Let’s Chat: Estate planning, have you done yours?

By Linda Tooth on March 4, 2026.

Most often this is a topic many people will put off or avoid altogether. Have you thought about what you want done with your property, monies, or personal items like jewelry, or cars when you pass away? I know many of us think “who cares, I’ll be dead,” but the reality is if you do not have estate planning in place it can be a nightmare for those loved ones who are left behind to deal with it.

Prior to my partner’s latest health battle and surgery, we went to a lawyer and talked about estate planning. For us, it involved having our wills updated, having a personal directive and enduring power of attorney put in place for obvious reasons.

I am sure some of you are thinking you cannot afford to have that done but the reality is if it is not done matters can be tied up in court for years as they try to determine what should be done on your behalf. I do not know about you, but I want control over my assets even if I am not physically here.

You may wonder why I am talking about that this week? Well, reality hit last week when I received a phone call informing me that a very close friend of mine discovered their spouse dead of a suspected massive heart attack in their home.

As I rushed over to the house in disbelief that this had happened, the police cars parked out front of the house told me it was real. I remember saying to a family member of the remaining spouse “when did we become old that our friends are now losing their spouses.”

Both of them had thankfully just updated their wills within the last year. As the remaining spouse now navigates life without their partner of 20-plus years things may be a bit easier knowing that there is a will in place and decisions have been made.

According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and RBC Royal Trust “only 48 percent of Canadians have a will”. They go on to say that “25 per cent of Canadians who don’t have a will, and 23 per cent of those who don’t have a power of attorney (POA), say it is because they don’t know where to start”. Does that sound like you? I know it is scary and overwhelming to think about estate planning but trust me when I say after what my partner and I and now my friend have been through it is crucial to get it done.

Well folks, here is another health update on my partner. We were in Walmart on Sunday to get groceries. He was not feeling well, and I told him to sit at McDonald’s and I would get what we needed. He called mid-grocery to tell me he thought he needed to get to the hospital.

He felt maybe he was having a heart attack. I rushed to pay for what was in my cart, picked him up and away we went. Turns out it was a mild heart attack, and he is now in Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. He is going to Calgary on Tuesday for an angiogram. This is reality and once again we are thankful, we took the time and expense to have our estate planning in place.

Where there is a will there’s a way, may I suggest you find your way.

Have a Meowtastic Day and keep reading!

Linda Tooth is manager of philanthropy and volunteer engagement, YMCA of Southeastern Alberta