Cadence & Co Blog

Bōde and Cadence Partner to Deliver Smarter Estate Outcomes

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:21:18 GMT

Joint partnership connects estate executors with real-time property intelligence and full transaction support across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.

CALGARY, AB · APRIL 14, 2026 - Bōde , Canada's digital real estate platform, and Cadence, a Canadian technology company reimagining life after loss, today announced a joint partnership designed to transform how executors navigate residential real estate during estate administration.

The partnership gives Cadence's executor and estate clients direct access to Bōde's homeowner intelligence platform, combining Cadence's estate administration expertise with Bōde's data-driven, AI-supported property tools and licensed brokerage services. Together, the two companies are addressing one of the most overlooked pain points in estate settlement: what to do with the property.

Executors managing residential real estate face a distinct set of pressures: fiduciary responsibility, compressed timelines, and decisions made without the benefit of years of familiarity with a property. The Cadence–Bōde partnership is designed to dramatically improve that experience. With this partnership, Cadence will guide executor and estate clients to Bōde’s platform, where they receive bespoke property valuations, comparable sales data, and full transaction support 24/7.

What the Partnership Delivers

Homeowner Dashboard: Real-time property valuations and local market intelligence available from day one, before any listing decisions are made.
Comparable sales analysis: Address-specific data that gives executors a defensible pricing position, reviewable by beneficiaries and legal counsel.
Transaction and closing coordination: Step-by-step milestone support from accepted offer through completion.
Property readiness support: Professional photography, measurements, property clearance support if needed, and coordinated closing.
1% service fee, capped at $10,000 + GST: A fee structure an executor can justify as responsible stewardship of estate assets.

Since launch, Bōde has helped Canadians successfully sell over 3,000 homes, representing more than $2.5 billion CAD in real estate value.

“Executors carry real legal and financial responsibility, and they deserve more than a handshake and a generic listing,” said Robert Price, Founder & CEO of Bōde. “Cadence has built something rare. A service clients trust completely at one of the most difficult moments in their lives. Extending that trust to Bōde’s platform means executors get the intelligence and support they need to make defensible, confident decisions, and provide them with the support they need during that difficult period.”

- Robert Price, Founder & CEO, Bōde

“Estate settlement is already one of the most demanding responsibilities a person can take on. Partnering with Bōde means our clients have the property intelligence and support they need to make confident, defensible decisions, without carrying that weight alone.”

- Rachel Drew, Founder & CEO, Cadence

This partnership eliminates friction at one of estate administration's most consequential decision points. Bōde surfaces what a property is worth and how to sell it responsibly. Cadence ensures that decision sits within the broader context of identity protection, estate settlement, and family support. Together, they deliver what families navigating loss deserve: clear and compassionate guidance.

Availability

The partnership is active immediately. Cadence is available to clients across North America, excluding Quebec. Bōde is currently available across British Columbia, Alberta, and the Greater Toronto Area, with further Canadian provincial expansion and U.S. market entry planned. Together, both platforms are positioned to serve executor clients at scale as the partnership grows.

About Bōde

Bōde is a Canadian digital real estate brokerage that delivers professional listing, marketing, negotiation, and transaction services. The platform provides homeowners, investors, builders, and executors with data-driven property intelligence and the full support of a licensed brokerage. Learn more at bode.ca .

About Cadence

Cadence is a Canadian technology company reimagining life after loss through secure digital tools that bring structure, guidance, and peace of mind to families and professionals. Cadence’s unified platform spans estate settlement automation, grief support, and institutional verification systems, simplifying the complex world of post-loss management for funeral providers, healthcare and financial institutions. Learn more at cadenceco.com .

MEDIA CONTACTS

Cadence Communications hello@cadenceco.com · cadenceco.com

Bōde Communications nik@bodecanada.com · bode.ca

Why Cadence Exists: A Founder’s Story

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 22:43:24 GMT

When my mom died, I left the funeral home with a checklist.

It didn’t feel helpful.
It felt crushing.

I remember sitting at my kitchen table afterward, crying, staring at a list of things I was suddenly responsible for—forms to fill out, accounts to close, tasks to complete. I searched online for guidance, typed my mom’s date of death into one form after another, and felt the weight of it all pressing down at a moment when I was least able to cope.

What struck me most wasn’t just the grief.
It was the absence of a clear path forward.

Instead of structure or support, I found broken, fragmented systems—and an overwhelming amount of responsibility placed on people in the rawest moments of their lives

At the time, I assumed this was just my experience.

Discovering a Shared Reality

Over the years, that assumption proved wrong.

Through volunteering in hospice, talking with families, and working alongside care providers, I began to hear the same story again and again. The confusion. The overwhelm. The feeling of being left alone to navigate a complicated web of tasks after loss.

What I experienced wasn’t the exception.
It was the norm

And that realization stayed with me.

A Better Way After Loss

The period after a death is one of the most vulnerable times in a person’s life. Yet it’s also when we ask families to become administrators, coordinators, and decision-makers—often without guidance, clarity, or continuity of care.

That didn’t feel right.

Cadence exists because that time after loss deserves more structure, more clarity, and more care than it’s been given

That belief is the foundation of everything we do.

Built for Families, With Funeral Homes

We built Cadence for families—but we work hand in hand with funeral homes.

Why? Because funeral homes are often the last place families feel truly supported , and at the same time, the first place where responsibility begins

Funeral professionals show up for families at an incredibly meaningful moment. Cadence is designed to extend that care beyond the service itself—helping families navigate what comes next with confidence instead of confusion.

Doing This Together

Cadence is not about replacing human connection. It’s about strengthening it.

We’re here to do this work together—with funeral homes, care providers, and families—so no one feels abandoned once the ceremony ends.

Supporting families long after the service isn’t an extra.
It’s the work.

And that’s why I built Cadence.

About Rachel Drew, CEO & Founder of Cadence

Rachel Drew is the Founder and CEO of Cadence. She founded the company after recognizing a critical gap in support for families following a death. With experience working alongside hospice providers, care teams, and funeral professionals, Rachel leads Cadence with a focus on extending care beyond the service and strengthening the role funeral homes play in supporting families long-term.

Identity Theft Awareness Week: Tips for Lowering the Hidden Risk After a Death

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:41:00 GMT

When someone dies, their identity doesn’t automatically disappear. And for families, that reality can create risks they never expected to manage.

In the weeks and months that follow a death, families are juggling grief, paperwork, and a long list of unfamiliar responsibilities. During this time, a person’s identity is often still active across financial institutions, government agencies, and digital platforms, quietly creating an overlooked window of vulnerability.

This risk is commonly referred to as deceased identity theft or “ghosting.” While it’s rarely talked about, consumer protection agencies consistently warn that it’s a real and ongoing issue—one that can add unnecessary stress and financial harm to families already navigating loss.

This Identity Theft Awareness Week we’re helping families understand the risks after a loss, and how to limit them.

Why Identity Risk Persists After a Death

When a death occurs, there is rarely a single system that updates all records at once. Instead, families must notify institutions individually—credit bureaus, banks, government agencies, insurers, and more—often with different requirements and timelines.

During this transition period:

Credit files may remain active
Financial and digital accounts may be unmonitored
Government systems may not yet reflect the death
Public records may update before safeguards are in place

It’s this gap, between public notice and institutional closure, that creates potential exposure.

Public Records, Timing, and Exposure

Public records, such as obituaries, probate filings, and death notices, play an important role in honoring life, informing communities, and supporting legal processes. At the same time, they can signal to those with bad intentions that an identity is vulnerable, as some systems may not have been fully updated yet.

Consumer protection organizations emphasize that the risk does not stem from memorialization itself, but from timing mismatches across systems. When accounts, credit files, or tax records remain active, identities are more vulnerable to misuse and fraud.

Being aware of post-death identity exposure risk allows families and professionals to act earlier and protect the estate, without changing how they memorialize or honor their loved ones.

Key Steps for Reducing Post-Death Identity Risk

While nothing can eliminate risk entirely, consumer protection agencies recommend several actions that can help reduce exposure:

1. Notify Credit Bureaus

Request a deceased alert with major credit bureaus and provide required documentation so new credit activity is flagged for review.

2. Monitor Financial and Government Mail

Unexpected bills, collection notices, or tax correspondence addressed to the deceased can be early indicators of an issue.

3. Secure Key Documents

Death certificates, identification records, and estate documents should be stored securely yet accessible, as they are often required repeatedly.

4. Track Notified Institutions

Keep a centralized record of which institutions have been notified and which still require follow-up. This can help prevent gaps.

5. Seek Trusted Guidance

Consumer protection agencies and estate professionals can provide support and guidance if identity fraud is suspected.

Awareness Is the First Line of Protection. Cadence is the Next.

Identity Theft Awareness is a reminder that protection doesn’t stop at life, it extends into how we support families after loss. By understanding post-death identity risk, acting early, and closing system gaps thoughtfully, families and professionals can reduce unnecessary harm during one of life’s most difficult transitions.

At Cadence, we created Estate Guard™ to help families identify potential areas of exposure after a death and take informed, timely next steps. Estate Guard is designed to bring clarity and structure to a complex, often fragmented process, supporting families with a smoother path and easier coordination during a difficult time.

See how Estate Guard™ helps protect the families you serve →

Sources & Further Reading

Cadence Unveils Estate Guard™ — Family-First Estate Protection for the Days After a Death

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:37:09 GMT

New capability surfaces active accounts, automates notifications, and closes a critical gap in estate security.

“When someone dies, their data doesn’t. Estate Guard™ gives families and institutions a clear, secure way to see what’s at risk and act when it matters most.” — Rachel Drew, Founder & CEO, Cadence

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — Cadence, a Canadian technology company transforming how families and institutions manage life after loss, today announced Estate Guard™, a purpose-built estate protection capability for the funeral and estate ecosystem.

When someone dies, their data doesn’t. Estate Guard™ helps families quickly identify active financial and digital accounts and notify institutions, a critical step in reducing exposure to post-loss identity fraud, an issue affecting millions of bereaved families each year in North America. By securely analyzing verified institutional data, Estate Guard™ produces a clear, actionable protection list so accounts can be monitored, closed, or transferred with confidence.

“For too long, unclosed accounts and unmonitored data have exposed families to avoidable financial and emotional harm,” said Rachel Drew, Founder and CEO of Cadence. “Estate Guard™ is designed to change that by giving families and professionals a reliable way to see what’s at risk and act when it matters most.”

What It Does:

Surfaces active financial and digital accounts tied to the deceased using verified institutional data.
Generates an actionable protection list highlighting where to close, freeze, or notify.
Integrates with Cadence’s Executor Assistant for guided estate support and Easy Notice™ for digital notifications.
Preserves privacy through strict access controls, audit trails, and enterprise-grade encryption.

Early results show faster account verification, reducing what traditionally takes families weeks of manual outreach to a single verified action. Automated notification workflows replace fragmented, mail-based processes, cutting delays while improving alignment with identity protection and compliance practices.

“We’ve built the digital infrastructure that connects families, funeral providers, and financial systems,” added Drew. “Estate Guard™ isn’t just a feature, it’s a secure foundation for post-loss data exchange in an overlooked, high-impact industry.”

Who It’s For:

Families and executors seeking clarity in the first days after a death.
Funeral homes, insurers, and benefits administrators extending care with protection.
Financial institutions modernizing post-loss workflows.

When It’s Available:

Estate Guard™ is available today to business and enterprise partners across North America.

About Cadence

Cadence reimagines life after loss through secure digital tools that bring structure, guidance, and peace of mind to families and professionals.

Contacts

Cadence Communications

hello@cadenceco.com

www.cadenceco.com

What to Do After Someone Dies

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:51:30 GMT

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Where to Find Proof of Death in Canada

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:50:20 GMT

What Happens To My Crypto & Digital Assets When I Die?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:50:07 GMT

The Challenges of Grief When Settling An Estate

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:45:31 GMT

What is a Certified Executor Advisor?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:44:05 GMT

The Pros and Cons of Executor Checklists

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:42:18 GMT

Thinking of getting an estate lawyer? Here are a few things to consider.

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:41:33 GMT

Tackle Post-Death Paperwork With These Six Strategies

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:40:44 GMT

What Happens to My Online Accounts When I Die?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:40:26 GMT

The Story of Cadence

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:39:33 GMT

What Happens When We Grieve

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:39:00 GMT

How to Help Someone Who is Grieving

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:38:37 GMT

Navigating Grief During the Holidays

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:37:55 GMT

Why Your Clients Should Pre-Plan Their Funeral

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:35:12 GMT

The ability to assist your clients with pre-planning their funerals will positively reflect on you in the eyes of both your clients and their families.

Maintaining Your Mental Health In The Funeral Profession

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:30:07 GMT

Industry expert, Joseph Thomas, provides insight into how funeral staff maintain their mental health while balancing their challenging responsibilities.

How To Discuss Grief and Loss: Tips From A Funeral Director

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:29:12 GMT

We interviewed our very own Breanna (Bre) Williams, former funeral director, about loss, grief, and how to talk about such topics.

What documents do I need to begin the settlement process?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:28:30 GMT

Estate settlement can be a complicated process for executors. Cadence provides a list of documents you'll need so you can focus on grieving and healing.

When is the right time to bring up pre-planning?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:28:12 GMT

In collaboration with four funeral professionals, we reveal the significance of timing and a client's emotional state when approaching pre-planning discussions.

Using Research For Good: Insights with Dr. Kathrina Mazurik

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:26:18 GMT

The estate process is often frustrating for everyone involved. Cadence has developed a solution with guidance from Dr. Kat and a commitment to research.

Why Estate Settlement Matters for Funeral Service Professionals

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:25:59 GMT

The Cadence Experience with Serese Selanders

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:24:52 GMT

CEO of Solusguard, Serese Selanders, dicusses how Cadence played an instrumental role in lifting the administrative burden after her father's passing.

The Administrative Burden of Death

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:24:44 GMT

Why Is End Of Life Planning Important?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:24:23 GMT

Having all of your important documents and end-of-life plans in place and up to date can give you peace of mind and make life easier for those around you.

Sibling Disputes During Estate Settlement

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:24:07 GMT

Dividing assets amongst surviving family members can often lead to disputes. Cadence offers useful tips to resolve these issues and prevent them in the future.

Supporting Different Grieving Styles During The Holidays

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:22:51 GMT

Learn how to best support the grief of the utilitarian griever, the withdrawing griever, or the social distraction-centric griever this holiday season.

National Funeral Director Recognition Day: Cadence's Commitment to Supporting Compassionate Care

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:22:22 GMT

Funeral directors deserve to work with estate settlement software companies that understand their needs. Let's discuss how Cadence serves funeral professionals.

What Is Probate and Do I Need It?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:21:39 GMT

What makes Cadence different from a checklist?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:20:58 GMT

Explore the comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized approach that differentiates Cadence from traditional executor checklists.

The Unexpected Responsibilities of Spousal Loss with Emily Cave Boit

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:20:20 GMT

We sat down with Emily Cave Boit as she shares her experience with widowhood following the loss of her husband, NHL star Colby Cave.

A New Demographic of Customers: Understanding Gen X

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:19:51 GMT

Stay ahead of demographic shifts in the funeral profession. With the help of Cadence, you can understand and cater to the unique needs of Gen X.

The Missing Piece in Funeral Aftercare

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:18:54 GMT

There’s a missing piece in the current funeral aftercare model, and it’s time to bridge that gap. Families need more than a folder, they need long-term support.

Funeral Professionals: The Last Responders

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:17:13 GMT

Emergency personnel are known as first responders, but when a loss occurs, funeral professionals step forward as "Last Responders" to support grieving families.

Beyond the Service: Why Aftercare Programs are Key to Long-Term Growth

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:16:55 GMT

Supporting families beyond the service is not just thoughtful, it’s essential. Aftercare strengthens client trust while strategically enhancing your business.

Is it Time to Sell or Transfer Estate Property? Here is What You Need to Know.

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:15:54 GMT

The Rise of Green Funerals

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:15:02 GMT

As families embrace greener burial options, funeral professionals must adapt to the growing demand for sustainable and personalized end-of-life services.

Going the Extra Mile: Small Gestures That Create Lasting Impressions

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:42:00 GMT

How Funeral Professionals Can Go the Extra Mile

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and families often find themselves overwhelmed by both grief and logistical challenges. While funeral homes provide essential services, it’s the small, thoughtful gestures that can truly make a lasting impact.

In this blog we will explore how funeral professionals can enhance the family experience. From personalized memorials to comprehensive aftercare, these added efforts hav e the opportunity to create a compassionate and memorable encounter for every family served, while ultimately supporting the success of your business.

The Power of Meaningful Touchpoints

Families remember how they were treated during their most vulnerable moments. Small gestures, compassionate follow-ups, and seamless aftercare transform a difficult time into a meaningful experience. When funeral professionals go beyond expectations, they build trust, inspire gratitude, and create lasting connections—strengthening their reputation and ensuring families return for generations.

