Alumni Information Series Shares Secrets of Estate Planning
Recognizing the often-overlooked importance of estate planning and its key role in securing a planned financial future, the St. Michael’s College School Alumni Association (SMCSAA) hosted a webinar on December 4 as part of its ongoing virtual Alumni Information Series.
This engaging one-hour virtual session, open to the St. Michael’s community, provided a deep dive into the often intimidating world of estate planning, offering attendees the knowledge and tools to take control of their legacy.
Estates and trusts lawyer Edward Olkovich ’70 led the evening’s discussion. Olkovich, also known as ‘Mr. Wills’ is a leading Canadian estate expert certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a specialist in trusts and estates law. Together with moderator and SMCSAA director Chris Smith ’06, they guided guests through helpful tips and steps to follow when estate planning.
Olkovich seamlessly broke down the often-daunting topic into digestible portions, beginning with an explanation of legal terminology followed by sharing his key insights. Several examples of effective and ineffective estate planning were shared, highlighting the potential implications of each.
“I found the webinar on estate planning to be incredibly useful. Having just been appointed a co-executor of a friend’s estate, it could not have come at a more propitious time,” says Paul J. Van Damme ’68. “I learned a great deal from Ed, including some things I thought I knew but didn’t.”
Olkovich’s approach provided guests with a deeper understanding of estate planning. He offered insights into taxes, protecting assets, and ensuring one’s wishes are honoured. By linking these concepts to real-life examples from his years of practice, Olkovich helped solidify the key points for attendees and equip them with the tools necessary to make informed decisions about their estate planning.
“This is a topic I’ve been guilty of putting on the back burner,” says Katie Mills O’Connor, SMCS parent. “Edward was knowledgeable and provided a lot of helpful information. The virtual format made it easy to tune in and was a time-efficient way to attend. My biggest takeaway was being reminded of the importance of getting our wills done. If we don’t take control of the decisions we want to make and don’t have a will, others will make those decisions for us.”
The Secrets of Estate Planning presentation will be available on Edward Olkovich’s site MrWills.com in the new year for everyone who was unable to attend the webinar.
Learn more about our alumni events and email any questions or suggestions for the next virtual Alumni Information Series to alumni@smcsmail.com.
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