In 1994, I traded in my hammer and saw for a new set of tools. After 10 years renovating homes, I embarked on a new career in financial planning. Renovating homes was rewarding, but I couldn't face the prospect of working through yet another cold Canadian winter. So I set off to Toronto to learn my new trade and even though the environment couldn't have been more different, the lessons I had learned in the previous decade would be a huge benefit in the years to come.

The renovations I performed always involved tearing down existing structures. Opening up walls, highlights the benefits of careful planning and prudent construction. It's easy to work on a well-built home with a solid foundation. On the flip side, I saw many examples of shoddy building that led to modifications, cost overruns and missed deadlines. The reasons for the "tear down" were different for each job (structural problems, updating to code, or simply homeowners wanting a change). The tricky part was that until you opened up the wall, you were never entirely sure what conditions you were going to face. Once you busted through the dry wall, you had passed the point of no return. (A great way to learn problem solving skills)

In one of my current roles I help our clients "tear-down" their estate plans. Whether you know it or not, you already have an estate plan in place, and chances are it is not "exactly" what you want. The good news is that we don't have to bust any drywall to fix it. How can I be so sure that your estate plan needs to be renovated?

1) Structure - some plans simply don't accomplish what YOU want
2) Updating to code - taxes and laws change over time, your plans need to adapt
3) Life - has anything changed since your last estate plan (family, finances, feelings?)