How Funeral Homes Can Go the Extra Mile for Families

The small details make all the difference. Here are some ways funeral professionals can create memorable moments through meaningful gestures:

1. Personalized Memorials

Offer custom video tributes or digital memory books that families can revisit for years.
Provide memorial candles, engraved keepsakes, or fingerprint jewelry as lasting mementos.
Create a dedicated online tribute page where friends and family can share memories.

2. Thoughtful Follow-Up

Send a handwritten note or card on the first anniversary of a loved one's passing.
Offer grief check-in calls or emails a few weeks and months after the service.
Provide a holiday remembrance event where families can honor their loved ones.

3. Assistance With Practical Matters

Help families navigate estate settlement with recommended professionals or programs.
Provide a resource guide on handling digital assets and closing accounts.
Offer workshops or webinars on topics like grief support, financial planning, and pre-need options.

4. Community and Connection

Offer or outsource monthly grief support groups (virtual or in-person) led by experts.
Partner with local businesses to offer discounts on estate planning or grief counseling services.
Host end-of-life information sessions or informal meet-and-greet opportunities.

5. Pre-Need Planning for Future Generations

Offer free consultations on pre-planning to reduce stress for families.
Create a program for returning families , offering special discounts or benefits for pre-need services.

Comprehensive Aftercare: A Pillar of Support

Grief does not end after the funeral, and families often need ongoing support. Continuous care can greatly impact the experience of families, yet that support is not always provided. A study in the Netherlands found that 44% of families were unaware that follow-up care was even available. This gap presents a critical opportunity for funeral homes to distinguish themselves by offering comprehensive aftercare.

Cadence: Enhancing the Post-Loss Journey

Incorporating specialized services like Cadence's Executor Assistant and Grief Care resources can significantly ease the burden on families:

Executor Assistant : An easy-to-use digital tool that intuitively guides families through the complex estate settlement process, complete with expert support.
Grief Care : Access to virtual grief groups, email support, and audio resources to help families navigate their loss.

By integrating these services, funeral homes can provide invaluable support beyond the funeral , demonstrating empathy and a long-term commitment to families' well-being.

The Lasting Impact of Thoughtful Service

Incorporating small, meaningful gestures into funeral services can leave a profound impact on families. By going the extra mile , funeral professionals can build trust, create lifelong client relationships, and ensure their services are remembered for generations.

Looking to elevate your level of care? Discover how Cadence can help you go above and beyond for the families you serve. Book a call with our team today.

Adapting to Changing Consumer Preferences in Deathcare

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:42:00 GMT

Adapting to Changing Consumer Preferences: What Funeral Directors Need to Know

Consumer expectations are evolving faster than ever, and funeral professionals must adapt to keep pace. As Generation X becomes the primary consumer of funeral services, their preferences are reshaping the industry. Unlike the Baby Boomers before them, Gen X values convenience, digital accessibility, and quality services. To remain relevant and provide meaningful support, funeral homes must reassess their offerings and embrace the tools that modern families expect.

Understanding the Shift in Consumer Expectations

Today’s families prioritize ease, transparency, and meaningful personalization over rigid traditions. They seek meaningful and unique experiences over antiquated services. This trend means that funeral homes must move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring that their services are flexible and accessible to meet the diverse needs of modern consumers.

Embracing Technology in Funeral Services

Technology is no longer an afterthought—it’s a necessity. A recent study found that only 48% of families felt they received sufficient tech resources from their funeral home . This gap presents a critical opportunity for funeral professionals to enhance their offerings by integrating digital tools, such as:

Digital Memorialization Options – Families expect online platforms where they explore memorial options to honor and keep the memories of their loved ones alive.
Online Grief Support – Access to virtual grief resources allow for much-needed bereavement care at any time, from anywhere.
Aftercare Resources – Estate settlement and post-funeral administrative support help ease the burden on grieving families.

By leveraging these solutions, funeral homes can offer the digital accessibility that families not only prefer but increasingly expect.

Prioritizing Accessibility and Comprehensive Support

With busy schedules and numerous responsibilities, today’s consumers need services that are easy to access and navigate. A staggering 56% of families served by funeral homes feel unsupported after services conclude , highlighting the urgent need for robust aftercare. Funeral homes that offer online grief resources, estate guidance, and other aftercare services demonstrate their commitment to supporting families beyond the ceremony. Providing these resources not only enhances client satisfaction but also strengthens trust and long-term relationships with families for generations.

The Growing Importance of Trust and Reputation

While tradition once dictated funeral home choices, today’s consumers prioritize trust, reputation, and transparency. Over 92% of consumers use online reviews to guide their purchasing decisions , making a strong digital presence essential. Funeral homes can build credibility and foster trust by:

Maintaining an informative, user-friendly website with clear service explanations.
Engaging with the community through events and educational content.
Encouraging and showcasing client testimonials to highlight positive experiences.
Offering transparent pricing to eliminate uncertainty and stress.

Funeral professionals who establish themselves as trusted advisors rather than solely service providers will stand out in this shifting landscape.

How Cadence Supports Funeral Professionals

At Cadence, we understand the evolving needs of today’s families and the challenges funeral professionals face in keeping up. Our digital, grief-informed estate planning and administrative tools align with modern expectations for quality care, convenience, and personalization. By integrating Cadence’s solutions, funeral homes can expand their offerings, improve client satisfaction, and ensure they meet the growing demand for accessible, technology-driven support.

Conclusion

The funeral industry is evolving, and staying ahead requires embracing change. By leveraging technology, enhancing accessibility, and prioritizing trust, funeral directors can create meaningful, client-centered experiences that meet the expectations of today’s families. Those who adapt will not only provide better support but also secure their place in the future of funeral service.

Want to see how Cadence can help your funeral home exceed client expectations while growing your business? Book a demo with a Cadence representative today.

Cadence Announces SOC 2® Compliance

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:42:00 GMT

Cadence Announces SOC 2® Compliance

We are excited to announce that Cadence is now recognized as a System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 company. At Cadence, we are committed to ensuring the highest standards of security and confidentiality for all our clients. This milestone continues to further our efforts in that direction.

What is SOC 2 Compliance?

SOC 2 compliance is one of the highest recognized standards of information security in the world . Passing this rigorous assessment of internal controls and platform security validates our dedication and adherence to the highest security standards.

Enhanced Security Matters

In today’s technology-driven world, protecting against cyber threats is crucial. SOC 2 requirements help us establish these airtight internal security controls , ensuring that all sensitive information is protected. This allows clients and the families they serve to rest assured knowing that their data is secure with Cadence.

Our Journey to SOC 2 Compliance

Leading this extensive project was Cadence’s Co-Founder, Krystian Olszanski. His unwavering and years-long dedication to executing enhanced security measures is truly commendable.

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If you have any questions regarding our security practices and how we handle sensitive data, please connect with our team .

What We’re Excited For At CANA’s Cremation Innovation Convention 2024

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:42:00 GMT

What We’re Excited For At CANA’s Cremation Innovation Convention 2024

This year marks CANA’s 106th Annual Cremation Innovation Convention , and we could not be more thrilled to attend. This convention is a cornerstone for our industry, bringing together an incredible community of peers from across North America, all in the beautiful city of Chicago. Not only does this event offer an opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, but it also fosters a space where innovation thrives.

Over the course of this three-day event, there are several informative sessions hosted by industry experts that are sure to leave attendees inspired. Though there are many amazing learning opportunities, here are three sessions we won’t be missing:

Sessions We Won’t Be Missing

Cybersecurity Awareness: Recognizing a Threat and Protecting Your Data

Lee Hovermale | September 12th | 1:30pm-2:30pm

About : In today's digital age, the threat of a personal or business cyberattack looms over all of us. Take a proactive stance against cyber threats and learn how to identify phishing attacks and malware schemes so you will be better prepared to safeguard your data. This session will empower you with information you can use to navigate the online world securely and protect yourself and your company.

As more industry services move online, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be understated. Navigating the world of cybersecurity can be challenging, but staying informed and adopting robust security solutions is essential to keeping the data of your business, and the families you serve, safe.

At Cadence, we are dedicated to protecting our business, our partners, and the families they serve from cyber threats. Having recently achieved SOC 2 compliance, we have implemented stringent internal protocols and utilize bank-level 256-bit encryption for data storage and transmission. With Lee’s expertise, this session is sure to offer valuable insights that further enhance our practices and allow us to stay ahead of the curve.

Information is Power: Updates from Industry Experts - The Answer is in the Numbers

Robert Hunsaker | September 13th | 8:00am-9:00am

About : This presentation reviews the CANA cremation statistics, looking at current trends and market fluctuations. Using straightforward exercises, we will use the statistics and look into how they impact an existing business. This interactive session will identify strategies to remain profitable in today's market.

In order to meet the evolving needs of our partners and families, staying on top of trends in the deathcare space is essential. With digital, convenient solutions on the rise, it's crucial for businesses to adapt. Cadence was designed to fit this changing market, offering a service that supports families while simultaneously providing our partners with a beneficial ROI model. Robert’s session will help us discover new strategies to enhance our partnerships and increase the benefits they receive. We’re thrilled to learn about what factors are influencing change in the profession we serve.

The Power of Human Connection: Elevating Your Grief Support & Aftercare Programs

Kelly Manion | September 13th | 10:30am-11:30am

About : Prepare to elevate your brand to the next level! In this dynamic session, you will gain valuable insights into the diverse ways people, including yourself, experience grief, and how to support people who are grieving. You’ll also learn how to integrate grief support into your aftercare program, positioning your firm as a cornerstone of compassion and comfort within your community.

As a grief-informed continuation of care service, this session could not hit more close to home. After an arrangement, families are not only faced with the heaviness of grief, but also lengthy end-of-life administrative tasks. Providing families with guided support can make all the difference, both in their grief journey and the reputation of your business.

At Cadence, we help deathcare businesses implement or enhance a continuation of care model by supporting families with the logistical and emotional challenges that come with loss. Attending this session will continue to inspire our mission of ensuring that all families feel supported after a loss.

Let’s Stay Connected

Whether in a session or at our booth, we cannot wait to reconnect with our peers and meet many more amazing professionals. At this years’ convention, you will find two of our incredible team members, Hannah Mason and Kayleigh Feschuk , representing Cadence as an exhibitor .

Be sure to stop by our booth to chat with the team, discuss the day’s sessions, or learn more about how Cadence supports you and the families you serve.

See you at CANA’s Cremation Innovation Convention 2024!

Inside NFDA 2024

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:42:00 GMT

Inside NFDA 2024: Cadence’s Key Takeaways and Memorable Moments

This past October, the Cadence team had the honor of attending the NFDA International Convention & Expo in New Orleans, and we enjoyed every minute of the action-packed days spent together. The convention united professionals from every corner of the deathcare industry, creating an ideal setting for learning, networking, and reuniting with familiar faces. Join us as we share the highlights that made NFDA 2024 so special.

A Buzzing Expo Floor

The Expo floor in New Orleans had an undeniable energy this year, as funeral professionals explored new innovation with a mix of curiosity and connection. Our team enjoyed incredible conversations, both at our booth and across the Expo, and we were thrilled to see the rising awareness surrounding continuing care. More and more funeral homes are actively exploring expanded aftercare solutions, and we were thrilled to meet so many attendees eager to learn more about Cadence. Our booth stayed wonderfully busy, with visitors viewing live demos and snapping up our signature purple pens and toiletry bags before they were gone.

Inspiring Speakers

Of course, no convention would be complete without incredible speakers, and NFDA 2024 did not disappoint. Amy Herman ’s opening keynote, “The Art of Perception,” was a standout for us. Through her unique approach of using art to enhance observational skills, Amy showed us how to see with fresh eyes. Her insights on communication and leadership struck a chord with everyone looking to refine how they connect with families.

Another powerful session came from Kristina Rose, who addressed the profound impact of vicarious trauma on funeral professionals. Her discussion on the effects of continuous exposure to grief was a necessary reminder of the importance of mental health and self-care in our industry.

Events That Brought Us Closer Together

The Welcome Party, hosted at Mardi Gras World, was the perfect introduction to New Orleans’ vibrant culture. The lively evening gave us a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the city’s famous float-making process, all while serving up delicious local cuisine, including NOLA’s signature Hurricane cocktails. Surrounded by live music, the evening was filled with energy, laughter, and reconnecting with industry peers in a truly festive environment.

Another highlight was the Lasting Legacies 5K Run/Walk at Lake Lawn Metairie, an experience the Cadence team especially enjoyed. Jogging alongside our peers in a historic cemetery was both surreal and serene, setting a reflective tone for the day. Walking through the beautiful grounds, it felt like we were stepping into the stories of New Orleans’ past, which only deepened our respect for the city and the profession.

Giving Back to the Funeral Service Foundation

The Funeral Service Foundation Donor Appreciation Dinner capped off our experience with a sense of gratitude and pride. Being part of an evening dedicated to recognizing contributors’ support of the foundation’s mission was truly meaningful, and we were honored to stand among so many passionate supporters. Cadence’s own $10,000 donation reflects our commitment to advancing funeral service education, support, and innovation —an investment we believe in wholeheartedly.

Looking Ahead

Our time at NFDA 2024 reinforced our deep love for the deathcare community. The conversations we had, the sessions we attended, and the shared memories made it clear that this is where we belong, and we’re excited to see the future we’re building together. We cannot wait to attend next year’s convention and stay connected with all the amazing professionals who make this industry what it is.

In the meantime, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch with our team or book a free demo to learn more about Cadence . We’re here to answer any questions and support you on your continuing care journey.

Thank you to everyone who made NFDA 2024 unforgettable. See you soon, and here’s to an incredible 2025 ahead!

Our Can’t-Miss Moments at the 2025 FSAC Summit

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:42:00 GMT

Explore Our Can’t-Miss Moments at the 2025 FSAC Summit

The FSAC Summit & Exhibitor Showcase is only one week away and the countdown is on. This year it’s taking place in the breathtaking coastal city of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

We’re thrilled to be returning to FSAC, one of the most anticipated events in the funeral profession. Representing Cadence at this year’s summit will be Kayleigh Feschuk from our Partnerships Team and Amy Liebaert , our Marketing Specialist. Together, they’re looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces, forging new connections, and immersing themselves in the ideas and innovations that are shaping the future of funeral service.

FSAC is always a powerful space for learning and collaboration, bringing together professionals from coast to coast and beyond. With a compelling lineup of speaker sessions, thought leaders who are challenging norms, and an expo hall filled with trailblazing exhibitors, this year promises to deliver the best of the best. Not to mention it all takes place in a city steeped in maritime history, resilience, and natural beauty, offering the perfect backdrop to reflect on our work and its impact.

In this blog, we’re sharing our top can't-miss moments: the sessions we’re most excited about, where to find us on the expo floor, and the spots around town that are worth a visit.

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Speaker Sessions You Don’t Want to Miss

The full speaker lineup is packed with insight and inspiration, but a few sessions have especially caught our attention. We think they’ll resonate deeply with you, too.

Consumer Sentiments Towards End-of-Life Planning, 2nd Edition | Presented by: Heather Kiteley, President & CEO of Guaranteed Funeral Deposits of Canada

This session takes a deep dive into how Canadian attitudes toward end-of-life planning are evolving. With fresh national research and a dynamic panel discussion, attendees will explore the growing awareness, as well as the remaining gaps, in how Canadians approach advance planning.

Research tells us that 70% of Canadians do not have a comprehensive estate plan , often stopping at a will, if that. As funeral professionals, we’re in a powerful position to change that narrative. We have an opportunity and a responsibility to guide families not only through loss but also toward preparedness and peace of mind. At Cadence, we’re proud to partner with funeral professionals to extend this care beyond the service and into the ongoing journey of grief, legacy, and practical support.

BE YOUR BEST AVERAGE SELF! | Presented by: Zac Crouse

In a world that glorifies hustle and overachievement, Zac’s message is a breath of fresh air. This session is all about letting go of perfectionism and learning to value consistency, rest, and balance. It’s real, it’s refreshing, and it’s absolutely necessary.

Burnout in the funeral profession is real. Long hours, emotional intensity, and the drive to always do more for families can take a heavy toll. Zac’s talk is a reminder that showing up and caring consistently is enough. At Cadence, we are committed to offering meaningful tools that support your service, without adding to your plate, so you can focus on what matters most.

Halifax and the RMS Titanic Recovery Effort | Presented by: Dee Ryan-Meister, President, Titanic Society of Atlantic Canada

Take a walk back in time to one of Halifax’s most storied roles in history. This session explores the city’s involvement in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster, from the ships sent out to recover victims to the courageous work of local funeral professionals who carried out burial and repatriation with dignity and grace.

This session is a profound reminder of the legacy and resilience of funeral professionals. In one of the world’s most public tragedies, it was the deathcare community that stepped up—quietly, compassionately, and with deep respect. Attending this talk while standing in the very city that carried out this sacred work feels like an opportunity to honour that history and reflect on the importance of what we do today.

