SHARON MOFFAT, CEA, EPC, Certified Executor Advisor, Amethyst Estate Management Inc, Red Deer, Alberta

SHARON MOFFAT

“On her good days, we didn’t want to talk about her dying,

and on her bad days, we certainly didn’t want to talk about her dying.”

When is the ‘right time’ to talk about your final wishes?

Sharon Moffat’s journey as a Certified Executor Advisor began with her own story of loss. “I enjoyed a successful career as a financial advisor with IG Wealth Management for almost 20 years, and then my mom got sick,” says Sharon. “This began a year-long road, navigating her illness, cancer treatments, and ultimately, her passing,” she says. “Shortly after I returned to work, my dad passed away.” Coping with the loss of her parents and adapting to the remote-work shifts brought on by the pandemic, Sharon chose to retire and dedicated a year to volunteering in her community. “But I kept coming back to the idea that there was something I hadn’t yet finished,” she says. Balancing the weight of grief with the responsibilities of being an executor gave her a sense of purpose—and helped her realize that she was actually very well-equipped to handle the complexities of estate management. From that experience, Amethyst Estate Management was born.

What do I do? Where do I go? How do I do this? These are only some of the many questions people ask when they lose a loved one and are appointed executor. “My focus is on executor preparation,” says Sharon. “I have asked people in their late 70s and 80s if they want to be cremated or buried, and you’d be surprised how many say, ‘I haven’t really thought about it’.”

Though a family member often plays the role of executor, there is a lot that can be left unknown and undiscussed. Sharon gives the example of siblings—they may know some things about you, but do they know who your closest friends are? Or how to contact your employer? Do they know what to do with your favourite art collection, or whether you want your ashes to be spread or buried? “It’s hard to tell your own loved ones those things says Sharon. “It’s hard to say to your kids, ‘Ok, when I die, here’s what you need to know.’ It often feels too soon to talk like that.” In many cases, it can be easier to talk to someone who will be objective, not emotional.

The Amethyst Legacy Plan questionnaire is a thoughtfully curated, ever-evolving document. With each new estate preparation client Sharon supports, she uncovers new details that shouldn’t be missed—ranging from canceling a weekly cleaning or meal service to confirming the existence of a crypto wallet.

“When we name an executor, we give someone the discretion to make decisions on our behalf. In the old days, we used to be able to go to a filing cabinet to find documentation, but now so many things are stored online,” she says. Sharon gives the example of her own online savings account, which doesn’t come with printed statements. “I use it to stash away some travel money, here and there. So what happens to that money if I die? No one really knows about it,” she says. “Currently, there is more than $1.1 billion sitting in unclaimed bank accounts across Canada.”

There are also more and more moving pieces to people’s lives. “Some people are looking for a more personal approach,” says Sharon. One terminally ill client wanted a painting, which was a humorous family heirloom, to be left to a certain person, and said ‘she will know.’ “You might not tell your trust company you want your favourite recliner to be left to your brother, but it’s those kinds of personal touches that can be contained in the Amethyst Legacy Plan,” she explains.

Sharon also acts as an Executor Advisor and will accompany clients to appointments, helping them to gather details and ask the right questions when at the bank, or sitting with tax professionals and financial advisors. “I had one client whose spouse died after a very brief battle with cancer. When she had to begin the estate settlement process, and take the name of her spouse off her bank, property and investment accounts, it was overwhelming and she struggled to manage the flood of emotions that came with it. “The grief was very raw, but eventually, she was able to lead the conversation and have me attend in a supportive role.

"The Amethyst Legacy Plan is far from superficial—it’s a practical, comprehensive tool designed with real-world needs in mind,” says Sharon. Her plan helps clients eliminate the potential for delayed probate and estate settlements, as well as extra legal fees. The questionnaire reduces the chance of surprise asset or debt revelations. It can reveal unknown wishes, unlocated documents, passwords. “The point of the Plan is to take care of potential roadblocks,” says Sharon. “All the things that are put in place to protect you while alive are going to act as obstacles for your executor.”

Sharon also believes she can create some peace of mind for people who don’t feel they have a suitable executor. “One client’s son was coming of age, and she was anxious about leaving him with such big responsibilities should something happen to her,” Sharon says. Through the Amethyst Legacy Plan process, the client’s son gradually became involved, gaining familiarity and confidence in what would one day become his responsibility. It was also comforting for them to learn about the assistance that a Certified Executor Advisor can provide to someone who is feeling uncertain about their duties.

Sharon advocates for not just planning ahead, but having these conversations early. “My mom was a successful stock broker and I was a Certified Financial Planner. If any two people should have gotten this right, it should have been us. But we didn’t,” says Sharon. After she had fallen ill, there were things Sharon didn’t ask her mom. “On her good days, I didn’t really want to talk about her dying, and on her bad days, I certainly didn’t want to talk about her dying.” So when is the ‘right time’ to talk to your loved ones about your final wishes?

When asked why she chose the name “Amethyst’ – Sharon says “It is a gemstone protector against grief and financial stress. “It also happens to be my birthstone. "It reflects my personal journey through grief, financial stress, and management, and now I’m able to assist others in navigating the details and complexities of one of life’s most challenging transitions."

Carmen Morgan is a skilled business writer and storyteller, collaborating with business owners and executives to tell their stories and share perspectives on growth and success, as well as perseverance and adversity. Over two decades she has refined her interview, writing and editing skills to capture the nuggets and captivating details that engage readers and make a story memorable. 

Sharon Moffat, CEA, EPC, Certified Executor Advisor,

Amethyst Estate Management Inc,

Red Deer, Alberta

403 - 318 - 6926

sharon@amethystEM.ca

https://amethystem.ca/