Wills Explained: How to Create a Will in Canada, Avoid Probate Mistakes & Protect Your Wealth

Wills Explained: How to Create a Will in Canada, Avoid Probate Mistakes & Protect Your Wealth

Do you really need a will? What happens if you die without one in Canada—and how can you protect your family, assets, and legacy? In this episode of The Wealthy Life Podcast, host Sybil Verch sits down with Erin Bury, CEO of Willful, to break down everything you need to know about wills, estate planning, and protecting your wealth. You’ll learn: * ✅ What a will is and why it’s essential * ✅ What happens if you die without a will in Canada * ✅ The difference between a will and power of attorney * ✅ How to choose an executor and beneficiaries * ✅ Common mistakes people make when writing a will * ✅ How much a will costs—and cheaper online alternatives * ✅ How to protect your estate from family disputes * ✅ How to ensure your wealth is passed to the people you choose With over 57% of Canadians lacking a will, this episode explains how creating one is one of the most important (and often overlooked) steps in financial planning. A will isn’t about you—it’s about making life easier for the people you care about. Erin also shares how platforms like Willful are simplifying estate planning, making it possible to create a legal will in minutes—without the stress, high costs, or confusion. 💡 Whether you’re married, have kids, own property, or simply want peace of mind, this conversation will help you understand how to take control of your legacy and avoid leaving decisions up to the government.

What Schools Don't Teach: How To Build Wealth In Your 20s and 30s

Are you a young adult trying to figure out how to save money, invest, and build wealth—but no one ever taught you how? Or are you a parent or grandparent that wants to set your kids and grandkids up for financial success? In this episode of The Wealthy Life Podcast, Sybil Verch sits down with wealth advisor Cailyn Wolski to break down simple, practical strategies to build wealth early in life—even if you’re just starting out. 💡 Learn how to: * Start saving—even with a small income * Build real wealth (not just earn a high salary) * Use investing to grow your money over time * Choose the right accounts (TFSA, RRSP, FHSA) * Avoid common money mistakes young adults make * Balance enjoying life now while planning for your future * Protect your finances with smart risk management You’ll also discover:✔ Why income ≠ wealth✔ How compound growth works in your favor✔ The best way to automate your savings✔ How taxes really impact your money✔ Why starting early beats “catching up later” Whether you're in your 20s or 30s, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to financial success—without overwhelm.

Separation & Divorce in Canada: What You Need to Know (Before It Happens)

Going through a separation or divorce is never easy — but understanding your financial rights, legal options, and next steps can help you feel more in control during an uncertain time. In this episode of The Wealthy Life Podcast, host Sybil Verch sits down with family lawyer Emma Neary to break down the divorce process in Canada, including how assets are divided, how spousal support works, and why planning ahead can make all the difference. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ What happens financially during separation and divorce✔️ How assets, property, and income are divided✔️ The difference between child support and spousal support✔️ Why prenups and cohabitation agreements matter✔️ How to protect yourself with proper documentation and planning✔️ Why collaborative law and mediation may be better than court 🔑 Key takeaway: Preparation, communication, and proper legal guidance can reduce stress, save money, and lead to better long-term outcomes. Whether you're planning ahead or currently navigating a separation, this episode provides clear, expert insights to help you make informed decisions.

Financial Advice Explained: Do You Need a Financial Advisor? What to Know Before Hiring One

What does a financial advisor really do — and how do you know if hiring one is the right decision for you? In this episode of The Wealthy Life Podcast, host Sybil Verch is joined by Jill Cramp, Wealth Advisor at Generational Wealth Management, Raymond James Ltd., for a practical, honest conversation about financial advice, long‑term planning, and confident decision‑making. Jill breaks down the true role of a financial advisor, explaining why the job goes far beyond picking investments. Together, Sybil and Jill explore how comprehensive advice brings together financial planning, tax efficiency, insurance, estate planning, and — just as importantly — the emotional side of managing money through market volatility and major life transitions. The conversation walks through how financial needs evolve over time — from early‑career saving and investing, to raising a family, planning for retirement, and navigating uncertainty in the markets. They also clear up common misconceptions around advisor titles, compensation models, fees, and what investors should realistically expect when working with a professional. This episode is designed to help listeners gain clarity, ask better questions, and feel more confident when making decisions about their financial future. What you'll learn: • What a financial advisor actually does• When it makes sense to work with a financial advisor• The difference between bank advisors and full‑service wealth advisors• How financial advisor fees work and what to look for• What questions to ask before choosing an advisor• Why planning, education, and emotional discipline matter Whether you’re just starting out, managing a growing family, or planning the next chapter of life, this episode offers valuable insight into how professional financial advice can support long‑term success. As always, seek independent professional advice before making personal financial decisions.

Medical Assistance in Dying: Understanding Compassion, Dignity, and Choice with Dr. Stefanie Green

Medical Assistance in Dying, often referred to as MAID, is one of the most sensitive and misunderstood topics in healthcare today. It raises important questions about dignity, autonomy, compassion, and how we support people at the end of life. In this episode of The Wealthy Life Podcast, Sybil Verch sits down with Dr. Stefanie Green, an internationally recognized MAID provider and bestselling author of This Is Assisted Dying, for a thoughtful and informative conversation. Dr. Green brings clarity to what MAID is and what it is not, explains how the process works in Canada, and addresses common misconceptions around eligibility, safeguards, capacity, and consent. Together, they explore how compassionate planning, open conversations, and informed decision‑making can reduce fear and help individuals and families navigate end‑of‑life choices with greater confidence. This episode is designed to educate, inform, and encourage thoughtful reflection on a complex topic, with care, respect, and humanity. In this episode, you will learn: • What Medical Assistance in Dying is and how it works in Canada• Who may be eligible for MAID and the safeguards in place• How MAID differs from palliative and end‑of‑life care• How decision‑making capacity is assessed, including in cases of dementia• Why family conversations and planning matter• The importance of dignity, autonomy, and compassionate care at the end of life This conversation may be especially meaningful for individuals and families facing serious illness, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of end‑of‑life options in Canada. As always, please seek independent professional advice before making personal healthcare or planning decisions.