Planning Ahead

Planning ahead is one of the most meaningful things you can do for the people you love. It doesn't have to happen all at once — a few small steps now can spare your family real stress and expense later.

Have 10 minutes right now?

Start with our quick document checkup - no commitment, just clarity.

Download the Checkup

Choose Your Starting Point

Planning ahead works at whatever pace fits your life. Pick the step that matches the time you have today. 

15 Minutes

Start the Conversation

Simple prompts to help you talk with your family or executor about your wishes — calm, short, no pressure.

Download the Conversation Starter

30-60 Minutes

Build your toolkit

Browse our full set of quick-start worksheets, conversation guides, and planning checklists - pick what's relevant to you.

Browse the Planning Toolkit

Go Deeper

Get full guidance 🦆

Ducks in a Row is our complete, guided Alberta-based workbook covering funeral, estate, and personal planning in one place.

Learn More & Order Your Copy

The Four Essential Documents

A complete end-of-life-plan rests on four pieces. These are legal documents the Government of Alberta provides guidance on. The fourth is where CMS specializes. 

1.

Personal Directive

Sometimes called a living will. Outlines your healthcare wishes if you become unable to speak for yourself - life support, resuscitation, and other medical decisions.

Alberta.ca guidance

2.

Enduring Power of Attorney

Designates a trusted person to manage your financial and legal affairs if you no longer can. Without one, your family may face a costly legal process. 

Alberta.ca guidance

3.

Will

Ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and names a personal presentative (executor) to carry them out. 

Alberta.ca guidance

4.

Funeral & Burial Preferences

This is where CMS helps. We guide you through documenting your wishes - with or without prepaying - so your family isn't guessing. 

See how CMS helps

CMS does not provide legal advice. We recommend consulting a lawyer or notary for assistance with your Personal Directive, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Will.

Ready to make it official?

​CMS membership is $40, once, for life. It gives you a documented record of your funeral and burial wishes and access to our partner funeral homes' member pricing. 

Become a Member

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