Mallory McGrath talking with a client in an office boardroom

Welcome to the Viive Blog! This is where our Founder and CEO, Mallory McGrath, as well as guest bloggers, share their thoughts on the benefits of planning, smart advice to help families talk about difficult topics, and inspiring testimonials from people who have gone through the planning process.

November 3, 2023

8 Reasons to Write Up Your Will (Right Now)

Spoiler alert: One of them has to do with keeping your furry friends safe and comfortable after you're gone.

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October 9, 2023

You Guys Ever Think About Dying?

The denizens of Barbie World aren't the only ones who are afraid to confront their mortality.

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October 4, 2023

Why You Should Talk About Aging During the Holidays

Yes, it's possible to have that conversation without missing out on the holiday fun.

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September 12, 2023

For All the Single Ladies

Independence is hugely important in later life — but so is knowing when to ask for help.

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August 9, 2023

Why Family Time is Crucial for Aging & End of Life Planning

Spending time with your family isn't just good for your health & relationships. It's also key for effective planning.

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July 7, 2023

The Hidden Dangers of the Family Cottage

Cottages are often at the heart of family conflict and estate litigation. Here's why, and how to make sure it doesn't happen to your family too.

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March 22, 2023

From Laughing Together to Fighting Together

How to deal with grieving & greedy siblings once your parents pass away

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March 22, 2023

When Two Becomes One

Our life partners play an integral role in our day-to-day happiness, comfort, and overall well-being, often in ways that we come to take for granted over time.

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November 24, 2022

Retirement Living: The Ins & Outs and What Lies Ahead

Families need to start having conversations about retirement living while their aging parent is still in good health and physically able to participate in downsizing.

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October 12, 2022

JTWROS: What It Is and How to Use It

JTWROS has its merits - if it is used properly. Hear from our Trusted Partner, Michael Kulbak of Kulbak Trust Solutions on the benefits and pitfalls of joint accounts.

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August 4, 2022

Giving More Strategically: Tips and Tricks

What is the best way to give to your favourite charities? Our Trusted Partner, Candice Jay of CC&L provides her advice in this blog.

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May 6, 2022

How Do You Want to be Remembered?

Estate Planning is a great opportunity to leave a legacy that represents you — while saving on taxes.

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April 21, 2022

Boomers Are Living Longer. How does that Affect the Real Estate Market?

COVID-19 prevented many Boomers from downsizing. But as the pandemic wanes, this bottleneck will likely disappear.

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April 7, 2022

I Don’t Have a Will — And That Needs to Change!

Meet Jennifer, a Gen X mom who is writing her Last Will & Testament... for the first time.

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January 2, 2022

Aging & End of Life Tax Planning: Basics You Should Know

Tax planning for your estate is not just for the wealthy. In this post, Viive Trusted Partner, Think Accounting gives a rundown of this important topic.

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November 23, 2021

A Doctor's Opinion on Planning for Serious Illness and Injury

Studies have found that proactively planning for sickness & disability can improve your mental & physical health.

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October 12, 2021

The Decluttering Battle Plan

Interested in decluttering your home? Check out this blog post from our Trusted Partner, Sharon Parenteau, to learn more about her Five-Step Decluttering Plan.

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July 19, 2021

The Benefits of Aging & End of Life Planning

Creating an Estate Plan should be done carefully and considerately.

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July 14, 2021

Two generations’ view on the aging process - Part #2

As a Canadian society, we avoid talking about money and death. Both of these are key factors when it comes to planning for the aging process.

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July 7, 2021

Two generations’ view on the aging process - Part #1

How do Millennials and Baby Boomers differ in their approach to Aging & End of Life? Sue (a Boomer) and Mallory (a Millennial) share their perspectives.

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June 21, 2021

Collaborative Planning - a Viive client perspective

Through our experience with Viive Planning, we learned just how important it was to look carefully at that minutiae, and to prepare a comprehensive plan for Aging and End of Life.

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June 7, 2021

Why You Should Pre-Pay for Your Funeral

In Canada, the average direct cremation costs $5,000. That's a lot to handle when you're already grieving a loss.

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May 24, 2021

A Valid Will vs. An Effective Will

Having a valid Will isn’t necessarily the same thing as having an effective Will. 

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May 12, 2021

What is a Social Media Will? (FREE Template)

Epilogue has created a FREE Social Media Will to help you to protect your digital legacy.

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May 10, 2021

May is Leave a Legacy Month

Only 5% of people in Canada leave a charitable gift through their Last Will & Testament. Let's try to change that.

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April 21, 2021

Advance Care Planning: A Viive Client Perspective

"While the idea of Aging & End of Life Planning can seem grim, working with Viive was not."

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April 7, 2021

Can I Retire on the Proceeds of my Parents' Estate?

The short answer: no, you can't. Here's why.

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March 22, 2021

It’s OK to Be Cautious About Electronic Wills

Even as a typical Millennial with my desire to preserve the environment and take advantage of the digital age we live in, I remain in support of Wills and POAs being signed by a person with. a. pen.

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March 19, 2021

Powers of Attorney: Not Just For Our Elders

Powers of Attorney are important for everybody, regardless of age or assets.

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March 5, 2021

How To Help Your Adult Children Make Their Will

In today’s digital age, creating a Will is easier than ever. Here's how to nudge your kids to get started.

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February 19, 2021

To Downsize or Not to Downsize, That is the Question

Right now, in the condo market, inventory is up, and the demand is down. But over in the freehold market, inventory is down, and demand is up.

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February 5, 2021

What to Do When Your Parent Hasn’t Named a Power of Attorney

Welcome back to Part #2 of our conversation about Powers of Attorney (POAs) and when to start using them if you have been appointed by your parent/loved one. 

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January 22, 2021

Life Insurance: A Smart Step for Your Child’s Future

Life insurance policies for children & grandchildren can be some of the best investments you ever make in your family's legacy and future.

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December 18, 2020

Exercising Your Rights as Power of Attorney for a Parent or Loved One

Powers of Attorney allow you to step in and make decisions about your loved one's finances and health if they are incapable of doing so themselves.

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November 16, 2020

We Owe Our Kids More Honesty About Aging & Death

Money, aging, and death are all huge taboos in our culture. That needs to change.

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November 16, 2020

Welcome to Viive Planning

Welcome to Viive Planning! Meet our Founder & CEO, Mallory McGrath.

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