Continue to support your family and reduce some stress.
A legacy is the culmination of our lives stored in the hearts and memories of those we knew and loved. Much of your legacy is how you finish your final years and the support you give your family, according to The Post and Courier in “How Do You Want to be Remembered? 6 Reasons to Think About Your Legacy Now.”
Therefore, why does it matter and what do you do? Here are a few suggestions.
Building Your Legacy
Determine priorities. Considering your legacy reminds us that our actions have an impact on those around us. It makes us think twice about how we live our lives. It allows us to stop and think, by stepping out for a moment from the day-to-day bustle of our lives.
Reminds us what needs to be done for those we love. Is your life insurance in place? How about your estate plan? Do you have a power of attorney and a health care proxy, in case something unexpected should occur? How will your family manage, if tragedy strikes? Having this in place is an expression of love and caring.
Think about the future. It’s easy to get caught up on the short-term. However, taking some time to consider how you want to be remembered in the future provides a different perspective. A temptation that you know is wrong, for instance, may pay off financially in the short term. How will it impact your legacy in the future?
Makes you a better person. Thinking about your legacy may inspire you to do the right thing, to be more selfless, more generous with your time and resources and to treat others with more kindness.
Bring values into focus. We all live with a moral code, whether we can articulate it or not. If your actions are not consistent with your values, it’s visible to those around you. Is this how you want to be remembered?
Define your legacy. Perhaps the last message we leave behind is how we prepare for our end. Whether it’s making sure your estate plan is properly prepared or planning a funeral, let those you love know that you cared enough to think about their needs, even after you have passed.
An estate planning attorney can advise you on creating an estate plan that fits your unique circumstances, as well as your legacy.
Reference: The Post and Courier (Sep. 16, 2018) “How Do You Want to be Remembered? 6 Reasons to Think About Your Legacy Now”