If we view financial planning as a way you build assets, estate planning can be viewed as a way of preserving those assets both before and after your death.
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy, either. Your home, your RRSPs and other investments all become substantial assets that must be considered in estate planning.
That's why it is critical to prepare an estate needs calculation that summarizes your current financial situation and income needs during the different periods of one's life cycle.