When we hear the word legacy, many of us think of money left to people and institutions that have come to mean the most to us over the course of our lives. But your legacy is much more than that. It includes your memories, values, wisdom, family history, and more that do not necessarily have monetary value. How can you pass those on to future generations?
Start by documenting your stories. Consider writing them down or creating a recording of yourself sharing memories about your parents, grandparents, and other relatives. Don’t just recount where they lived and what they did for a living. Strive to convey a sense of who they were, what they valued most in life, and the principles they cherished.
You’ll want to take a similar approach in sharing your own story. Describe why you made certain decisions, the lessons you learned from mistakes, how you achieved success, and what you might do differently if given the chance. Photos can be a powerful way to preserve history, so be sure to organize and store images that depict your life and that of your family members. You might even want to create a website where stories and photos can be shared, allowing family members to contribute their own memories.
Let’s also think about sentimental items. These may not have great monetary value but are rich with meaning, such as an old watch owned by an uncle or a rocking chair that belonged to your mother. Family disputes often arise over items like these. To prevent misunderstandings, if a child has shown interest in an object, you can specify in your will that he or she will inherit it. For sentimental objects without clear “claims,” consider using an estate planning letter to assign them to someone special and explain their significance.
What about your values? Is there a way to ensure they are passed on? One effective method is to use tools like an Incentive Trust, which can encourage specific behaviors or accomplishments. For example, your trust could reward children for completing their education, pursuing a profession, buying a home, or engaging in charitable work.
Ultimately, you might be surprised by how much the non-material aspects of your legacy—your values, wisdom, and family history—can mean to your loved ones and future generations. These intangibles are often what family members treasure most.
Ready to Plan Your Legacy?
At Axis Estate Planning, we’re here to help you protect your legacy in all its forms. Whether you want to preserve family stories, safeguard sentimental items, or create an Incentive Trust, we can guide you through the process. Contact us today at (248) 920-9398 or visit us at www.axisattorneys.com to schedule a consultation.