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Come See Us at Booth #18!

The Expo Hall is always buzzing with innovation, and this year’s line-up is no exception. You’ll find long-trusted providers, brand-new solutions, and probably a few surprises. We're excited to be back on the floor and ready to share how our aftercare platform is supporting families and funeral professionals alike. From executor support to identity theft protection to our library of grief resources, we’re here to make the journey easier for the families you serve.

Come say hi to Kayleigh and Amy at Booth #18! The pair are eager to connect, hear about your challenges, and share how Cadence is evolving to serve you better.

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Don’t Miss These Halifax Highlights

While the conference is sure to keep you busy, we highly recommend making time for a few nearby gems. All of these are within easy reach of the Halifax Convention Centre and each offer a unique way to experience this historic city.

The Five Fishermen Restaurant (2 minute walk): Once a funeral home where Titanic victims were embalmed, this upscale restaurant blends fine dining with deep history. Whether for lunch or a post-conference dinner, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church (2 minute walk): Operating since 1750, it’s the oldest building in Halifax and the first Anglican church built outside Great Britain. A powerful place for quiet reflection amid the conference buzz.

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (6 minute walk): With exhibits on the Titanic, Halifax Explosion, and more, this museum brings the maritime spirit of Nova Scotia to life. It's a must for history lovers.

Peggy’s Cove (1hr drive): If you’re spending an extra day in the city or have a few hours to spare, a drive out to this iconic lighthouse and fishing village is worth every minute. Enjoy the rugged coastline, salty air, and of course the unmatched East Coast charm.

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See You Soon, Halifax!

The 2025 FSAC Summit is shaping up to be one for the books. With meaningful sessions, inspiring conversations, and the backdrop of Halifax’s rich history and hospitality, we couldn’t be more excited.

Holding Space For Grief and Joy During the Holidays

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:42:00 GMT

Grief and Joy During the Holidays

The holidays are often depicted as a season filled with joy, celebration, and togetherness. But for many who have lost a loved one, this time of the year can feel emotionally challenging. At Cadence, we understand that grief doesn’t take a holiday. This season, we want to help you find ways to honor your grief while also leaving room for moments of joy.

Why Grief Is Often Amplified During The Holidays

The holiday season is more than just a day; it stretches over weeks filled with traditions, gatherings, and expectations. The familiar songs, decorations, and customs often bring cherished memories flooding back, but they also sharpen the absence of a loved one. For many, the empty seat at the table serves as a stark reminder of who is missing, turning once-joyful rituals into bittersweet experiences.

The expectation to celebrate during this time often leaves little room for grief to be openly expressed or validated. For those navigating their grief journey, feelings may present like a tug-of-war between moments of happiness and waves of sadness, often accompanied by guilt for experiencing any semblance of joy.

On top of these emotional complexities, the season’s many social obligations can become overwhelming. Social batteries drain quickly when coupled with the heaviness of grief, making it difficult to be fully engaged during holiday activities. This creates a unique time for those navigating loss, as the holidays amplify both the love that remains and the absence that endures.

Tips for Navigating This Time

Grief is as individual as the person experiencing it. During the holidays, it’s important to embrace what feels right for you. Here are some ideas to help navigate this season with intention and care:

Acknowledge and Accept Your Grief: Grief comes in waves, and it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions. Give yourself permission to feel both sadness and joy without judgment. You might find yourself keeping busy, withdrawing, or leaning into distraction. Recognize your tendencies and lean on those you trust to support you through them.
Adapt Traditions to Suit Your Needs: Start a new tradition or modify an old one to reflect your current emotional space. If baking cookies was your loved one’s role, bake one of their recipes in their memory, or consider picking up a box from the store.
Honor Their Memory: Light a candle, hang a memorial ornament, or set aside time to share stories about your loved one. Rituals like these can keep your loved one’s memory alive while creating new ways to connect with them.
Lean on Your Support Network: Whether it’s a friend, family member, or support group, let others know how they can help. If conversations about your loved one bring comfort, or if you’d rather avoid the subject, don’t hesitate to share.
Give Yourself the Option to Opt Out: If the thought of celebrating feels too overwhelming, it’s okay to skip the holidays altogether. A quiet day with a favorite hobby, a movie marathon, or even a solo getaway can provide solace. Honor your capacity and adjust plans as needed.

A Season of Support and Understanding

This holiday season, we wish you moments of peace and comfort amid the complexity of grief. Remember, it’s not about erasing the pain but about finding ways to coexist with it. At Cadence, we remain committed to supporting families in their grief, offering tools and resources that bring clarity, compassion, and connection during life’s most challenging times.

May you find both solace and joy in the small moments that honor your journey with grief.

Spring Conference Highlights from the Cadence Team

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 21:31:00 GMT

A Season of Connection: Spring Conference Highlights from the Cadence Team

As spring comes to a close, we're reflecting on what a remarkable season of connection it's been for the Cadence team. Over eight weeks, we attended six conferences—spanning coast to coast in the U.S. and Canada.

From conversations at our booths to spontaneous chats between sessions, from inspiring speaker lineups to unforgettable locations, each conference offered something unique and we feel deeply grateful to have been a part of them all. Whether we were reconnecting with longtime partners or meeting new faces for the first time, one thing remained consistent: the sense of community, curiosity, and collaboration that fuels this profession.

Our Team’s Takeaways

ICCFA Experience | Las Vegas, NV

This year’s ICCFA Experience brought funeral professionals together for impactful networking, forward-thinking panels, and a standout keynote session. ‍

“The ICCFA Experience in Las Vegas was both insightful and energizing. It reinforced the deep sense of community that continues to grow within our profession. It was a joy to connect with clients, partners, and funeral professionals who are thoughtfully shaping the future of funeral service in a rapidly evolving landscape. A standout moment was the panel with Shane Pudenz of Carriage Services, Bob Gordon of Cypress Lawn, Erin Creger of Security National Life, and René Negrete of Inglewood Cemetery, which sparked powerful conversations around creating meaningful community experiences at funeral homes and cemeteries. This panel reminded us of the importance of engaging families both before and after the time of need. I also appreciated hearing from Adena Tutino of SCI, who shared thoughtful strategies on the art and science of bundling to increase cremation revenue. Her insights aligned closely with how Cadence supports funeral homes in the midst of rising cremation rates, by providing relevant and valuable new offerings that meet families where they are and position funeral businesses towards long-term success.” - Hannah Mason

PROGRESS | Riverside, CA

With panels, social events (including a 1920s-themed gala), and thought-provoking discussion, this year’s PROGRESS event was filled with inspiration and energy.

“OGR brought together an incredible group of independent funeral professionals to connect, learn, and grow. The panels sparked great ideas—from using tech to guide and grow funeral service, to embracing change—and the real takeaway was how much we can achieve when we support each other. A thought that stuck with me was when Justin Zabor of Zabor Funeral Home emphasized that excellent service isn’t optional—it’s what families expect and deserve. This echoed Cadence’s vision to redefine the way families experience death and grief through our tech-forward continuing care platform. I left feeling truly inspired by the people and the impact of PROGRESS.” - Haley St. Paul

AFSA Annual General Meeting | Edmonton, AB

This was our first year attending the Alberta Funeral Service Association’s AGM , and the warm welcome from this tight-knit community made a lasting impression.

“I had the privilege of attending AFSA’s AGM as a delegate this year. Although it was my first time, the strength and unity of the community made me feel like a welcome guest at a family reunion. It was a pleasure connecting with many of our current clients—some for the first time in person—and meeting funeral professionals from the province I once called home. What stood out most was the abundance of meaningful opportunities to connect, whether that be at lunch or cheering on the Oilers during the Exhibitor Networking Session. It’s something I’ll carry with me long after the 2025 meeting has come and gone.” - Kayleigh Feschuk

BC Funeral Association Annual General Meeting | Vancouver, BC

As new members of the BC Funeral Association , we were excited not only to attend our first AGM, but to do so as an exhibitor.

“British Columbia’s deathcare community is as diverse in perspective as it is in geography. Whether it was a cemetery professional, an independent funeral home owner, or an SCI representative stopping by my table, one thing was clear: the BCFA brings people together—bridging vast distances through a deep sense of community and commitment to one another. The setting made it all the more special. Gathering at Vancouver’s iconic Canada Place, with sweeping views of the harbour, added a uniquely beautiful backdrop to a meaningful experience. The webinar we hosted with BCFA later that month was the true cherry on top.” - Kayleigh Feschuk

NFDA’s Professional Women’s Conference (PWC) | Santa Ana, NM

Returning to PWC for the third time was a joy. This event continues to be a space of empowerment, learning, and deep connection.

"It was so wonderful to build and deepen genuine connections with other women in the funeral profession, gain tools and insights, and walk away with a fresh and inspired perspective on how to show up intentionally and fully in this work. Community in this profession is everything and I can't wait to return next year.” - Haley St. Paul

FSAC Summit | Halifax, NS

Our second year at the Funeral Service Association of Canada’s national summit was one to remember. With exceptional programming and even better company, FSAC is always a highlight on our calendar.

“The 2025 FSAC Summit in Halifax continued the strong momentum I saw in Winnipeg last year. From powerful historical sessions—like those highlighting Canadian mortuary professionals’ roles in Titanic victim recovery—to a panel hosted by GFD’s CEO Heather Kitely, featuring Patrick Curry (President at C.L. Curry Funeral Services), Becky Steckly (Owner and Managing Director at Dreisinger Funeral Home), and Ryan McLane (Market Manager at SCI) on evolving consumer pre-planning expectations, and a moving final keynote by Tareq Hadad, the programming reflected FSAC’s commitment to delivering a thoughtful, well-rounded experience. What made it truly special, though, was the opportunity to spend quality time with members, whether at our booth, over lunch, and, of course, at Durty Nelly’s, all in a way that felt warmly and unmistakably Canadian.” - Kayleigh Feschuk

Why Conferences Matter to Us

While each event has its own unique charm, they all share something essential: the power of bringing people together. For us, conferences aren’t just about sharing what we do—they’re about learning from others, hearing directly from professionals on the ground, and staying rooted in the realities of today’s funeral service landscape.

Each conversation helps inform and shape our services. Every shared story, challenge, or idea offers valuable insight into how we can better support our funeral professional partners and the families they serve.

Looking Ahead

To everyone we had the pleasure of meeting this spring, thank you. Your warmth, generosity, and dedication continue to inspire us.

As we look to the months ahead, we remain focused on helping funeral professionals carry their care forward—through compassionate grief support, simplified estate guidance, and tools that make a lasting difference for families.

This fall, we’ll be at the Selected Independent AGM in New Orleans and the NFDA International Convention & Expo in Chicago. If we missed you this spring, we hope our paths will cross at one of these upcoming events. Conference season is more than just a busy calendar, it’s a chance to connect, share ideas, and grow together as a profession.

Whether we met for the first time this spring or have known each other for years, we look forward to continuing the conversation in the seasons to come.

Let’s Stay Connected

We’re proud to be part of this community, and even prouder to support it. Book a demo or connect with our team to explore how Cadence can help you meet the evolving needs of today’s families.

Gender Disparity in Bereavement

Mon, 06 May 2024 17:35:00 GMT

At the intersection of gender and grieving, there exists a stark divide in how the process of losing a loved one is navigated. For years, the weights of financial literacy and legal handling of estate duties has traditionally been carried by the male in the household, leaving women at a disadvantage in their time of grief. Learning how to amend this balance is not just a statistical necessity; it's a compassionate imperative. In this blog, we'll discuss the relationship between grief and executorship, and chart a course to mitigate the emotional hardships that statistically disproportionately affect women during the bereavement process.

The Statistical Likelihood

The longevity gap isn't just a product of biology; it's a social phenomenon that plays out in every facet of life, including death. Typically living 4.9 years longer than men, women are often left with the burden of funeral arrangements and estate settlement tasks (Light, 2017). Even as the modern world sees more women in the workforce and an increase to their involvement in financial planning and decision-making, the traditions of end-of-life handling still heavily lie in the ideological hands of men. This is especially evident when husbands and fathers, who have previously taken on the responsibility for financial or legal tasks, predecease their wives and daughters.

The hit to financial and emotional stability is substantial when executorship unwittingly falls on the shoulders of grieving female spouses. Suddenly, decisions about estates, last wishes, and probate become pressing concerns that demand a swift understanding and expertise. For many women, this is an area they have seldom, if ever, treaded upon, and the learning curve can be steep and unforgiving.

Emotional Complexity During Grieving

The loss of a spouse, regardless of gender, is an overwhelmingly emotional situation that reshapes one’s life in every way. The shock of losing a life partner is often followed by a pressing set of secondary tasks — legal, financial, and administrative in nature — that can both complicate the grieving process and result in an emotional toll . The role of executorship can often supersede the need to grieve, leading to a suppression of emotions in favor of action. For women who are also battling the learning curve of new responsibilities, it is essential that they are able to alleviate this complexity of legality and loss through access to necessary support.

Bridging the Bereavement Divide

Acknowledging and addressing the gender disparity in bereavement requires proactive steps, from the earliest discussions of estate planning to the eventual execution of the will. Here are actionable strategies to bridge this divide and ensure a more conscientious approach to end-of-life tasks.

1. Planning Ahead with Inclusion In Mind

The most powerful tool in reducing the burden on women in executorship is foresight. Partners need to be equally involved in the planning and understanding of their estate arrangements. Conversations about wills, powers of attorney, and end-of-life wishes should not be left to the last stages of life, but rather be openly discussed to ensure that both parties are equipped and empowered to handle the responsibilities that may come their way.

2. Leaning on a Diverse Range of Supports

No executor, no matter their gender, should bear the weight of settlement alone. It's crucial to build a support system that is diverse — in its expertise and perspective. Co-executors, financial advisors, and legal professionals who understand the dynamics of grief and responsibilities can not only share the workload but also provide the necessary support at a distressing time.

3. Professional Guidance Leads to Personal Empowerment

One of the most constructive conversations a couple can have is with a trusted funeral professional or financial advisor. By starting the estate planning dialogue early and often, individuals can leverage specialized support services like Cadence, a digital tool designed to ease the administrative burden of executorship, both in the planning and processing stages. With its seamlessly integrated Legacy Planner and Executor Assistant tools that feature easy to follow steps, personalized resources, and certified one-to-one support, it takes on the logistical burden, allowing space for the emotional recalibration that grief demands.

Conclusion

Reducing gender disparity in the bereavement process is ultimately an exercise in rewiring the systems of support to reflect the modern realities of gender roles and lifespans. It’s not just about rethinking the logistics of estate settlement; it’s about reshaping the empathy-driven framework that underpins the entire process. By recognizing and responding to these disparities, we can create a more inclusive and supportive executorship experience for women who are often left disadvantaged.

At Cadence, we are passionate about providing all executors and their families the tools they need to undergo an effective and compassionate estate settlement experience where their grief has a space to process. If you are interested in learning more about our products and how they may be the perfect fit for the families you serve, book a free consultation with a Cadence representative today.

Financial Advisors and Their Crucial Role in Estate Planning

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 13:34:00 GMT

When it comes to estate planning, we most often think of legal matters such as wills, trusts and beneficiaries. Yet, to ensure a smooth and effective estate planning experience, the involvement of a financial advisor is essential. To shed light on the crucial role financial advisors play in this process, we interviewed Pedro Duque , an experienced financial advisor with expertise in insurance and end-of-life planning. In this blog post, we’ll share how guidance from experts like Pedro can help you align your financial goals with your end-of-life wishes, ensuring a smooth transition of your legacy.

Getting to Know Pedro

With over 15 years of experience in the financial services sector, Pedro has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor across multiple countries, including the UAE, USA, and Canada. One of Pedro's notable qualities is his ability to connect with his clients and provide them with exceptional service. He understands that estate planning is not just about financial planning but also about leaving a lasting legacy. With a deep compassion for his clients and a sensitivity to the nature of end-of-life discussions, Pedro is dedicated to providing meaningful guidance and peace of mind during the estate planning process.

What are the benefits of consulting with a financial advisor about your estate plan?

Harnessing the power of your finances

Regardless of your financial situation, working with an advisor can help you optimize your assets and plan for the future. Whether it is growing funds to pass on to the next generation, helping you minimize estate taxes or ensuring you have the right insurance policies in place, a financial advisor can provide valuable insights that simplify the complexities of estate planning. Pedro explains that not only do clients gain a more well rounded view of their personal wealth, they also gain reassurance in knowing their heirs will be well taken care of.

Thinking about the ‘what if’

Pedro highlighted the significance of asking the "magical question" during estate planning conversations: What would you do if you’re not here tomorrow? This simple yet profound query prompts individuals to think deeply about their legacy and consider how they want to distribute their wealth among loved ones. Engaging with a financial advisor on these profound topics not only brings clarity but also facilitates goal setting and strategic planning. By delving beyond superficial responses, individuals can be guided to make informed, meaningful decisions about their estate, ensuring their final wishes are both clear and achievable.

