Redefining Legacy and Bridging Generations: Cody Barbo on the Visionary Advisor Podcast

I recently had the chance to sit down with Alex Kirby, Founder of Total Family and host of the Visionary Advisor Podcast—and it was a powerful, wide-ranging conversation about where estate planning is headed and why it matters more than ever.

We explored the generational shift happening in wealth management, how legacy is being redefined by younger families, and what advisors can do to build deeper, more meaningful relationships with the people they serve. We also talked about why so many families still don’t have an estate plan—and how the right tools, guidance, and empathy can change that.

At Trust & Will, we’ve always believed that estate planning is about more than just legal documents. It’s about values. It’s about peace of mind. And it’s about making decisions that reflect who you are and what matters most.

I’m grateful to be building this company alongside our team, our members, and our growing advisor community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about the future of wealth, the role of advisors, or how to make estate planning more accessible for every generation.

Read highlights from the podcast interview below.

Visionary Advisor Podcast: Episode 5 – Featuring Cody Barbo, Founder & CEO of Trust & Will

Hosted by Alex Kirby, Founder of Total Family

Alex Kirby:
Welcome to Visionary Advisor. I'm your host, Alex Kirby, founder of Total Family. Today, we're talking about the trends shaping estate planning and how advisors can use these insights to strengthen relationships and deliver a better client experience.

I'm joined by Cody Barbo, founder and CEO of Trust & Will—one of the fastest-growing companies in the estate planning space. Cody’s here to share what they’re seeing across their platform, how younger generations think about legacy, and why this moment matters for advisors.

On the Future of Advisor-Client Relationships

Cody Barbo:
You want trust in the human relationship. I think a high-EQ advisor who can speak confidently about a variety of topics helps that younger client graduate from fintech into working with a real advisor. I’m in the same boat—shifting from digital tools to wanting a human guide for the big stuff.

Alex Kirby:
Totally. I was struck by one of the stats in your estate planning report. It said 48% of people are interested in having their advisor help with estate planning. Did that feel high or low to you?

Cody:
It felt about right. Advisors want their clients to think beyond just the portfolio—to consider estate planning, tax strategy, insurance. But a lot of advisors don’t get the support or tools they need to talk confidently about those things.

Generational Shifts & Client Expectations

Alex:
I was especially surprised that 57% of both Gen Z and Millennials want an advisor to help with estate planning.

Cody:
It’s a generational shift. We’ve had a gap in financial education in this country for decades, but there’s an urgency now—especially among Millennials and Gen Z—to make up for lost time. They’re starting families, buying homes, hitting career milestones. And they want help.

Alex:
So many advisors are worried about losing touch with younger generations. But clearly the opportunity is there.

Cody:
Yeah. And those generational relationships are powerful. I use myself as an example—when my parents pass, that advisor loses our family’s assets unless they’ve built a relationship with me and my brother. They’re not just retaining the parents’ wealth—they’re gaining ours, too.

What Makes an Advisor Stand Out

Alex:
You’ve seen firms doing this well. What sets them apart?

Cody:
The best advisors are deeply relationship-driven. They talk to their clients about their families first. They remember their kids’ names, and celebrate life milestones. When it comes to estate planning, they don’t just send a link—they sit down with clients, walk through it, and help them keep it updated over time.

Alex:
Let’s talk about legacy. Your 2025 report is called “Legacy Redefined.” What does legacy mean to you?

Cody:
Technically, legacy means the money and property you leave behind. But to me, it’s how you made people feel. My grandfather was a teacher. He loved bowling and Oreos. Every time I see a bowling alley or a package of Oreos, I think of him. That’s legacy. It’s personal. It’s emotional. It lives on in the little things.

Advisor Action & Generational Impact

Alex:
A lot of advisors don’t know how many of their clients have estate plans—or whether they’ve completed them. Do you find that’s common?

Cody:
Very common. Advisors represent 36 million households, and a huge percentage of them still don’t have a plan. We’re working with over 20,000 advisors now, but as an industry, we’re just scratching the surface.

Values, Family, and the Why Behind the Plan

Alex:
We always say people aren’t uninformed—they’re uninspired. The motivation is emotional. Do you agree?

Cody:
Yes. And for a lot of people, the trigger is personal. I started Trust & Will after watching my wife’s family go through probate. Her dad passed away with no estate plan. Years of legal stress, no closure. It was painful. When we got married, I wanted to do things differently.

Alex:
And even with all your resources, you still got a $5,000 quote for a basic trust.

Cody:
Exactly. It felt like car shopping. No explanation—just a price. That’s when we realized there had to be a better, more modern way to do this.

A Better Client Experience—For Everyone

Alex:
You mentioned that estate planning also reflects on the advisor’s brand. Can you explain?

Cody:
Yes. Estate planning partners are an extension of your client experience. If you refer someone to a dusty law office where they don’t even remember your name—that reflects on you. We’ve built Trust & Will to be approachable, modern, and intuitive, for both advisors and their clients.

Small Touches, Big Legacy

Alex:
Your story about your daughter saying “yes sir” to the school security guard—those small things matter. That’s part of the legacy, too.

Cody:
It is. And it starts young. We want to raise kind, respectful kids. That’s part of the example we set. And when we carry that mindset into estate planning—making intentional decisions, communicating them clearly—that’s legacy in action.

Final Thoughts: From Procrastination to Purpose

Alex:
So many families avoid these conversations. But eventually, the time comes. Wouldn’t it be better to start sooner?

Cody:
Yes. Procrastination is the biggest barrier we see. People know they need to do this—they just need a little help and a little push. That’s where advisors come in. You can be that nudge. That guide. That trusted voice during life’s biggest moments.

Rapid Fire with Cody

Alex:
One action every advisor should take?
Cody: Do your own estate plan first.

Alex:
One common mistake?
Cody: Assuming clients have complexity when most don’t.

Alex:
Most surprising insight from your research?
Cody: How many people want to plan for their pets. That’s love.

Alex:
Favorite legacy song from your data?
Cody: Probably What a Wonderful World. Gets me every time.

Alex Kirby:
Cody, thanks for being here. Incredible conversation. You can check out the links in the show notes for everything we talked about, including the full estate planning report from Trust & Will.

Until next time, Visionary Advisors—remember: the future of wealth starts with you.