Episode Summary
In this special episode of the Estates Made Simple podcast, Gordon VanderLeek is joined one last time by long-time co-host Jenna Carvalho of Guardian Estate Company. After two and a half years and more than 70 episodes together, Jenna is stepping away from the podcast to focus on big projects in her business and a growing family.
Gordon and Jenna use this transition as a chance to look back on what they’ve learned, what’s changing in the estate world, and what executors and families really need to know. They walk through their “Three T’s” - Tips, Trends, and Themes, and leave listeners with practical advice, reassurance, and a peek at what’s next for the show.
Key Discussion Points
1. Jenna’s Transition & What’s Next for the Podcast
2. Jenna’s #1 Tip: Communication, Communication, Communication
3. Gordon’s Tip: Check Your Beneficiary Designations
4. Trend #1 – Who You Choose as Executor Is Changing
5. Trend #2: Over-Reliance on Google & AI for Legal Advice
6. Theme #1: Good Planning Leads to Smooth Administration
7. Theme #2: Every Estate Is Unique
8. Theme #3: Estate Administration Is a Meaningful Career Path
Key Takeaways
· Communication prevents 90% of estate problems.
Clear, proactive updates (even when the news isn’t great) build trust, reduce conflict, and keep beneficiaries informed.
· Your executor’s job reflects the quality of your planning.
A clean, thoughtful estate plan makes administration smooth. A messy or outdated plan guarantees stress, delays, and confusion.
· Beneficiary designations can override your will.
RRSPs, TFSAs, and insurance policies need to be reviewed regularly, especially in blended families, to avoid accidental (and expensive) surprises.
· Families are moving away from choosing children as executors.
With more complex estates and kids living out of province, professional executors are becoming a more common and practical choice.
· Online legal advice and AI tools have limits.
Google and AI can spark good questions, but they cannot replace legal judgment, emotional nuance, or tailored estate planning.
· Every estate is unique, checklists only get you halfway.
Executors should expect unusual assets, unexpected wrinkles, and surprises not found on generic how-to lists.
· Estate administration is a growing and meaningful career path.
With Canada’s aging population, this field offers complexity, purpose, and long-term demand.
· You don’t have to do estate administration alone.
Executors do better and feel more confident when they have knowledgeable professionals in their corner.
· The podcast will continue, even as Jenna steps back.
Gordon plans to expand the format, bring in new guests, and keep delivering practical, accessible education for Canadians.
Hosts:
Jenna Carvalho
The smartest way to choose an executor.
Guardian Estate Company
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Gordon VanderLeek
Give your family a legacy of protection - Wills, Estates and Trusts.
VanderLeek Law
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