Peace of mind for the future

Estate planning involves a variety of important steps, such as looking over finances, strategizing for investments and tax efficiency, and choosing insurance products designed to secure your beneficiaries’ futures and cover potential expenses. Adapting the plan as life circumstances change is essential to the process. Navigating this complex landscape without a financial advisor often leads to important elements being overlooked. By working with a financial advisor, you can ensure that every aspect of your estate plan is carefully considered and aligned with your long-term goals.

Where does Cadence fit in?

Pedro explained that while financial advisors excel at financial planning, Cadence fills the gap by offering support, guidance, and education to clients along the whole estate management journey. Too often, his clients have not documented their wishes and are unaware of the steps they can take to reduce stress for their executors. Cadence assists financial advisors navigate these conversations by providing an online platform designed with clients, executors and beneficiaries in mind. Cadence’s innovative Legacy Planner encourages clients to work alongside their trusted financial advisors, while empowering them to create a comprehensive end-of-life plan at their own pace. Together with the Executor Assistant , Cadence provides guidance and time-saving tools to families and their advisors from estate planning through inheritance.

Conclusion

Involving a financial advisor in your estate planning process is crucial for securing your financial future and crafting the legacy you envision. With their expertise and guidance, financial advisors like Pedro can help you optimize your assets, consider the ‘what ifs,’ and provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones. The collaboration between financial advisors and Cadence creates a powerful alliance, offering comprehensive assistance in navigating the complexities of estate planning. Take the first step and consult with a financial advisor to embark on your estate planning journey with confidence.

Are you a financial advisor looking to elevate your current estate-related offerings? Book your free consultation today and learn how Cadence can enhance your client experience for years to come!

Consumer Inertia, Funeral Directors, and Technology

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 16:38:00 GMT

In 2024, it’s hard to find an industry or profession that does not rely heavily on digital infrastructure in one way or another. From e-commerce to Zoom calls, digital tools and the Internet have enabled people to connect with businesses faster, more frequently, and at times, more effectively. However, does there come a point where technological efficiency usurps the need to move slowly, personally, and face-to-face? Or can such a sentiment hold businesses back?

In this blog post, we will explore how the consumer inertia experienced by funeral professionals can impact their ability to adopt new technologies that have the potential to revolutionize their business processes. We will also examine specific areas where technology can improve a funeral home’s operations, without sacrificing the value of the human touch.

First: what is inertia?

In human behavior, inertia represents the resistance to change or the reluctance to adopt new ideas or technologies . Funeral professionals, like individuals in any industry, can experience inertia when presented with new technologies that could potentially improve their business processes.

The following four concepts outline why funeral professionals may be prone to experiencing inertia:

1. The power of tradition

Funeral professionals are often deeply rooted in tradition, which is understandable given the sensitive and emotionally charged nature of their work. Long-standing customs and practices have provided comfort to grieving families for generations. However, a challenge arises when these traditions clash with the introduction of new technologies that have the potential to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and ultimately improve the overall funeral experience .

2. Fear of change

One of the main reasons funeral professionals may resist embracing new technology is the fear of change. Familiarity and routine provide a sense of security, and the prospect of disrupting established processes can be daunting — especially when certain traditions have been a part of that business for multiple generations. Additionally, some professionals may lack confidence in their ability to adapt to new technological platforms or may worry about the learning curve or time expense associated with implementation.

3. Personal connection vs. technological efficiency

The funeral profession is built on personal connections and providing support during difficult times. Funeral professionals pride themselves on their ability to empathize and connect with families on a deeply human level. As such, there is a concern that incorporating technology into their processes could compromise these important interpersonal relationships. However, it's important to note that technology can enhance, rather than replace, the human touch . By automating administrative tasks and streamlining logistics, funeral professionals can free up more time to focus on what truly matters: providing emotional support to families.

4. Skepticism and risk

It’s not uncommon to see different companies and ideas circulate through the funeral profession’s sphere of influence. When just a few of those ideas or products don’t end up working favorably, it can taint the view of the effectiveness of all digital goods or services. What’s more, is that such instances can increase risk aversion. Funeral professionals may be unsure of what risks to data management, Internet security, or even return on investment they may be taking on by implementing a new digital product.

The benefits of embracing technology

While the initial resistance to change is understandable, it’s important to recognize the numerous benefits that technology can offer. From online memorial platforms that allow family and friends to share memories and condolences to sophisticated software solutions that streamline paperwork and logistics, technology has the potential to revolutionize the funeral profession.

By embracing new technologies, funeral professionals can:

Expand Their Services: Digital products, such as Cadence, allow funeral professionals to expand their touch on their families’ lives. Offering families tools to alleviate the processes involved with loss that occur after the funeral, such as estate settlement, can increase customer loyalty, earn funeral homes more Google reviews, and much more.
Improve Efficiency: Technology can automate time-consuming tasks, such as creating and managing paperwork, allowing funeral professionals to allocate more time to support grieving families.
Enhance Communication: Online platforms, such as video streaming services, enable funeral professionals to connect with distant family members who may not be able to attend the service in person.
Expand Reach: Digital marketing strategies and online presence can help funeral homes reach a wider audience, attracting new clients and establishing stronger relationships with existing ones.
Adapt to Changing Needs: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of virtual options in the funeral industry. Funeral professionals who embrace technology are better equipped to meet the evolving needs and expectations of their clients.

Conclusion

While inertia and the fear of change can influence funeral professionals' willingness to adopt new technology, the potential benefits far outweigh the challenges. By harnessing the power of technology, funeral professionals can enhance their ability to provide comfort and support during one of life's most challenging moments. By embracing innovation, the funeral profession can honor tradition while adapting to the ever-changing needs of the modern funeral home client.

If your funeral home is ready to dip its toes into what Cadence can do to enrich businesses, you can book a free consultation here to learn more.

Executorship and Exhaustion

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 17:10:00 GMT

Losing a loved one is undoubtedly a challenging experience, and the duties involved with executorship often feel unbearable. Regardless of whether someone is new to the executor role or has previous experience, it is important to note that no two estates are identical. In this blog, we will delve into the journey of Jordan Dutchak, a past executor, whose experiences resonate with many others undergoing estate settlement. Through a reflective discussion, our aim is to equip funeral professionals with the necessary resources required to assist families as they navigate the intricate process of executorship.

Initial Impact

With no experience of loss being entirely the same, every estate and settlement process poses unique challenges. When Jordan’s brother suddenly passed, he found himself thrust into the role of executor, a responsibility that requires immense focus and emotional dependability. Not wanting to step into the role blindly, Jordan worked alongside his father who had previous experience with executorship. However, they both soon realized that the settlement process cannot be replicated, especially given their family member’s unexpected passing and lack of arranged affairs.

1. Undergoing the arrangement

The initial impact of executorship can be jarring. As soon as a loved one passes away, executors are immediately thrown into the process of planning the funeral. Jordan candidly shared his experience, highlighting that while others seemed to move on after the funeral, he found himself grappling with the overwhelming task of managing the estate. There was no pause to allow for grieving when the demands of executorship were just around the corner.

2. Getting organized

Being an executor is akin to taking on a full-time job. After the initial shock and the flurry of tasks surrounding the funeral had subsided, Jordan found himself shifting into work mode, driven by a sense of duty to handle the practical aspects before allowing himself the space to grieve. Reflecting on that period, he acknowledged the emotional toll that the first few months of the settlement process had taken on him. Acting as an executor can often feel isolating; you witness others progressing through their healing journey while you're left to balance your emotional exhaustion with the critical tasks at hand, such as safeguarding your loved one’s accounts and assets.

3. Project management

Project management becomes an integral part of the executor's responsibilities. Coordinating with others for signatures, task completion, and obtaining crucial document information can be challenging. Jordan compared this aspect of executor work to "the most intensive group project." Not only are you tasked with understanding the role yourself, you must also empower and mobilize others to join what’s likely an emotionally charged situation and provide assistance. Due to this immense responsibility and the sheer amount of time spent on the estate settlement process, he emphasized the importance of knowing what needs to be done to manage tasks effectively.

Support is Crucial

Support plays a pivotal role in alleviating the burdens of executorship. Having someone to guide and support you throughout the process can make a tremendous difference. Jordan found solace in the trust and rapport he developed with the funeral director and staff, knowing that they were there to assist him during his most vulnerable moments. In Jordan’s case, the funeral director led him to Cadence – a solution that provided comfort and a personalized plan forward through the treacherous task of estate settlement.

Introducing Cadence

For Cadence, hearing stories such as Jordan’s surrounding the initial executor experience are far too common. Through the help of our Executor Assistant tool, we offer executors the knowledge, certified support, and personalized task lists necessary to navigate the settlement process with ease. No longer is it necessary to endlessly search for answers or juggle numerous internet queries. Cadence streamlines the process by providing executors with the information they need, precisely when it’s needed.

The personalized estate settlement roadmap and easy to use platform offered through the Executor Assistant ensures that no crucial details are overlooked. Jordan appreciatively shared, "Because the platform curated the whole corpus of information for us, it felt like I didn't miss anything." Moreover, the ability to differentiate between longer-term tasks and mission-critical ones provides executors a sense of relief during an otherwise overwhelming time. Through a clearer sense of responsibility and empowerment in their role, they can confidently navigate estate settlement alongside their trusted team of professionals.

Conclusion

At Cadence, we understand the immense challenges faced by executors like Jordan. That is why we are dedicated to providing the support needed to navigate the settlement process with confidence and convenience. If you find that the families you serve are amidst the complexities of estate settlement, turn to Cadence. With our Executor Assistant tool, your funeral home will stand out from the crowd with unmatched personalized guidance and certified support, enhancing the executor journey for your families.

Don't let your families navigate this overwhelming process alone - connect with a Cadence representative today to book your free consultation.

I became an executor, now what?

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 21:53:00 GMT

I became an executor, now what?

Experiencing the loss of a loved one is an emotional journey, and being designated as the executor of their estate can amplify stress during this challenging time. As the executor, you bear the responsibility of handling their assets, finances, and ensuring the proper distribution of inheritance to beneficiaries. If you're new to the world of executorship, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. In this blog post, we are here to assure you that you're not alone. We will discuss the details of your new role and provide practical tips on how to navigate the settlement process with ease and confidence.

What to Expect

As an executor, you are responsible for carrying out the wishes of the person who has passed away. Your first priority will be to gather all of the necessary documents directly following the passing of your loved one. This can include the death certificate, will, trusts, and insurance policies. You will also need to contact relevant banks, investment companies and government agencies in order to have everything settled in a timely manner. While the thought of doing this alone may appear daunting, know that you can often engage with funeral directors, financial advisors, or legal professionals to help you navigate these processes.

The next step is to begin managing the estate. This can include paying off debts, closing accounts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. It is important to record all of the financial transactions that you make on behalf of the estate so that the wellbeing of the estate is maintained for beneficiaries. With the time spent settling an estate taking 245 hours on average and post-death paperwork alone taking 127 hours, the process can consume a substantial amount of time and effort for executors (Mazurik & Perron, 2023). It is imperative that the executor remains organized and disciplined in their record keeping.

Executors may find it helpful to include family members in the process to help them feel connected and provide them with closure. They may have questions regarding the last wishes of their loved one and want to understand the distribution of assets. With that said, it is essential that executors remain impartial to beneficiaries and are dedicated to the wishes outlined in the final will and testament.

Take a Breath

Executorship can feel daunting, especially when navigating the process in solitude while also mourning the loss of a loved one. It's important to remember that not everything needs to be done at once, the process will take time. With grief often affecting the ability to focus and absorb new information, it can easily feel overwhelming to accomplish the many tasks assigned to executors (Mazurik & Perron, 2023). In these moments, it’s essential to practice self-compassion and reach out for support whenever necessary. Recognizing the need to prioritize your mental health by taking a step back from your responsibilities is truly the best way to navigate this emotionally challenging time.

Conclusion

Becoming an executor is no easy task. It brings with it a multitude of mental and emotional challenges, especially when coupled with the weight of personal grief. While tasked with the responsibility of fulfilling your loved one's final wishes, it's equally important to be conscientious of your own needs. For better navigation of the process, remember to seek guidance, establish clear boundaries, and maintain meticulous organization of the estate. However, with additional resources and support in place, such as Cadence's Executor Assistant, the role of executorship becomes more manageable, allowing you to simultaneously honor your loved one’s legacy while maintaining your well-being.

Collaborative Capabilities: Our New Multi-User Feature

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 17:04:00 GMT

Collaboration can be invaluable to the executor experience.

Losing a loved one is a difficult time that comes with its fair share of challenges. From administrative duties to emotional support, the responsibilities of an executor can feel overwhelming. At Cadence, we understand these complexities and are committed to making the executor experience as seamless as possible. We believe that our new Multi-User Collaboration feature brings us closer to that goal, enabling clients to navigate the often complex world of estate settlement with the support of your trusted network .

What is Multi-User Collaboration?

The Executor Assistant, our online estate settlement service, has already been providing certified, practical support to executor clients. Now with Multi-User Collaboration, we take it a step further. Designed to enhance your executor journey, our latest addition to the Executor Assistant empowers clients to work with family members, co-executors, and trusted professionals throughout their executor journey . Through streamlined communication, users can offer advice and further management of the administrative tasks that follow a loss.

About the Addition

One of the key features within Multi-User Collaboration is the ability for end users to invite their loved ones to join them on the platform. By involving family members, co-executors, and even trusted professionals, executors no longer have to shoulder the entire burden alone, even if they are the ones who need to sign off on final documents. Tackling estate settlement as a team means that the weight of responsibility is shared, allowing for a more cohesive and efficient journey. Executors can now find solace in the fact that they have the support and assistance of their trusted network every step of the way.

The features of Multi-User Collaboration extend beyond the executor themselves. This addition also allows our valued Cadence business partners to extend their service reach beyond the executor. Our partners can now serve entire families, creating valued connections and fostering stronger relationships in the process. This expansion of services not only enhances the overall experience for all parties involved but also opens up possibilities for additional support, guidance, and pre-need services.

How It Works

To collaborate with others, simply navigate to the “Collaborators” tab in the Executor Assistant side menu and “invite” a Collaborator using their email address. They will receive an invitation through their email, granting them access to the Executor Assistant program. From here, any collaborator can see detailed instructions, mark tasks complete, and easily fill forms and letters.

The Benefits

The role of an executor is renowned for its challenges, leaving nearly one third of executors feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their responsibilities. On top of that, 44% of executors experience stress due to the nature of their work. At Cadence, we understand these struggles and are committed to providing solutions that make the executor journey more manageable.

Multi-User Collaboration helps executors overcome these challenges and find peace of mind through the support of others. Executorship is often seen as a solitary endeavor, with recognition only coming once the estate is settled. However, with Multi-User Collaboration, executors now have the opportunity to be recognized for the tremendous effort they put into their work. Whether it's receiving assistance with smaller or larger tasks, Cadence allows executors to share the Executor Assistant with tech-savvy individuals who can lend a helping hand.

This new feature also benefits our valued Cadence partners. By engaging more individuals with the Executor Assistant, our partners can expand their brand reach and introduce their valuable aftercare support services to a wider audience. With approximately 23.7% of executors encountering errors that lead to missed benefits, the need for redoing work, or repeated visits to offices, it becomes evident that collaboration among individuals with diverse skill sets can streamline the process for grieving executors.

Conclusion

With Multi-User Collaboration, Cadence continues to redefine the executor journey, empowering individuals to navigate the complex world of estate settlement with support, efficiency, and peace of mind. By connecting executors with those they trust and rely on, we aim to create a collaborative environment that eases the burden of estate settlement, increases lead-generation for our partners, and ensures a smoother aftercare experience for everyone involved.

Are you ready to enhance your services with a seamless aftercare solution? Book a free consultation with a Cadence representative today and provide your clients with the practical support they deserve!

Designating an Executor for Your Estate

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 21:03:00 GMT

Designating an Executor for Your Estate: Who to Choose

Discussing the inevitable is a topic we most often avoid. Nevertheless, it is essential to have end-of-life conversations, especially about the designation of an executor. Organizing your estate ahead of time ensures that the settlement process is completed efficiently and that your assets are distributed according to your final wishes. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of choosing an executor, why it matters, and how to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

Why are end-of-life conversations important?

Pre-planning for end-of-life, including the appointment of an executor, can help ease the burden on your surviving family members in their time of grief. According to our research , it takes an average of 320 hours to complete estate settlement but may take years depending on estate complexity. This is why discussing your wishes with your loved ones and designating an executor is essential.

What is an executor?

An executor is an individual designated to administer the estate and carry out all corresponding duties. They have authority over all documents in the name of the deceased and are responsible for all communication with court, settling debts, distributing assets, and closing accounts (O’Brien, 2021). Without a will or designated executor, the estate will be sent to probate and the court will be given authority over all assets as well as their distribution (O’Brien, 2021). This process will extend the already lengthy process. Appointing an appropriate executor can help maintain a timely process for asset distribution and reduce conflict between beneficiaries.

