Legacy Planning Allows You to Age Like a Boss

One of the final steps to building a workable Grand Plan is to focus on the most important objectives of our lives: to design a legacy that we can be proud of. Now is the time to make sure future generations hold our memory in high regard.

There are two primary definitions of “legacy”. The first is related to financial planning and wills. While estate planning that includes legacy-leaving is important, this is not the kind of legacy we’re talking about here. Of more consequence, arguably, is the second definition of legacy: “the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past or of a person’s life.”

Here are a few things you can do now to leave your mark on the world and live out your legacy mindset:

1. Set up a fund, family foundation or scholarship in your name that supports something important to you in perpetuity. Talk to your financial advisor about setting up a fund, or talk to local nonprofits that have been meaningful or supportive to your life.
2. Share your knowledge of family ancestry and stories with the loved ones in your life. Even better, write it all down and include photos with descriptions and save this in an organized folder or on a dedicated platform like Ancestry.com.
3. Consider the accolades that may be included in your one-day obituary. Make those strengths the foundation for which you will be remembered: dedicate yourself to the happiness of your family every single day.
4. Give things that are special to you away while you are alive and explain to the receiver why it has meant something to you. In fact, it’s a great practice to give most of your stuff away to those who will take it while you are living. Whatever you do, don’t leave a houseful of stuff that is not easily identified as special or valuable because that will affect your legacy in more adverse ways.
5. Make the time to build connected, special relationships with family and close friends. You have learned a lot during your lifetime and it will enhance your legacy greatly to share what you know.What will your legacy be? Keep this vision front and center and start building your forever self today.