Agapi Marketing/NEXsteps Changing Perceptions... Transforming Lives

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Certified Executor Advisor Nancy Boisvert shares real-life stories of what can go wrong when planning is incomplete or outdated.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....

Think you don’t need a will? In this episode, we dive into five “perfectly reasonable” reasons to avoid estate planning—tongue firmly in cheek. From trusting the government to assuming your teenager is ready to inherit everything, this light-hearted take reveals what really happens when you leave things to chance. Want real-life examples and deeper insight? Read the full article and explore how NE...

What happens when you don’t have a spouse, children, or nearby family to speak for you? In this episode, Certified Executor Advisor Nancy Boisvert shares practical, compassionate guidance for those living solo who want to plan ahead with confidence. We explore how to: ✅ Appoint the right Power of Attorney and executor ✅ Build a trusted circle of support—even without family ✅ Prepare for housing...

What would you say if you had five minutes to tell your loved ones what matters most? In this episode, we explore the power of legacy letters—personal messages that outlive us and speak to the hearts of those we care about. You’ll learn what a legacy letter is, why it matters, and how it can become one of the most meaningful parts of your legacy planning. In my article, I’ll share real-life exampl...

What really happens when someone dies without a will in Canada? In this episode, I break down the legal consequences of dying intestate, what the law says about who inherits, and why assuming “my family will figure it out” can lead to conflict, delays, and even court battles. I also share real-world insights from my work as a Certified Executor Advisor and Personal Fiduciary—plus steps you can tak...

You’ve got a will—but is your plan really complete? In this episode, we explore what most wills miss —from digital assets and caregiving wishes to sentimental keepsakes and family values. A legal will covers your assets, but a true legacy plan captures so much more. I’ll walk you through: Why your will may be legally sound but personally incomplete The emotional and practical gaps most families di...

What happens when retirement arrives—or when caregiving ends—and you’re left wondering, “Now what?” In this episode, we explore how purpose evolves through life’s transitions. You’ll hear the moving story of a man who walked his wife in her wheelchair every day—until her passing. But his story didn’t end there. Today, he’s volunteering, bringing the same quiet compassion to others in need. We also...

Ontario has rolled out sweeping changes to its probate laws: making virtual witnessing of wills permanent, redefining spousal inheritance rights, and giving courts new powers to validate improperly signed documents. But these reforms aren’t just Ontario’s business. They reflect a larger shift in estate planning law that could impact Canadians from coast to coast. In this episode, we unpack what’s...