Tips for designating an executor

Who should you choose?

Choosing an executor for your estate is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. While it's common for individuals to select a loved one as their executor, there are instances where hiring a professional from the financial or legal sector may be a more suitable choice (Hodder, 2023 & RBC Wealth Management, n.d.). This is especially applicable if the estate is complex or if there are complicated family dynamics involved. Typically, selecting an executor who is also a beneficiary can help ensure a vested interest in the well-being and timeliness of the estate settlement process (Hodder, 2023). Due to the lengthy nature of this process, selecting an individual with the ability to set aside a significant amount of time for executor duties is a necessity (RBC Wealth Management, n.d.).

When selecting an executor, certain characteristics should be taken into account. The ideal candidate should be organized, detail-oriented, trustworthy, timely, and a good communicator (O’Brien, 2021, Hodder, 2023). They should also have their own affairs in order, showing a responsibility and understanding for finances (RBC Wealth Management, n.d.). These qualities are vital as the executor will be responsible for handling financial matters, meeting timelines, and discussing asset details with beneficiaries.

What if they say no?

Before designating an executor, it's essential to communicate your wishes to the chosen individual. Discussing your intentions in advance allows an appointed executor to understand the responsibilities involved and gives them the opportunity to decline if they feel they cannot fulfill the role effectively (O’Brien, 2021). Open and honest communication is key to ensuring that both parties are on the same page and have a clear understanding of expectations.

It is also wise to name a contingent executor in your estate plan. By appointing an alternate executor, you ensure that there is someone ready to step in and fulfill the role if the primary executor is unable or unwilling to do so (O’Brien, 2021). This provides an added layer of security and ensures that your estate will be managed according to your wishes, regardless of any unforeseen circumstances.

Should you have more than one executor?

While co-executors might seem like a practical solution, it is not always advisable (O’Brien, 2021 & RBC Wealth Management, n.d.). Co-executors are often required to sign documents together and may face challenges when trying to work independently on specific tasks (Hodder, 2023). If you choose co-executors, it's crucial that they can effectively collaborate without conflict arising, ensuring a smooth administration of the estate.

Is the executor’s location important?

Geographical proximity is another factor to consider when selecting an executor. Ideally, the appointed executor should not be distantly located from the deceased's estate (RBC Wealth Management, n.d.). The executor may need to travel to the location of the estate to gather information, distribute assets, and meet with local parties involved. Having an executor in close proximity can expedite the process and minimize logistical complications.

Can you make changes?

Reassessing your choice of executor periodically can determine if your choice is still beneficial as times change. Life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or the passing of loved ones can significantly impact your estate plan. It's recommended to review your plan every 3-5 years or whenever a major life change occurs (O’Brien, 2021) . This allows you to make any necessary adjustments and ensure that your chosen executor is still the most suitable candidate to carry out your wishes.

How can Cadence help?

At Cadence, we understand the immense responsibility of administering an estate. That's why we offer the Executor Assistant , a tool that streamlines the settlement process through a personalized checklist and certified support for executors every step of the way. With autofill features and built-in timelines, executors can fulfill their duties with ease. Grief is hard enough, and we want our clients to have peace of mind knowing their wishes will be fulfilled through a streamlined process.

Conclusion

Choosing an executor is a critical part of the estate planning process. It is essential to have an open conversation with your loved ones and consult with a professional to ensure your wishes are carried out after you've passed on. When designating an executor, remember to consider their characteristics, verify that they're willing to take on the role, and name a contingency executor in case your first choice is no longer able. Preparing early on for end-of-life tasks will help provide your loved ones with the time and space to manage their grief while balancing executor responsibilities without worry.

Refer to the checklist below for a summarized guide to choosing an executor:

Consider location : is your chosen executor within proximity to the estate?
Assess characteristics (i.e., organization, communication, timeliness, etc.): can your chosen executor plan, complete, and submit estate settlement related tasks reliability?
Clearly explain the role : have you and your chosen executor had clear and honest conversations about your final wishes and what to expect during the estate settlement process?
Appoint a contingent executor : have you chosen and spoken to your contingent executor about what they should expect to happen in the case of your passing?
Reassess your estate plan and executor every 3-5 years : do you have a reminder set for yourself?

Cadence is here to help! If you would like assistance through the pre-planning journey, or need assistance with the executor role, book a free consultation with a Cadence representative and experience an unmatched level of support.

Creating A Will: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 16:30:00 GMT

Creating A Will: A Step-by-Step Guide

Few are comfortable envisioning what happens after we pass away. It's a topic that we often mentally set aside, thinking that we can always come back to it when the time is right. However, pre-planning is one of the most responsible things that you can do for yourself and your loved ones. Creating a will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, rather than immediately going through the complicated process of probate. In this blog, we will discuss why creating a will is essential and provide a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the process.

Why Are Wills Important?

While many people believe that creating a will is strictly for those who possess significant assets, that isn't the case. Even if you don't have many assets, having a will is important. Without a will, your assets will be distributed through the legal system and may not go to the people you intended. It's also worth considering that in the event of your death, your loved ones will be going through an emotionally difficult time, and a will makes the process much less stressful for them. Creating a will can save your loved ones extensive probate costs, long settlement times, and consequently avoid familial disputes by preparing a clear will (Solomon, Steiner & Beck, Ltd., 2015).

Getting Started

There are multiple routes you can take when creating a will. You may choose to use an online will service that offers an affordable and user-friendly interface. For those with more complex estates, such as those with expansive assets or owners of businesses, it may be beneficial to use a lawyer or attorney for professional advice (Crail, 2021). If you’re confident in your legal understanding and writing abilities, you may also choose to draft your own will using a reputable template, ensuring that it complies with the legal requirements in your area.

Create a clear outline

When creating a will independently, it’s important to use a verified will template that includes all necessary requirements for legal validity (Crail, 2021). Be sure to include your full name and a statement that the document is in fact your final will and testament. Without a proper organizational structure, your will may not be valid and your wishes could be left up for interpretation when your loved ones begin the settlement process (Bregman, 2022).

Identify your assets and beneficiaries

Before starting the will drafting process, you need to take stock of your assets, including bank accounts, investments, properties, and any personal belongings (Paulus, 2022). Once all assets are accounted for, decide who should receive them after your passing (Crail, 2021). Your beneficiaries can be anyone you choose, including family members, friends, and charitable organizations.

For those with children who are minors, it is vital that you choose a guardian that would be responsible for full legal and physical custody. Be specific about the distribution of your estate to avoid any legal disputes amongst your loved ones. Adding a residuary clause allows for any unlisted assets to be designated to a specific beneficiary or to the executor for further distribution.

Decide on an executor

An executor is responsible for carrying out the legal and financial matters of your estate after your death. This includes following your intentions set in the will, managing your assets, paying off debts, and distributing assets to the beneficiaries. It’s important to choose someone who is trustworthy, responsible, and capable of handling these tasks (Crail, 2021). This may be a family member, friend, or a legal professional. If possible, designate a back-up in case your chosen executor is unable to perform their duties.

Draft your will

Once you have organized your assets, determined your beneficiaries, and designated an executor, you are able to begin drafting your will. Follow the steps in your template and work with a professional if you have any questions. After the necessary content is included, you must have your will signed by the correct number of witnesses and in some cases, notarized. For more information, see our recent blog discussing the legitimacy of online wills.

Safely store and update your will

It is crucial to review and update your will regularly, especially after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the addition of a child, or the loss of a loved one (Crail, 2021). Failure to update your will may result in unnecessary or now irrelevant actions being taken. Be sure to store a physical copy of your current will in a safe and secure place. Don’t forget to let your executor know where it is located (Paulus, 2022).

Conclusion

Creating a will may seem daunting, but it's one of the most important things that you can do for yourself and your loved ones. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, using a professionally verified service or template, and seeking advice when needed, you can make sure that your legacy is protected.

Are you looking to get started on your pre-planning journey? We offer insightful resources through the Cadence blog so you can begin the process with confidence!

Are Online Wills Safe?

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 18:01:00 GMT

Are Online Wills Safe?

Creating a will is a crucial part of planning for your future and ensuring that your final wishes are executed. However, many people delay creating their wills due to the nature of the topic, potential costs, or the time it takes to sit down with a lawyer. In this blog, we will explore the advantages of online will services and their level of legitimacy. We'll also touch on our Legacy Planner, a helpful tool to assist you as you embark on your pre-planning journey.

Addressing Concerns

By creating a will, you take the responsibility of ensuring that your assets are distributed to the right people in your absence. If you pass away without a will, your family will be burdened with the task of piecing together your final wishes during an already difficult time (Duffy, 2021). This legally binding document will also help to minimize disputes, ensuring that assets are divided as per your preference, which is especially important if there are individuals looking to inherit specific assets or heirlooms (AARP, 2019).

A common question surrounding online wills is their safety and legality. However, online wills are valid as long as they are dated, signed, printed, and also signed by two unbiased/non-beneficiary witnesses (Duffy, 2021). The most crucial aspect of creating a legally binding online will is to ensure that all formalities are followed and that the will meets state requirements, such as being of legal age and of sound mind (AARP, 2019). Following these guidelines, online wills are a safe and effective way to ensure your final wishes are followed.

The Benefits of Online Wills

1. Inexpensive

Rather than hiring a lawyer or notary, which is often costly, online wills can provide you with the tools you need for a much more reasonable cost. Without the need to rebook appointments with legal professionals, online wills eliminate additional fees and allow for easy amendments (Duffy, 2021).

2. Convenient

Online services allow users to create a will from the comfort of their own home and on their own schedule (Willful, 2023). Users can typically complete the process in a matter of minutes, offering a streamlined way for people to plan their future. With the final legal document generated immediately after completion, it’s ready to be printed, signed, and stored for years to come.

3. User Friendly

Online will services guide users through the process of creating a will with straightforward instructions and intuitive questionnaires, ensuring that all necessary content is included (Willful, 2023). These services often provide users with helpful resources and personalized support to address any questions or concerns. Overall, online will services make the process of creating a will accessible and approachable for everyone.

4. Timely

Without the need to schedule appointments or travel to a legal office, online wills save users the time and hassle that coincides with the traditional process. Some interfaces guide you through the drafting process in as little as 20 minutes (Willful, 2023). As life evolves, users can easily return to make changes in minutes.

Conclusion

Online wills can be a safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to planning for the future and ensuring that your final wishes are executed without hassle or confusion. When creating a will online, don’t hesitate to choose an established platform that offers excellent customer service and ease of use. Pre-planning with our Legacy Planner can also be helpful in ensuring all your assets and documents are up-to-date throughout your lifetime. Remember, it's never too early to start thinking about your legacy.

Celebrating Life With Karla Combres

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 17:37:00 GMT

Celebrating Life: A Discussion With Karla Combres

Death can be an uncomfortable, yet inevitable topic that brings forth many complicated emotions. As a Life Cycle Celebrant, Karla Combres helps families create personalized ceremonies for life's milestone moments, including funerals. She believes that through open discussion about loss, we can honor the life that was lived and make the grieving process a little easier. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of honest end-of-life conversations, the process for arranging a one-of-a-kind ceremony, and how to keep the memory of a loved one alive.

Getting to Know Karla

After years of working in foreign contexts and connecting with people of various backgrounds, Karla became attuned to listening closely— not with just her ears, but with her heart. Through her empathetic nature and appreciation for diverse perspectives, Karla adapted her strength of understanding to help others articulate what is most meaningful to them in their lives. Using a variety of mediums such as ceremonies, death cafes, and workshops, Karla creates an opportunity for life and death to be united.

“Life and death are inextricably linked and life is much richer and more meaningful when we can hold space for both."

Embracing the Uneasy

When someone we love dies, it's tempting to avoid the topic and suppress our feelings, which in turn can lead to further disconnection and pain. Making room to celebrate the life of the loved one who's passed is important, but we must also ensure that grief is not bypassed and space is held to experience the loss that has occurred.

By opening up the discussion around death, we can create a space to grieve openly and authentically. Karla believes that making room for real, honest, and authentic conversations is essential in our day-to-day lives. Through willingness to sit with discomfort and confronting the fear of difficult conversations, we can cultivate deeper connections with ourselves and those around us.

Starting With The Story

Karla’s process to create an impactful ceremony always begins with the story of the individual. By taking the time to understand the person and what has shaped them rather than immediately detailing the structure , Karla ensures that the ceremony is a unique reflection of the individual. Sitting down with family and friends in the home of the person who has passed, surrounded by pictures and mementos, is an excellent way to bring memories and stories to life.

Dealing with the range of emotions that people feel during such a challenging time can be difficult; however, Karla's solution is inclusion and authenticity. She holds space for the full range of emotions, not just grief. As an unbiased presence, she takes all of the information and experiences shared by family and friends, weaving them together into a cohesive narrative that truly captures the essence of the individual.

“There’s nothing healing about being inauthentic.”

The initial storytelling phase is crucial, as it sets the foundation for a collaborative process where ideas and structures start to emerge. Laughter and tears are both welcomed in this space. Karla has found that families have often expressed how healing the process of creating a celebration has been for them, not just the ceremony itself. With Karla's guidance, each end-of-life ceremony becomes a beautiful homage to the individual, leaving a lasting impact on those who attend.

Maintaining a Legacy

After someone dies, it's natural to want to hold onto their memory. Karla believes that one way to do that is by creating traditions or designating a unique symbol that honors the person's life. It could be something as simple as setting out a plate for them during the holidays, lighting a candle, or feeling a moment of connection when a butterfly passes. These small but meaningful rituals can bring comfort and connection to those grieving. Karla also suggests that families continuously share stories and sentimental reflections to keep the memory of their loved one alive for years to come.

“Going forward, create spaces to sink into your grief, to feel your joy, to speak their name, and remember how you were touched by them.”

Conclusion

Karla embraces the idea that life and death are two sides of the same coin , and recognizes that a meaningful approach to living includes room for grief, gratitude, joy, and pain. At Cadence, we are proud to showcase impactful individuals who share our mission of changing the way the world deals with death. By working directly with deathcare professionals who provide essential services, we can ensure that the families using our pre-planning and aftercare software are continuously supported.

If you were moved by Karla’s approach to creating meaningful and personalized end-of-life ceremonies, she would love to connect with you. She offers a range of services including guidance, writing and officiating the entire process, and one-on-one consultations. Additionally, Karla also hosts workshops to pre-plan memorials, reminding us to live our lives in a way that is in alignment with those things that truly matter to us. Get in touch with Karla today to create a celebration that truly honors your loved one's life and legacy.

How Financial Advisors Can Approach End-of-Life Cost Conversations with Clients

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 20:08:00 GMT

The passing of a loved one is a difficult time for their family and friends: yet, in the midst of grief there are cost considerations to be taken into account. With average end-of-life expenses costing thousands and extensive paperwork taking hundreds of hours, families are left feeling shocked and overwhelmed. At Cadence, we understand that “cost of death” conversations can often feel uncomfortable, but recognize their importance in preparing clients both financially and emotionally for the inevitable. Through our Legacy Planner , we offer your financial advisory clientele practical solutions to assist in organizing their affairs, ultimately minimizing the burden of cost for their family. In this blog, we will explore step-by-step ways to navigate end-of-life cost conversations with your clients. We will also investigate how Cadence alleviates the complicated process in order to benefit everyone involved.

1. Breaking Down Costs

When discussing end-of-life costs with your clients, be sure to highlight the three main costs that executors and their families encounter. Explaining the extent of impact that unpreparedness has on families will help clients understand the importance of pre-planning for the future.

Stress

The estate settlement process is one that often takes families by surprise: an unexpected cost that can arise is the emotional toll this process can take on a grieving person. Demanding responsibilities and extensive paperwork cause executors high anxiety levels. Research has shown that this settlement anxiety often triggers a range of intense emotions, cognitive impairments, weight fluctuations, and unconventional sleep patterns ¹ .

Time

In a recent survey conducted by Cadence, it was found that estate settlement takes an average of 245 hours, with post-death paperwork alone taking 127 hours. Tedious processes, confusion, and miscommunication often lengthen the time executors spend on the estate. This job-like commitment and high pressure situation is heightened by the fact that administering an estate can be a multi-year process.

Finances

Following the passing of a loved one, families are immediately faced with the cost of a burial, cremation, or other obsequies. These processes are expensed at anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 on average. Beyond this initial cost, clients must fill out countless documents regarding account closures, government settlements, and legal matters. These documents frequently become overwhelming for clients resulting in the need for hiring legal help. In circumstances where a lawyer is hired, requiring them to complete executor duties leads to additional costs. Many lawyers charge upwards of $400 per hour or through a case-by-case rate that ranges from 2.5% to 5% of the estate value ² .

