In this episode, I share the reality of people who are aging solo — those who’ve outlived their family and friends or simply don’t have anyone willing or able to take on the legal and emotional burden of being an executor. This is a must-listen if you’re aging alo...

Estate planning isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protecting your wishes, your family, and your legacy. In this episode, I break down 3 of the most common estate planning mistakes and explain how to avoid them. Whether you already have a plan or don’t know where to start, this conversation will help you think critically about your will, your executor, and the conversations you may be avoiding....