Personal Wishes & Legacy Planning
Personal Wishes & Legacy Planning
End-of-life planning isn’t just about documents, it’s about meaning. This is your opportunity to reflect on the life you've lived, the values you’ve carried, the people who shaped you, and the lessons you hope will live on. Taking time to write down your reflections can bring peace and perspective not only to you, but to the loved ones you leave behind.
Why This Matters:
This is where your heart, personality, and wisdom truly shine through. Your words and memories can offer comfort and connection, becoming a lasting emotional legacy for generations to come. In times of grief, they become a voice of love and reassurance, something your family can return to again and again, finding strength, peace, and a reminder of how deeply they were loved.
Capturing What Matters Most
Legacy isn’t measured in assets alone, it’s found in the stories, values, and memories we leave behind. This section helps you capture what made your life meaningful, and pass that meaning on to the people who matter most.
What This Means for Your Family:
These reflections become more than memories, they become a source of strength. In your words, your loved ones will find comfort, direction, and a deeper sense of connection to who you are. These expressions often become cherished keepsakes, offering guidance not just in grief, but throughout their lives.
In This Section You'll Find Info On:
- Ethical Wills
- Personal Property Distribution
- Life Review & Reflection
Ethical Will
An ethical will, sometimes called a legacy letter, is your opportunity to speak from the heart. Unlike a legal will, this isn’t about money or property. It’s about meaning.
Use this space to share your beliefs, values, life lessons, hopes for the future, and reflections on what has shaped you. It’s a powerful way to preserve your voice and help your loved ones feel connected to your spirit long after you’re gone.
Consider Including:
- Your core values and guiding life principles
- Spiritual or religious beliefs
- Meaningful relationships and experiences
- Lessons learned and wisdom you hope to pass on
Who to Talk To:
This letter is personal, something you can write privately, record as a video, or share with a trusted loved one or spiritual advisor when the time feels right.
Personal Property Distribution
Not everything of value lives in a bank account. Items like family heirlooms, photographs, letters, and keepsakes often hold the deepest meaning, and they deserve thoughtful planning, too.
In addition to your will, consider creating a separate document that outlines who should receive these personal treasures. This helps prevent misunderstandings or disputes and ensures sentimental items are passed on with care and intention.
Who to Talk To:
You can create this list yourself, but it's helpful to review it with your estate planning attorney to ensure it aligns with your legal documents.
Life Review and Reflection
A life review is a brief but powerful reflection on your journey, the moments that defined you, the people who shaped you, and the values that guided you. Whether shared with loved ones, included in a memorial, or simply written for yourself, this reflection can bring peace and a deeper sense of meaning.
This is your chance to tell your story in your own words, to highlight the challenges you’ve faced, the milestones you’ve achieved, and the wisdom you want to pass down. It may be optional, but for future generations, it’s often one of the most treasured gifts.
Consider Reflecting On:
- Your proudest accomplishments
- Challenges you've overcome
- Relationships that shaped your life
- The values and beliefs you hope to pass on
Who to Talk To:
You can write this privately, share it with your family, or work with a life story writer, spiritual advisor, or therapist to help shape your reflections.
Letters & Messages to Loved Ones
There are some things only you can say. Words of love, encouragement, forgiveness, or wisdom that deserve to be heard long after you’re gone. Writing letters or recording messages for the people you care about most can be one of the most meaningful gifts you leave behind.
What This Means for Your Family:
Long after you’re gone, your words will continue to comfort, inspire, and guide. These personal messages can offer healing during the hardest days and serve as a lasting reminder that your love is still present, still felt, and still deeply meaningful.
In This Section You'll Find Info On:
- Legacy Letters & Videos
- "If Something Happens" Binders
Legacy Letters or Videos
Legacy letters or videos allow you to share your voice, your wisdom, and your heart with the people who matter most. These personal messages can offer comfort, encouragement, and guidance, especially for children, grandchildren, or future generations you may never meet.
These messages often become some of the most cherished gifts a loved one can receive, helping them feel your presence and love, even when you're no longer physically here.
Who to Talk To:
You can record or write these messages on your own, or ask a trusted friend, spiritual advisor, or estate planner to help preserve and deliver them at the right time.
"If Something Happens" Binder
Organize all your essential documents, instructions, and contact information in one central place, often called an “If Something Happens” binder. This becomes the go-to resource for your executor, Power of Attorney, or family during times of crisis or uncertainty.
Let your executor and POA know exactly where to find it. This simple act of organization can make a world of difference for your loved ones when they need clarity the most.
Who to Talk To:
You can create this binder yourself or work with your estate planning attorney to ensure it is comprehensive and secure.