2. Explain the Benefits of Pre-Planning

Many clients may not think about end-of-life costs until it's too late, or until they realize their preparations are inadequate. However, as a financial advisor, it's essential to discuss the importance of preparing for these costs and having a plan in place. By planning ahead and having the necessary documents in order, clients can:

Better manage their finances and assets through all of life’s changes,
Help minimize the complications and costs that estate settlement brings forth, and
Avoid the stress and additional time brought forth by searching for essential information

Families will also have a clearer idea of their responsibilities moving into estate settlement, thus reducing the need for costly outside assistance.

3. Discuss How Cadence Revolutionizes Pre-Planning

With Cadence’s Legacy Planner , your clients have the opportunity to pre-plan their affairs with ease through guided steps tailored to their current life events and changes along the way. Our service allows clients to gather key information and documents, update details as necessary, plan their seamless hand-off to an executor, and collaborate with their trusted advisor along the way. Clients who take advantage of the Legacy Planner will not only be assured that their appointed executor avoids long hours sorting through paperwork, but also experiences less responsibility related stress and unexpected assistance fees. For clients with more complicated estates, Cadence can help provide a starting point for document preparation, thus decreasing the initial organizational workload for lawyers.

Conclusion

Cadence believes that pre-planning should be made more accessible and that estate settlement shouldn’t be a burden. Our services make it easy for clients to take control of their financial affairs and plan for the future. By providing tailored service, collaborating with professionals, and offering meaningful touch-points with clients, we ensure that your clients and their beneficiaries are taken care of every step of the way.

Want to see how Cadence will complement your business and minimize end-of-life costs for your clients? Book a demo here .

Can’t Find a Will? This Is What Happens.

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 20:08:00 GMT

What to do if there is no Will

It is important to note what happens to the deceased's assets when there is no Will. If there is no Will or the Will is not valid, the person is considered to have died “intestate.” This means there are no instructions the family can follow to distribute the estate. As a result, each province/territory has specific laws that deal with these situations. These laws determine who can be appointed to administer the estate and how the estate will be distributed to the next of kin.

In addition, there is legislation that determines the distribution of estate assets when there are challenges from a spouse, former spouse, or dependents. You should seek legal counsel in these situations.

Each province/territory has specific laws that determine what happens when there is no Will.

Provincial Intestate Laws

These laws do not take into account the wishes of the family. More information on who can apply to administer the estate and how the estate must be distributed in each province can be found below:

If the deceased was a registered First Nations person living on reserve, the estate will be distributed according to rules set forth in the Indian Act.

What to Do Next

For instance, if a person dies without a Will or no named estate representative, you may need to apply for a grant of Letters of Administration before you can settle the estate. It may also be required if the person named as estate representative is unable or unwilling to act as estate representative.

In these situations, someone should apply to the court using the appropriate application, which grants authorization to act as an estate representative. The estate representative appointed through the Letters of Administration process will have the same duties as an estate representative appointed in a Will. But the court must appoint them before they can begin carrying out their duties.

Family members of deceased First Nations persons who lived on reserve should contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to have an estate administrator appointed.

Do I Need to Apply For Letters of Administration?

An application for a grant of Letters of Administration may be required in the following circumstances:

If the estate contains real property (real estate, land, mineral rights, etc.)
If the value of the estate is over approximately $25,000
If a financial institution wants proof of a person's legal authority to access money from the deceased's accounts
There is a dispute about who should administer the estate

However, a grant of Letters of Administration may not be required to deal with jointly owned property, assets with a named beneficiary or assets located outside the deceased's province of residence.

Advice From A Grief Coach

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 21:17:00 GMT

Advice From A Grief Coach: Moving Through Your Grief Journey

Grief can be a daunting and overwhelming experience that leaves us feeling lost and alone. Although no two experiences of grief are the same, there are many strategies and methods that can help provide calmness and clarity during a difficult time. Cadence’s Partnerships Manager and Grief Embodiment Coach, Hannah, emphasizes the importance of giving yourself space to feel the heavy emotions that come with grief. Through the discussion of various tools, insights, and guiding principles, her expertise will help support readers as they navigate through their own unique grief journey.

Meet Hannah

Hannah has always had an empathetic approach to life and an internal drive to help others. Following the passing of her mother at an early age, Hannah turned toward coping mechanisms such as yoga that have guided her toward resiliency. She recognizes that grief is often a taboo and uncomfortable topic, but believes that creating a space to feel and express your emotions is the first step towards reaching a state of peace.

Hannah’s goal as a grief coach is to meet clients where they are in their grief journey– whether it's a recent loss or years have passed. By working with a grief coach, clients are able to access support during an isolating time while learning how to become familiar with their feelings. Providing clients with day-to-day practical tools not only allows for grief to become easier to address, but also increases the long-term manageability of the experience.

The following content is derived from an interview with Hannah.

“Healing is non-linear”

Traditionally speaking, the 5 stages of grief include denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. However, it’s important to note that these stages are often misinterpreted as a universal and sequential experience. Hannah explains that healing is non-linear, meaning that there is no need to panic if stages are not completed in order or never completed at all. Grief is an individual experience without a clear path, it’s incomparable and cannot be generalized.

In a more accurate approach, Hannah sees grief as consisting of two broader stages, with much nuance in between. The acute stage begins right after a loss and may last up to one or two years following the passing of a loved one. Whereas, long term grief will exist after the acute stage and be integrated into one’s life forever. No matter the exact timeline, it is vital that those grieving give themselves permission to do so. By letting yourself feel the density of grief and by creating your own meaning around the loss, it will be easier to process and reach a point of acceptance and integration overtime.

“Everything is going to be okay”

Those grieving may want to escape their grief as soon as possible, but rushing through the process can lead to a more difficult journey to closure down the road. Through her experience, Hannah emphasizes that the only way out of grief is through it . The sooner you begin to feel your grief, the sooner you will be able to process it.

When grief begins to feel overwhelming, Hannah recommends you try implementing the following strategies to restore peace of mind and encourage clarity:

Practice Embodiment and Breath-work

The 4-7-8 breathing method can help activate your parasympathetic nervous system (the rest, digest, repair side of the nervous system), where it becomes easier to feel a sense of calm. To practice this breath pattern, inhale for four seconds through the nose, hold your breath for seven seconds, and gradually exhale through the mouth for eight seconds.

Take Ownership of Your Emotions

While it can be challenging to become more aware of your emotions, it's important to keep in mind that it's a process. The initial shock can often make it difficult to connect with your feelings, but it can be helpful to talk through your emotions with someone you trust, or watch a sad movie to allow the emotion to be released. Sharing about what you are going through can alleviate feelings of isolation and allow you to be supported. You may be feeling anger, joy, regret, shock, heartbreak and/or peace; remember that everyone's journey is unique and there is no right or wrong way to experience grief.

Focus on the Basics

Regardless of where you are in your grief journey, it’s important to focus on the present moment and take your grief one day at a time or even one minute at a time. Some days it may be overwhelming to return to life as usual; taking time away from work or implementing healthy distractions may be beneficial in restoring a state of wellbeing. Many people find that connecting with nature helps provide comfort as Earth’s seasonal shifts are representative of those between life and death. No matter the case, prioritizing your individual needs is key to perseverance through grief.

How Cadence Helps Along Your Grief Journey

Balancing executor duties and the loss of a loved one can feel like an overwhelming and lonely task. Cognitive function is affected while grieving making the executor process even more difficult. Asking for help and handing-off tasks to others is crucial to avoid frustration and overwhelm. With Cadence’s Executor Assistant, executors are supported along the way through step-by-step tasks and access to a trained expert. With a flexible timeline and user-friendly interface designed to help executors prioritize their mental health, Cadence is able to provide a sense of calm to the chaotic feelings that arise during the grieving process.

Conclusion

Grief is a unique and ever changing journey that must be taken slowly and with care. It's essential that those grieving be gentle with themselves and take care of their mental health, whether that is through embodiment practices, being open about their emotions, or by taking time to connect with themselves and their family or friends. With guidance from a grief coach such as Hannah, and the help of Cadence’s Executor Assistant, executors can be assured that grief is a journey that can be navigated with greater ease and a sense of necessary support.

Form Filler: Speeding Up A Historically Slow Process

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 21:17:00 GMT

The burden of end-of-life paperwork

When dealing with the loss of a loved one, there are few tasks more difficult than managing the complex paperwork and financial obligations associated with settling their estate. The amount of paperwork required to process estate-related documents is immense, often leading to time-consuming hours spent filling out forms in solitude. By utilizing our innovative Form Filler technology, the traditionally slow process of completing documents and letters for estate closure becomes simpler than ever— allowing more time for meaningful connection with those who are grieving.

How technology has changed the form filling process

In the past, families had to fill out forms by hand or on the computer. The paper forms had to be printed, manually handled, and then sent to local authorities. Alternatively, digital forms had to be downloaded then filled out. This process was not only time-consuming but also error-prone, particularly if the handwriting was difficult to read or if spelling discrepancies were present. With our Form Filler technology, the process has changed significantly. Mundane and repetitive information is now auto-filled, so families can spend more time on other responsibilities, and those managing the process can expedite paperwork .

Prior to launching Form Filler, Cadence users were only able to fill digital letters. Now our users can easily complete government and PDF documents. The automation of Form Filler, available through our Executor Assistant , allows for a substantial amount of information to be easily saved, significantly reducing manual data entry and streamlining the process.

The Executor Assistant has been able to save families the time and stress that comes with the execution process. Now with Form Filler, users are able to complete the process faster than ever - there is no longer a need to worry about filling out the same information over and over again.

Prioritizing Security

Cadence is committed to safeguarding client information while in our custody and control. Our database stores information using high level encryption, two-factor authentication, and industry-leading cloud based hosting systems. Fast-tracking the form filling process does not have to come at the cost of security: we keep private data safe and secure at all times.

Conclusion :

The traditional form filling process is slow and time consuming, making it a daunting task grieving families are forced to tackle. Thanks to Cadence’s new integration of Form Filler, users can save 320 hours of time on a traditionally tedious process. This software saves users time, reduces repetitive data entry, and ensures consistency without error, further adding to the ease-of-use benefits our Executive Assistant offers. At Cadence, we believe grief is hard enough, that’s why we strive to make the journey just a bit easier for bereaved people. With Form Filler, families can focus on what matters most: healing and remembering their loved one.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can book an obligation-free demo with our team here .

How Cadence Advisors Provide Aftercare Support to Executors And Families

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 22:31:00 GMT

How does a Cadence Advisor provide aftercare support to executors and families?

Cadence is a digital platform that streamlines and simplifies estate planning and settlement, helping clients through some of life’s most challenging times. While we are primarily an online platform, we do also complement our aftercare services with one-on-one support to clients, as needed. Cadence has Certified Executor Advisors available to answer questions, assist clients with research and tasks, and provide referrals to professionals.

As a Cadence Advisor, I take great pride in providing professional and compassionate support to my clients. It goes without saying that professionalism and knowledge of estate administration is a priority for us. However, demonstrating sincere compassion and empathy while delivering this knowledge is of the utmost importance. We can possess all the knowledge and expert advice in the world, but it will not be as impactful if we do not convey this with a tone of empathy and understanding of our client’s personal situation.

I consider it an honour to have the opportunity to offer support to clients who are grieving. It can often be difficult for family members and friends to reach out to their loved ones who are dealing with grief; they may feel as though they don’t know what to say or are worried about saying the wrong thing. I feel that I have the privilege of serving as a subtle and unexpected support system for someone who is grieving.

Sometimes having someone to talk to, with whom they have no personal connection, can help give people a sense of comfort. They can speak openly without judgement, and have the space to be themselves. It is important to us that our clients feel at ease and know that we are here to support them as much as we can, so that they may have the time they need to grieve. We know and understand that estate settlement can become quite overwhelming and we aim to make the process as simple as possible.

Will clients be contacted by a Cadence Advisor?

Clients should expect to hear from a Cadence Advisor by phone within two weeks after they are set up with an account. The intent of that phone call is to merely check in with the client to inquire if they have any questions about our services, or about estate administration in general. We will also check in with clients who have not yet logged in to their account to see if they need any help getting started.

When I reach out to a client, I make a point of noting their state of mind at the time of the call. Is the client feeling overwhelmed, sad, content, angry, vulnerable, or a combination of emotions? I aim to prepare myself in advance for whatever emotions they may be feeling during our call and tailor our conversation accordingly.

I will always preface the conversation by asking the client if it is a good time to talk, and respect the fact that they may not feel up to it at the moment. In the case of the latter, I will offer to call them back at another time, and will follow up with an email advising them to reach out when they are ready.

It is definitely essential to the success of our business to raise the bar for our client’s experience. At Cadence, we are not simply providing the same type of customer service one would expect in a service role. We have the obligation to go above and beyond by being in tune with our clients’ emotions and to deliver our service accordingly.

How can a client reach out to a Cadence Advisor?

Clients can reach out to a Cadence Advisor for support by phone, live chat, or email at any point during the estate settlement process, which is often a year or more. We also offer the option to schedule a support call with an Advisor if they want the opportunity to discuss anything in greater depth. We want our clients to know that we are there to support them in any way possible.

Cadence Advisors have put in hours of research and training in order to provide expert advice and guidance. We do not claim to know everything and are always learning with each situation that we encounter. Every estate is unique and has different challenges that must be addressed, and we do our best to help support clients and families through this process. It is important to note that Cadence Advisors do not provide any legal, financial, or accounting advice; however, we are happy to provide a referral to a professional in their area, or additional resources, as needed.

If you have any questions about how we offer our support and services, please reach out to a Cadence Advisor at support@cadencecares.ca or 1-800-500-2135.

How To Choose The Right Estate Management Partner For Your Funeral Home

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 19:15:00 GMT

Why does offering an Estate Management solution matter?

Estate settlement can be an arduous process, both emotionally and practically. There are typically over 120 tasks to complete in the 6-24 month period after the death. Some tasks are urgent, some need to be done at specific times, and some can lead to personal liability or lawsuits if not done correctly. Few of us are knowledgeable about estate settlement prior to beginning the process, and it all comes at a time when we are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Funeral homes are uniquely positioned to educate and support families through the estate settlement process. However, it is unrealistic for most funeral homes to offer this support themselves because your team is already at capacity supporting more immediate needs. Finding a partner for Estate Management— a term that encompasses both estate planning and settlement efforts— means your funeral home can focus on what you do best, while extending the impact you have on families and the community.

Choosing the right partner for your funeral home

For a long time the only options were to provide generic paper checklists or refer people to an expensive professional who can only support part of the process. Fortunately, there are a number of new ways to support your clients. Finding the right Estate Management partner is crucial to elevating your service while maintaining confidence in the quality standards. Every offering is an extension of your brand and can impact your reputation.

In this blog post, we will explore some key considerations and provide some practical advice to ensure that you make an informed decision about which partner will be right for you. Choosing the best estate management partner for your funeral home will ultimately help you provide outstanding service to each and every one of your grieving clients.

5 Essential Factors

There are 5 essential factors to consider when choosing an Estate Management partner. We outline each of them below in order to help with your decision.

1. Is it personalized?

‍ The advice and guidance should be specific to the estate, not a generic checklist.

No two estates are the same: a solution that walks through the few elements that will ring true for every single estate is not providing enough value to your clients. The best solution is a fully personalized solution to the estate’s needs. Generic online tools or paper checklists can provide a decent framework, but lack the depth of specific tasks that many digital solutions provide. As mentioned above, there are on average 120 tasks to settle an estate, in addition to what is required in the will. With that in mind, every task formed by the estate management partner should be relevant to that particular estate. ‍

2. Is it comprehensive?

‍ It should cover every aspect of the estate and go deep into what the tasks are and how to complete them.

The best tools are able to provide guidance across the entire settlement journey, rather than just select portions of it. Thorough and all-encompassing solutions serve your clients better than a one-size-fits-all, overview style solution. This is because the smallest of details can alter the whole process. For example, the difference between owning versus renting a property can make one’s estate planning and settlement process vastly different. The ideal Estate Management solution adapts to any situation and is able to provide clarity to users on how to complete tasks and in what order, down to what specific URLs they need to click to download paperwork.

3. Is it client-centric?

‍ The tool should not be a funnel for more expensive services, and it should have expert support.

Because the solution will act as an extension of your brand, it is important to know what the end-user flow looks like. If a solution offers additional value for purchase then that can be acceptable, but you need to know what is included and what isn’t. If the user experience is to be consistently prompted to pay more money then it may not have the impact you would like it to. The other aspect to consider is the level of support provided; how and when families can reach their support team (if one exists) and what they can ask. Through your chosen estate management partner, you should be able to elevate service impactfully, yet indirectly.

4. Will you be proud to offer this?

‍ The tool should be an extension of the incredible service you already provide to families and help you have even more impact on their lives.

A funeral home influences some of the most intimate and difficult processes of a person’s life— your estate management partner should care for your clients just as delicately and compassionately as you do. If the tool isn’t an extension of your level of care then it likely isn’t the right partner. ‍

5. Is there business impact?

The right solution will be a win for clients and for your funeral home by helping you generate online reviews, get feedback, and earn pre-need clients.

