
Beyond the Will: Creating a Legacy Plan That Reflects Your Values and Life Story
A Legacy is More Than Just Wealth
A legacy is how you’ll be remembered, the values you stood for, the ethics you held close, and the personal wisdom that only you could accumulate. The first thought that pops into people’s heads when they hear “legacy” is “will.”
Think beyond finances: A will distributes assets, but a legacy plan goes deeper. It captures the story, values, and personal impact you leave behind for loved ones.
Identify What Truly Matters to You
The best place to start when thinking about your legacy might be a bit of a surprise - what do you love to do? What are your dearest hobbies, traditions, activities, or groups? What are your greatest passions in life?
From there, you can think about all the things that drew you to them. What core values of yours do they tap into? Do you love the community or the creativity? Do you appreciate the patience or kindness it requires?
Reflect on your life story. What were the moments that shaped those values? What life lessons did you learn the hard way, or the pivotal times that made you who you are today?
Pass Down More Than Possessions
What stories and memories will be lost when you’re no longer alive? Taking the time to capture these amazing moments for your family and future generations is valuable beyond measure. How you do it is completely up to you! And you can even change how you record them depending on the recipient.
Put together photo albums with details on who of, where, and when the photo was taken. Collect favorite recipes into a cookbook. Create audio or video recordings of you speaking or in your element. Or if you’re so inclined, write letters to your loved ones.
These meaningful keepsakes will carry your legacy for decades to come, and who knows? You may be the start of an incredible tradition.
Support Causes That Reflect Your Beliefs
If you have charities and causes that are close to your heart, consider including them in your legacy plans. You can support them through one off donations, or even setting up a scholarship or foundation if you have the funds.
Working with a financial planner and attorney can make sure your financial contribution can make a long-term impact, ensuring you continue to support your values long after you’re gone. Social and sustainability projects thrive off gifts like these!
Consider Your Digital Legacy
Your online life and digital legacy shouldn’t be ignored. After all, your social media, blogs, websites and other digital assets are as much a part of you as your belongings and physical assets.
Consider curating content you’ll be happy for others to view long after you’re gone, like digital photo albums, collections of writing, playlists and more.
And be sure you make sure your family knows what you want done with your online accounts after you’ve died. The best way is to put these wishes into an advance plan.
Involve Your Loved Ones in the Process
Speaking of which, including your loved ones in these decisions will make it much easier for them in the future. Not only will it go a long way in preventing any complications or conflict, but it gives you the opportunity to include them.
Legacy projects like interviews and family trees are a fantastic way to share your traditions, memories, and hopes for the future. Of course, end-of-life doulas can help you come up with other creative and personal ideas.
Use Creative Tools to Capture Your Legacy
Putting your personal creative flair on things you leave behind turns the ordinary into magic. A video message or interview isn’t just special because of the words you say, but how you’ve said them! The hand gestures, your expressions, everything that makes you - you. Plus, imagine how connected future generations will feel when it’s as though you’re in the room with them.
All sorts of creative projects can make up your legacy. Artwork, poetry, story telling, handmade items and crafts are all personal reflections of you as a person. Or consider creating time capsules for individual loved ones to open on special days in the future.
The sky is really the limit when it comes to creative ways of capturing your legacy.
Customize Your Financial Legacy to Reflect Your Values
If you have the means, you can get creative when distributing your assets. Professionals can help you set up specific funds for higher education, travel, or other experiences that you feel personally connected to and want to support.
For example, leave a sum of money to be spent on a trip to your favorite place with lots of suggestions of sights to see. Rather than leaving what’s essentially a blank check, you can create a guide for your loved ones to use your gift in a way that honors your memory. Hopefully your loved ones will feel connected to you in a new way, long after you're gone.
Ensure Your Legacy Plan is Legally Sound
Above all else, make sure your will and wishes are legally sound. A legacy plan should complement your will, not contradict or confuse it. Working with an estate planner, financial advisor, and attorney can ensure even the most complex and detailed plans are well documented and respected.
And don’t forget to revisit it from time to time, just to make sure everything is still aligned.
Celebrate the Life You’ve Lived
Finally, remember that your legacy is about your life, not your death. This process can be a celebration of the experiences and connections you’ve created over the years. It’s a way to appreciate your journey and how it has touched others.
It can also be aspirational! By actively living in line with the legacy you hope to leave behind, you not only make a difference while you’re here but also set an example for others to follow.
A legacy plan isn’t just about the end. It’s about the lasting impact of your values, stories, and what you hold dear. By approaching it with thought and care, you can ensure that your unique journey continues to inspire and shape the future for generations to come.