Redefining Legacy with Trust and Will's Cody Barbo

Legacy isn’t just what you leave behind—Estate planning is broken for most families, and Cody Barbo built Trust and Will to fix it. He joins Alex Kirby to discuss how digital estate planning tools are changing what wealth advisors can offer clients, why legacy planning has to start earlier, and how advisors can use this moment to deepen relationships with both current clients and the rising gen.it’s how you shape lives today. In this episode of Visionary Advisor, host Alex Kirby, founder and CEO of Total Family, sits down with Cody Barbo, founder and CEO of Trust & Will, to unpack the trends transforming estate planning today. Drawing on fresh research and real-world results—Trust & Will has helped over 200,000 individuals complete estate plans and is trusted by more than 1 million users—Cody shares how generational shifts, technology, and the growing emphasis on values are reshaping how families—and their advisors—approach legacy planning.From bridging the gap with Gen Z to using tech as a relationship builder (not a replacement), this conversation is packed with insights to help you lead more relevant, human, and lasting estate planning conversations.Why This Episode Matters for AdvisorsDiscover how younger generations are rethinking estate planning—and where advisors fit inLearn how technology is making estate planning more accessible without replacing the human touchUncover ways to lead conversations that go beyond assets to include values, lessons, and legacyGet practical strategies to engage the next generation before the wealth transfersEpisode Highlights[5:23]  “Advisors need to step out of their comfort zone.”Cody shares why proactive estate planning is a massive opportunity for advisors to build deeper, long-term relationships with entire families—especially when most wait to react.[13:35] “Legacy, to me, is how you made people feel.”A personal reflection from Cody on what legacy really means—and how advisors can help clients define it beyond financial assets.[17:25]  “The big nugget that we are all chasing.”Cody calls out the advisors who prioritize estate planning as a core part of their value—keeping documents current, initiating conversations, and ensuring plans evolve with life.[23:58]  “Next week turns to next month, and then it’s decades later.”Procrastination is the #1 obstacle in estate planning. Cody outlines how advisors can help clients overcome inertia by making the process more approachable.[40:48]  “They have the opportunity to build that trust.”In moments of crisis or transition, advisors have a rare window to show up for families—and leave a lasting impression that spans generations.ResourcesExplore: Trust & Will – Learn more about their platform and annual research Read: Trust & Will’s 2024 Estate Planning ReportTrust & Will’s 2025 Estate Planning ReportSend us feedbackStay Connected with Visionary Advisor We believe wealth is well-being. Subscribe to the Visionary Advisor Newsletter for practical tools and ideas to serve families across generations. Explore more at totalfamily.io | Follow us on LinkedIn |  Watch episode clips on YouTube