While you may be making this decision with the client experience as your priority, you should also consider the impact on your funeral home. Generating online reviews, receiving feedback, and earning pre-need clients are all part of the benefits to offering a best-in-class tool. The right partner should leave an impression on clients that centers around how you, the funeral professional who offered you the estate management solution, made them feel.

Final thoughts

Funeral homes have a unique opportunity to support their clients with an Estate Management solution. Choosing the right solution will ultimately help your funeral home continue to adapt to consumer preferences and help you use technology to differentiate.

Cadence was designed with the 5 key factors above in mind. Ultimately our goal is to help funeral homes and other professionals extend their service offering and build incredible client connections. If you’d like to book a demo to see if Cadence checks all of your estate management boxes, you can do so here .

Find Your Local Probate Court in Canada

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:44:00 GMT

Provincial and territorial courts that administer probate applications

The local courthouse that administers applications for probate can be a wealth of knowledge. Therefore, we have provided links to all Canadian provincial and territorial offices for you. You can contact them about your individual situation. Most importantly, they can help advise what forms are required, common mistakes when filing forms and provide information about timelines that you should know about.

Your Canadian local courthouse that administers probate applications can be a wealth of knowledge.

Please see below for links to the probate court nearest you in Canada:

Unsure If A Will Exists? Here’s What To Do.

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:44:00 GMT

Follow These Steps to Look For a Will:

Checking every property owned, rented, or leased by the deceased.
Speak with any person who may have pertinent information or know the location of the Will.
Contact banks to confirm there is no safety deposit box where the Will may have been stored.
Contact lawyers in the area, as well as anywhere the deceased previously lived.
Contact your local Law Society to put a call out amongst lawyers to look for the Will or to help locate the deceased’s lawyer (listed below).
Contact the local Court Registrar nearest to where the deceased last lived to see if the deceased left it there for safekeeping.
Find a Will by searching the Canada Will Registry and/or a Provincial Will Search (links below).

It is important to document what you did to look for the Will.

Document Your Search

It is important to document what you did to look for the Will, as you may be asked to provide proof that you did an adequate search. If you can’t track down the Will , someone may have to apply to the court to be appointed as the estate representative. The estate representative will have the same duties as an estate representative appointed through a Will, but they must get permission from the court before they can begin carrying out their duties.

Will Registries

Canada Will Registry

You can use the Canada Will Registry to find a Will. This registry is a secure database of registered Wills across the country, created and maintained by Notice Connect. This is a paid service, and the cost can be considered an estate expense.

Provincial Will Search

Some provinces have a government Will registry that can be searched after someone has died. The local Law Society can often conduct a Will search on your behalf. You will likely need to know the deceased’s given full name (any preferred names that could have been used), last place of residence and date of death (approximation).

Not every province has these services available, but the ones that do are listed below:

Alberta

British Columbia Will Registry can be searched and a request to the Law Society of British Columbia can be made here .

Quebec requires two search requests; one with the Barreau du Québec and the other with Chambre des notaires du Québec .

Saskatchewan Wills and Estates Registry can be searched and a request to the Law Society of Saskatchewan can be made here .

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Cadence can help with estate settlement.

Learn More

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I Found The Will. How Do I Know If It Is Valid?

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:44:00 GMT

Determining the validity of the Will

Now that you found the Will, you need to confirm the Will is valid. A Will needs to be valid to carry out the wishes of the deceased. Typically for Wills to be valid they require signatures of two witnesses (not a named estate representative, spouse, or beneficiary), the date, and the testator’s signature at the end of the Will.

If there are any concerns about the validity of the Will, it is recommended to seek legal advice.

If the Will was drafted by a lawyer, created by online Will software or was handwritten by the deceased and followed the above requirements, it could be valid. However, this does vary by province. If there are any concerns about the validity of the Will, it is recommended to seek legal advice. Requirements for valid Wills are outlined in legislation for each province. Please see below for more details if this is a concern:

Saskatchewan – The Wills Act
Ontario – Succession Law Reform Act
British Columbia – Wills, Estates and Succession Act
Alberta – Wills and Succession Act
Manitoba – The Wills Act
Quebec – Civil Code of Quebec SQ.1991 c. 64 Book Three - Successions
Newfoundland and Labrador – Wills Act
New Brunswick – Wills Act
Nova Scotia – Wills Act
Prince Edward Island – Probate Act
Yukon – Wills Act
Northwest Territories – Wills Act
Nunavut – Wills Act

Cadence can help you with estate settlement

Learn more

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10 Tips for Finding Estate Documents

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 22:44:00 GMT

It can be difficult to know where to start after someone dies.

We know because we’ve been there.

There are several places you can look to find important estate documents. These help you determine what accounts need to be closed and what agencies need to be notified. A comprehensive list of all the documents you should look for can be found here for those in Canada, and here for those in the U.S.

Here are some tips to help you find the necessary information needed to settle an estate:

Search the deceased’s wallet, filing cabinets and folders. Make sure you check all places of residence.
Check the deceased’s computer files and any cloud-based file storage you are aware of.
Check the mail for any paper bills, statements, policies or subscriptions.
If you have access to the deceased’s banking or credit card accounts, review the last year of statements to look for automatic payments and deposits.
Check the safety deposit box. Usually these are located at the deceased’s bank. It is better to document the contents of the safety deposit box with another person present.
Contact the previous employers to find out about pensions, death benefits and employer-based insurance plans.
If the deceased had a lawyer, insurance broker, accountant or financial advisor, they may have copies of important estate documents and information.
Go to Ombudservice for Life and Health Insurance ’s website to search for lost life insurance policies.
Search the Bank of Canada for unclaimed bank accounts.
If you’re unsure of the existence of a will, see this helpful resource.

Let Cadence Help you with Final Documents and Notifications

Contact Us Now

Complementing, Not Replacing, What You Do: Cadence’s Take On “Scope of Practice”

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 22:44:00 GMT

Cadence fills a gap within interprofessional practice. Filling that gap benefits clients, families, and professionals themselves.

The concept of “scope of practice” is commonly used by health professionals and health researchers, but it’s also helpful for thinking about Cadence’s mission and our approach to partnerships. In this article, we will address scope of practice and what “scope creep” can look like. Most importantly, you will learn of different strategies to prevent scope creep from occurring in your own workplace.

The professional landscape around end-of-life transitions

To plan for and cope with death, families and individuals interact with a range of professionals.

Funeral directors, embalmers, and cemetery workers manage body transfers, memorialization rituals, body dispositions, and sites for remembering and honoring the dead.
Estate lawyers advise executors about their legal obligations and rights concerning actions related to the will, disbursement of assets, probate, final tax returns, and more. They also help individuals with developing last wills and testaments, power of attorneys, and and other key estate planning documents.
Financial advisors, family accountants, and insurance agents assist individuals and families to identify financial goals, manage risk, select investment funds, and access accounts to ensure financial security at the ends of their life and for future generations.
Grief counselors and psychologists help individuals to acknowledge loss, sense of it, and establish new connections to their loved ones after they pass.
Executor advisors - like the ones working at Cadence - support executors with the practical, logistical steps that come after death. We identify which paperwork executors need to complete, provide the resources they need to submit it, and work with them to ensure the affairs of the deceased are closed.

Between all these professionals, it’s not always clear who will (or can) take care of which tasks when a death occurs. Both families and professionals can find themselves in positions where they’re unsure where one professional’s “scope of practice” ends and where another’s begins.

The concept of “scope of practice”

We most often see the term “scope of practice” discussed in relation to health professions, including nursing, medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. But it’s broad enough to use in relation to other professionals as well. Nurse researchers White and colleagues (2008) define a “scope of practice” as “the full range of roles, responsibilities and functions that [professionals] are educated, competent and authorized to perform” (p.45). More simply, scope of practice refers to the tasks performed by professionals as a part of their day-to-day work (White et al., 2007).

Why “scope of practice” matters

Social scientists have long understood that people seek a basic level of structure and boundaries when it comes to social life (consider the classic work of Arnold Van Gennep, Erving Goffman, or Talcott Parsons). In a world that is always in flux and uncertain, we use social roles, scripts, and boundaried expertise to provide a sense of predictability and security. Along these lines, a “scope of practice” is a formal tool that helps people navigate the social world and interact within it effectively.

What happens when scope of practice is unclear or broad?

Lack of recognition. A weak grasp of one another’s work can also be interpreted as a lack of acknowledgment for its unique contributions and knowledge bases (White et al., 2007).
Unproductive competition. While competition within a given profession is understandable, a poor understanding of scope of practice can generate unwarranted competition between professionals or companies who might gain something by partnering (Baranek, 2005).
Difficulties standardizing service across clients. Extending your scope of practice can also mean that service becomes poorly standardized across clients, where some clients receive all the bells and whistles and others do not.
Organizational challenges. Managing workers with ambiguous or extended responsibilities can be challenging when trying to move a business through transitions, especially when it complicates information hand-offs, scaling up, salaries, or titles.
Burn-out. Ultimately, burn-out can become a threat if professionals carry a poorly defined scope of practice.
Frustration . When roles are confused for one another and there’s little consensus around each one’s unique training or expertise, it can be frustrating - not just for workers, but also for clients trying to navigate complex processes (like end-of-life care and planning).

Why we try to exceed or extend our scope of practice

There are risks that come with an unclear or excessively broad scope of practice. And yet, many of the reasons professionals exceed their formal responsibilities are highly understandable.

Service. Often professionals who are not “staying in their lane” simply want to provide service that goes above-and-beyond. Extending their domain of expertise can feel like an opportunity to add value to their services.
Responding to unmet needs. Some may also begin exploring new domains of work as a response to an unaddressed need.
Genuine curiosity might be part of the trigger that leads professionals to take on duties absent in their job description.
Working to their potential. In some scenarios, a professional’s scope of practice may be excessively narrow or limiting. To benefit clients and increase professional freedom, broadening one’s scope - or working in “full scope” - is warranted as a new professional standard (Tsuyuki & Davies, 2018)

Other times, the reasons may not be as altruistic.

Some professionals might not want to admit they don’t know the answer to a question. Rather than admitting where their job stops and begins, they attempt to do or know it all, diluting their role in the process.
Some professionals may also have difficulty saying “no.” You might call these the people-pleaser types: they feel that clients or families will be disappointed if they decline a request for help that transcends their duty. Instead of referring them elsewhere or offering starting points, they attempt to bridge the gap themselves.

How Cadence helps professionals determine the limits of work within their scope of practice

No single insurance agent, funeral director, grief counselor, lawyer, or financial advisor has all the answers when it comes to end of life paperwork. By the same token, Cadence doesn’t pretend to be in the business of transferring bodies, offering legal advice, providing therapy, or advising on important financial decisions. We believe in interprofessional collaboration as a means to smoothing individuals’ and families’ journeys toward death. Our aim is not to duplicate work or take over other professional’s core roles and responsibilities; we’re trying to address an unmet need in the landscape of death professionals.

This gap is evident: in a survey we conducted in 2021, 40% of executors said no one (professional or otherwise) had helped them with ending subscriptions, applying for benefits, and/or sending notifications. Clearly, this suggests lawyers, financial advisors, insurance agents, and others can supplement their work and serve clients better by partnering with Cadence.

As professionals, none of us can do it all, but we can take up the opportunity to educate clients and families about how our unique roles and scopes of practice collectively can support transitions at the end of life.

If you’d like to learn more about how our work can complement the work you’re doing as a professional, book a demo with us today.

Bōde Launches Strategic Partnership with Cadence

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 22:44:00 GMT

Bōde Launches Strategic Partnership with Cadence

Cadence is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Canadian real estate tech firm, Bōde. Bōde democratizes the real estate process, allowing users to buy or sell properties without the touch of any third party. A sense of control is delivered back to the user, giving them complete autonomy of pricing, negotiations, and more.

A perfect match for Cadence, this partnership will enable those who are dealing with the selling of an inherited property complete control of the selling process. When a home has sentimental value, restoring a sense of autonomy back to the inheritor can make the process far less stressful, if the right supports are provided. Bōde's software will provide Cadence users every support they could possibly need, from lawyers to home inspectors and everything in between.

Read the press release below:

Bōde launches partnership with Cadence to simplify real estate sale after a loved one passes

Online services can ease worry and transparency of estate settlement

Selling a home after a loved one passes can be an emotional and time-consuming task. But, taking control of the process through Bōde ’s online real estate marketplace can make it a lot less stressful. Bōde is proud to announce a new partnership with the online estate settlement service, Cadence .

The partnership enables anyone using Cadence to have the option to sell their estate property using Bōde’s online marketplace and without the services of a real estate agent.

While some may question the level of ease provided by online services during a time of grief, a Certified Executor Advisor says the straightforward nature of online services actually makes it less complicated and confusing.

“We want the families we work with to have access to supports and tools that make selling an inherited home as seamless as possible,” says Rachelle Perron, RN, Certified Executor Advisor and co-founder of Cadence. “We partnered with Bōde to bring simplicity and clarity to this complicated task, and save families money during the estate settlement process.”

Bōde was founded in 2019 and is currently licensed to sell homes in Alberta and most of BC, with plans to expand across Canada in the next two years. The growing popularity of online transactions and the unprecedented access to market comparables and data makes selling your own home online easier than ever before. Bōde only charges the seller a simple 1% fee, capped at a max of $10K, once a property has sold.

“We’ve noticed an increasing number of people involved in estate sales using our online service,” says Alan Kelly, Bōde’s Chief Revenue Officer. “They tell us that family members involved in settling the estate feel fully informed because they all have their own account linked to the property. And, they want to do what’s in the family’s best interest, so saving 50% of traditional commission fees is really attractive to them.”

Both Bōde and Cadence offer online compassionate support to help make the process of estate settlement easier. A family member or executor can be fully supported by the team to get any answers they have, when blended with a fully online service creates an exceptional customer experience.

Ultimately, it’s about making the difficult bereavement process just a little bit easier by taking the bureaucracy, paperwork and multiple emails and phone conversations out of the equation. “Grieving the loss of a loved one can be very difficult and disorienting. The ‘old way’ of doing things is no longer the best way,” says Kelly. Cadence is also a preferred provider in Bōde’s Prō Marketplace, which connects buyers and sellers to complementary real estate services.

About Bōde:

Bōde is Alberta’s first real estate marketplace and a smarter way to buy and sell a home. Bōde is reimagining real estate with an intuitive, universal platform that gives everybody with an index finger the ability to control their real estate destiny.

About Cadence:

Cadence is a digital executor assistant, supported by Certified Executor Advisors. When a loved one dies, dealing with the next steps can be overwhelming and stressful. Cadence is designed to help people navigate the process and tackle estate settlement tasks.

How to Locate Unclaimed Assets in Canada

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 22:44:00 GMT

How to Locate Unclaimed Assets in Canada

August 12, 2021

After the passing of a loved one, it is common for their assets to go unclaimed. In Canada, an asset becomes unclaimed after no activity has been generated (or contact with the owner) for one year or longer.

Federal legislation places a responsibility on creditors to make an effort to contact owners of unclaimed assets. The Bank Act requires federally regulated banks and trust companies to send written notification to balance holders after two, five, and nine years of inactivity. If you are unsure of the deceased’s financial institutions, some provinces have public databases to locate these assets.

After 10 years of inactivity, unclaimed balances are transferred to the Bank of Canada, which acts as a custodian on behalf of the owners. The Bank of Canada will hold balances of less than $1,000 for 30 years and balances of $1,000 or more for 100 years. See below for links to help find unclaimed assets.

National database for unclaimed assets

Bank of Canada Unclaimed Balances

Provincial databases for unclaimed assets

*Note: not all provinces have a database at this time

Executor vs. Administrator – What’s the difference?

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 22:44:00 GMT

The technical language that is often used in the estate administration context can be tricky to understand.

The person handling an estate will either be called an executor or an administrator depending on where they get their authority to act.

What is an Executor?

An executor is the term for the individual (or trust company) appointed in a Will to administer and distribute the property of the deceased person.

This person is responsible for carrying out the wishes of the deceased according to the terms of his or her Will.

This authority arises immediately following the death of a person who has a Will.

Depending on the assets that are in the estate, it may be necessary for the executor to have their appointment confirmed by the court.

What is an Administrator?

An administrator is appointed by the court to deal with an estate in situations where:

a) The Will fails to appoint an executor;

b) The executor(s) named have renounced or are unable to act; or

c) There is no Will.

When these situations arise, there is no one who has legal authority to act on behalf of the estate or deal with the deceased’s assets.

In Saskatchewan, The Administration of Estates Act sets out the order in which people have the right to apply to be an administrator of an estate.

If there is no Will for the administrator to follow, they will be required to distribute the estate assets in accordance with the scheme set out in the applicable provincial legislation.

What are the similarities between Executors and Administrators?

While there are often many details to take care of, in general, both an executor and an administrator will be required to:

Pay proper debts and expenses;
Distribute estate property as required (either by the terms of the Will or legislation); and
Provide a full accounting to beneficiaries.
Executor is responsible for providing beneficiaries with information about the debts, expenses, income, and assets that were part of the estate.

Are you an Executor or Administrator?

Let Cadence help you with your clients.

Design Principles We Share with Funeral Directors

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 22:44:00 GMT

Cadence's User Principles Correlate with Funeral Directorial Strategies

In 2021, we conducted foundational user experience research with funeral directors. We asked them how they provided practical information during their arranging meetings. Interestingly, we found that many of their strategies paralleled the kind of user experience principles we’ve applied in our software design. In this blog post, we highlight some of the principles that we see both in our work and in the work of funeral directors - particularly within the arranging meeting, when professionals are tasked with delivering practical information clearly, concisely, and compassionately.

Setting expectations

During the arranging meeting, bereaved families often have a lot on their minds. In response, funeral directors anticipate questions and set expectations right away. Telling families what will be discussed can provide reassurance that their questions and concerns will be addressed. By opening the floor to pressing questions right away, funeral directors can put the executors' minds at ease so they’re able to focus on the information being provided.

Initial stages of estate settlement can also bring up lots of questions. That’s why Cadence’s clients are offered an intake phone call with an Certified Executor Advisor who can orient them to our software & general process, and answer any questions they may have. If users prefer not to have an initial call, that's fine too - our software provides a brief orientation that helps users know what to expect.

Breaking down information

Any educator or designer knows that breaking down information is essential to understanding. In our research, we found that Funeral Directors were wizards at breaking down information into bite-size pieces.

Cadence's software is organized so that information about each estate settlement task is presented in its own window, saving users from a feeling of getting overwhelmed. Presenting information about one thing at one time can be an effective strategy for reducing procrastination.

Making instructions easy-to-retrieve

Some funeral directors encourage executors to bring an extra support person to the arranging meeting. This ensures that what one person forgets the other can remember. At the funeral home, there will often be notepads and pens at the ready as well, so that family members can take down pieces of important information.

Cadence also understands that taking down information yourself can be helpful in remembering it. That’s why for every form and step we provide, we make it possible for users to add notes to themselves.

Recognizing the effects of “grief brain”

In the immediate days following a death, bereaved family members often describe being in a sort of “fog.” Funeral staff recognize this and accommodate it by showing compassion, listening to people’s stories, and ensuring that they don't overload people with information. We heard over and over again about the importance in maintaining a balance between providing enough information (so families can act on it) without providing too much information (so they don't get confused).

Cadence's software is similarly set up to pair compassionate support with digestible information that will not overwhelm an already-taxed mind.

Meeting the executors’ needs first, but knowing others may want to help

Sometimes there will be multiple decision-makers involved in arranging a funeral, even if only one is assigned as executor. In these instances, funeral service professionals sometimes need to triage or mediate between different family members to ensure that the executors’ choices are prioritized, while others are able to contribute where they can (for instance, by taking notes or taking care of one or two practical tasks).

When it comes to estate settlement, the executor is certainly the person who does most of the paperwork, signs most of the documents, and has the most responsibility over the estate - but other people might lend a hand, whether by printing off forms or helping the executor interpret form submission instructions. Our software allows families to appoint a primary decision-maker but make it possible for other family members to be part of the team.

Using visual cues

A couple of the funeral directors we spoke to mentioned giving families a tour of the building as they provided information. By creating a visual link between the information and a place, families might remember it better. In fact, this is an ancient memory trick, called the method of loci.

While we don’t have a brick and mortar building executors can visit, Cadence uses visual hierarchies and icons to help executors quickly and easily retrieve information. By organizing information into a personalized roadmap, our users get a sense of what the process looks like and where they are within it. Users can see the big picture, navigate between tasks, monitor their progress, and retrieve information and documents easily. As one of our partners said, our platform is itself a link in the chain, but we also provide a view of the entire chain.

If you’re a funeral home who - like us - sees the value in design that centers the user experience, we encourage you to book a demo with us today .

How SaaS Partnerships are Humanizing The Bottom Line

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 22:44:00 GMT

SaaS (Software as a Service) is changing the way companies view partnerships by humanizing the bottom line.

Most strategic alliances begin with one goal: mutual monetary benefit. Think of the Taco Bell and Doritos “Doritos Locos Taco” partnership; the companies joined forces to add credibility to one another, encourage fans of each brand to find common ground in the shared product, and ultimately maximize profits. The bottom line is monetary gain , and the collaborative taco is a product of how Taco Bell and Doritos could make the partnership compelling to each of their consumer bases.

Cadence is a SaaS company, but more broadly recognized examples include Netflix, Google Workspace, and Spotify. The name “software as a service” gives a nod to the fact that a monetarily-focused partnership is not necessarily at the core of some of the most successful SaaS partnerships. SaaS cannot exist without the individual that is being serviced. Therefore, as the name insinuates, service is the core functionality .

SaaS partnerships are often unique as the shared interests of the companies are not always immediately apparent as with traditional business partnerships.

Take as an example Cadence’s recently announced partnership with Calgary-based Bōde . Bōde is a real estate software that acts in place of a traditional realtor by enabling its users to buy and sell real estate on their terms. Cadence is an estate settlement software designed to help families navigate the difficult legal and administrative process after the death of a loved one. Cadence and Bōde provide two fundamentally different services that, when combined, significantly improve the quality of life of grieving individuals.

Now, why would a real estate software company partner with an estate settlement software company?

The answer lies in the quality of care that Cadence and Bōde users receive from each company as a result of this partnership. Users facing the challenges of property inheritance receive compassionate estate settlement guidance and time-saving task organization through Cadence. With Bōde in the mix, users save up to 50% on traditional commission fees and reduce the amount of time spent on the phone or filling out endless real estate-related paperwork. The bottom line, unlike the Taco Bell-Doritos example, is the customer’s experience.

Local economies can also benefit from partnerships such as Cadence and Bōde’s . In this circumstance, real estate that doesn’t sit on the market benefits the local economy, as do workplaces when executors can move through estate settlement tasks more efficiently.

A partnership of this nature, one that intersects provincial tech communities with a common goal, demonstrates a unique and intuitive aspect of SaaS: the end benefit always falls in the hands of the user and the larger community. This same philosophy can be applied to a myriad of SaaS partnerships that are designed from infancy to satisfy the needs of the end user.

The lesson at hand is that the SaaS space allows companies to reframe mutual beneficiality. The success of the end user becomes integral to the success of the partnership, not just a marketable positive side effect. With this framework in mind, we can observe how SaaS companies that operate on a B2B (business-to-business) model are returning the ultimate benefit to the community, and in turn, strengthening relationships that extend past the usual borders.

This concept is similar to that of the circular economy approach, wherein sustainable companies aim to operate in a manner that causes as little disruption to the environment as possible. The same philosophy applies when looking at this humanistic approach to SaaS partnerships where the bottom line is always the customer, deeming the alliance undoubtedly worthwhile and sustainable.

At a recent funeral & cemetery professionals conference, we heard this same sentiment expressed: “If you focus on service, the sales will handle themselves.”

A Brief History of SaaS in Deathcare

SaaS has been around for nearly as long as the Internet has been easily accessible to the general public. It is a cloud-based method of providing and accessing software that typically operates on a subscription or one-time purchase model. The first SaaS company is widely known and accepted to be a customer relationship management company Salesforce in 1999, but since then, the world of SaaS has expanded to include virtually every industry you can imagine— including deathcare.

Deathcare services are often viewed as highly traditional in their operations, making this an industry that is ripe for disruption. Deathcare SaaS companies that address challenges related to bereavement are typically born from the personal perspective of their founders, many of which have experienced a defining loss of their own or have witnessed a loved one deal with such a challenge. This is the case with Cadence. Our company’s estate settlement solution was ideated by founder Rachel Drew after dealing with the administrative challenges of losing her mother.

People increasingly expect cloud-based solutions to assist with new and old processes. The work of bereavement is no exception. The generational gap is clear— SaaS deathcare solutions are considered an exciting development for baby boomers and a logical fix to an age-old problem for Gen X. On the other hand, SaaS solutions are seen much differently for millennials and even Gen Z individuals that are finding themselves in estate executor positions. Individuals that grew up in the age of the Internet expect SaaS solutions to traditional problems.

Though SaaS in deathcare has existed for a few years, the challenges that deathcare workers navigated in 2020 due to COVID-19 make one thing clear: the funeral and deathcare industry has a severe need for complementary solutions to traditional human-run services. Cadence is one of those companies, relieving the administrative burden from firms that deal with estate settlement and helping individuals tackle their executor tasks.

Are you interested in a partnership? Reach out to our team at yourfriends@cadencecares.ca, or book a time to chat with us here .

Five Challenges Facing Funeral Homes

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 22:44:00 GMT

To work well with funeral service professionals, we think it’s essential to understand their working worlds. Here are some of the challenges we’ve been learning about through original research, publications, and conference presentations.

Losses to traditional sources of revenue

Funeral homes are facing losses in revenue per client due to increasing rates of cremation & reduced demand for embalming, public services, and merchandise . The American cremation rate was 55.9% in 2020 and is expected to reach 78.4% by 2040. ^[1] The Canadian cremation rate was 74.8% in 2020 and is expected to grow to 87.9% by 2040. ^[2] Likewise, it is also now easier than ever for consumers to compare pricing and shop online for merchandise traditionally sold by funeral homes (e.g., caskets, urns). Decreases in ancillary product sales (which makes up a significant share of funeral home revenue) has further reduced revenue per client. The Canadian funeral home industry saw an overall profit loss of 1.3% from 2015 to 2020. ^[3] Whereas the American funeral home industry saw a marginal profit gain of 0.3% and a revenue loss of 0.8% from 2016 to 2021. ^[4]

Staffing shortages and burn-out

The funeral profession is facing staffing shortages, resulting in over-commitment and burn-out among employees. More people are retiring from the workforce than entering it. ^[5] Much like in other industries, COVID-19 has served to further worsen staff shortages. ^[6] Combined with rising death rates and increasing training requirements, these staffing shortages leave funeral service professionals stretched thin . ^[7] This is having a disproportionate impact on women in the profession, who show higher levels of anxiety, depression and job stress compared to men. ^[8] Continuing education courses on overcommitment, stress management, and self-care evidence institutional aims to protect the well-being of funeral service professionals. ^[9][10]

A need to stand out

High competition means funeral homes need to work hard to stand out. Heightened competition with low cost funeral providers, independent crematories and online retailers has negatively impacted funeral home profitability. ^[11][12] From funeral home to funeral home, competition is largely based on reputation, price and location. ^[13] Maintaining competitive pricing and a positive reputation is especially critical in communities that host more than one funeral home. In light of rising competition and revenue pressures, marketing has become more important over the past five years. ^[14]

Increasing wage costs in a labor-intensive profession

The funeral profession is labor-intensive, with wages making up the largest expense for the industry, absorbing about 29.5% of total revenue . ^[15] Whereas capital expenses have stabilized over the past few years, wage costs have risen. ^[16] In this environment, funeral home owners are finding it difficult to increase staffing levels. ^[17] Dealing with an excessive number of estate-related questions takes up precious staff time. To ensure profitability, funeral homes must have effective controls on these labor-related costs. ^[18]

Families requesting help that exceeds their professional scope

Funeral service providers receive requests for support that transcend the scope of the profession. Previous literature has found that funeral professionals are prone to feeling a lack of control in their work environments, especially given their unpredictable and demanding schedules. ^[19][20] This is especially common in smaller firms. ^[21] In our interviews, funeral service providers described the importance of setting boundaries on their professional responsibilities while doing what they could to support the family, whether that meant referring clients to other professionals or admitting instances where they didn't have an answer to a legal, financial, or grief-related question. In essence, setting boundaries was described as an adaptive strategy for coping with a fluid work schedule and role.

How can Cadence help?

Cadence pairs an online platform with compassion, expert support to help families navigate the logistical challenges they face after losing a loved one . The service compliments funeral home aftercare programs by ensuring families have the information, tools and support they need to take care of the steps that come next. Cadence offers assistance with: government notifications and benefits, subscription and account closures, insurance and pension claims, identity theft protection, and probate and tax guidance.

How it works: During an optional phone intake, an advisor explains the Cadence process and determines the level of support the client requires. After answering a short questionnaire, the client gets access to the auto-populated forms, important resources and a customized, "how-to" guide on the Cadence platform. Clients move through the guide at their own pace and if they need extra help, they can reach out to a Cadence advisor at any time.

This solution supports seamless client handoff, easy case management and on-demand support for funeral service professionals. For busy funeral homes that are struggling with staffing shortages, Cadence’s automated process can reduce staff time spent on aftercare, paperwork, and estate-related questions. By automating the paperwork and providing ongoing, personalized guidance , Cadence gives providers back time to focus on supporting their families. Families who use Cadence thank their funeral homes for the robust, personalized and ongoing support by becoming lifelong clients and leaving positive reviews . Cadence educates clients about the value of pre-arrangements and links them back to your team when they are ready, helping you increase pre-need sales .

To learn more about Cadence’s services for funeral homes, click here .

How To Redirect Mail after a Death

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 22:44:00 GMT

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How to Notify Facebook After a Death

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 22:44:00 GMT

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Cadence & Co Blog

Bōde and Cadence Partner to Deliver Smarter Estate Outcomes

What the Partnership Delivers

Availability

About Bōde

About Cadence

MEDIA CONTACTS

Why Cadence Exists: A Founder’s Story

Discovering a Shared Reality

A Better Way After Loss

Built for Families, With Funeral Homes

Doing This Together

About Rachel Drew, CEO & Founder of Cadence

Identity Theft Awareness Week: Tips for Lowering the Hidden Risk After a Death

Why Identity Risk Persists After a Death

Public Records, Timing, and Exposure

Key Steps for Reducing Post-Death Identity Risk

1. Notify Credit Bureaus

2. Monitor Financial and Government Mail

3. Secure Key Documents

4. Track Notified Institutions

5. Seek Trusted Guidance

Awareness Is the First Line of Protection. Cadence is the Next. ﻿

Sources & Further Reading

Cadence Unveils Estate Guard™ — Family-First Estate Protection for the Days After a Death

New capability surfaces active accounts, automates notifications, and closes a critical gap in estate security.

“When someone dies, their data doesn’t. Estate Guard™ gives families and institutions a clear, secure way to see what’s at risk and act when it matters most.” — Rachel Drew, Founder & CEO, Cadence

What to Do After Someone Dies

Where to Find Proof of Death in Canada

What Happens To My Crypto & Digital Assets When I Die?

The Challenges of Grief When Settling An Estate

What is a Certified Executor Advisor?

The Pros and Cons of Executor Checklists

Thinking of getting an estate lawyer? Here are a few things to consider.

Tackle Post-Death Paperwork With These Six Strategies

What Happens to My Online Accounts When I Die?

The Story of Cadence

What Happens When We Grieve

How to Help Someone Who is Grieving

Navigating Grief During the Holidays

Why Your Clients Should Pre-Plan Their Funeral

Maintaining Your Mental Health In The Funeral Profession

How To Discuss Grief and Loss: Tips From A Funeral Director

What documents do I need to begin the settlement process?

When is the right time to bring up pre-planning?

Using Research For Good: Insights with Dr. Kathrina Mazurik

Why Estate Settlement Matters for Funeral Service Professionals

The Cadence Experience with Serese Selanders

The Administrative Burden of Death

Why Is End Of Life Planning Important?

Sibling Disputes During Estate Settlement

Supporting Different Grieving Styles During The Holidays

National Funeral Director Recognition Day: Cadence's Commitment to Supporting Compassionate Care

What Is Probate and Do I Need It?

What makes Cadence different from a checklist?

The Unexpected Responsibilities of Spousal Loss with Emily Cave Boit

A New Demographic of Customers: Understanding Gen X

The Missing Piece in Funeral Aftercare

Funeral Professionals: The Last Responders

Beyond the Service: Why Aftercare Programs are Key to Long-Term Growth

Is it Time to Sell or Transfer Estate Property? Here is What You Need to Know.

The Rise of Green Funerals

Going the Extra Mile: Small Gestures That Create Lasting Impressions

How Funeral Professionals Can Go the Extra Mile

The Power of Meaningful Touchpoints

How Funeral Homes Can Go the Extra Mile for Families

1. Personalized Memorials

2. Thoughtful Follow-Up

3. Assistance With Practical Matters

4. Community and Connection

5. Pre-Need Planning for Future Generations

Comprehensive Aftercare: A Pillar of Support

Cadence: Enhancing the Post-Loss Journey

The Lasting Impact of Thoughtful Service

Adapting to Changing Consumer Preferences in Deathcare

Adapting to Changing Consumer Preferences: What Funeral Directors Need to Know

Understanding the Shift in Consumer Expectations

Embracing Technology in Funeral Services

Prioritizing Accessibility and Comprehensive Support

The Growing Importance of Trust and Reputation

Awareness Is the First Line of Protection. Cadence is the Next.