Estate planning: are you passing down what matters most?

Why your estate plan should be about more than money

Ever wish you had asked your aunt for her apple pie recipe, the one she made every Thanksgiving? Or that you could remember the story of how your grandparents met? Too often, we don’t think about these things until after our loved ones are gone. But you can prevent that from happening to your family by taking steps now to preserve what makes you you. It’s a wonderful gift that will likely mean more to them than the material things you leave behind. 

Six ways to pass down family values, traditions, and stories

There’s no right or wrong way to share these parts of your life. You can go low-tech, writing everything by hand; high-tech, creating digital records and videos; or a combination of both. The key is to speak from your heart, making meaningful keepsakes for your family. For example, you might consider creating: 

1 A storybook—A book can be a great way to capture memorable moments, funny stories, and the lessons you’ve learned. And it’s something your family can come back to anytime to reminisce and share your story with future generations. Not sure where to start? Ask your loved ones what they’ve always wanted to know about your life, then write down your answers.

2 An oral history—Instead of writing a book, you could ask your family to interview you and record your responses. It’s a more interactive way to share your story and may lead to deeper conversations. The recordings can provide the same benefits as a book.

3 Legacy letters—Write personal letters or record videos to share your wishes, hopes, and dreams for specific loved ones. You might focus on important moments in their lives, such as graduation, marriage, or the birth/adoption of a child. It’s a way to be part of your family’s milestones, even if you’re not there in person.

4 An ethical will—We all have values that guide how we live and the choices we make. An ethical will is a way to share yours with younger family members to help them navigate their own lives. Explain why each value is important to you and how it shaped a decision you made. Despite its name, an ethical will isn’t a legal document. It’s simply a way to put your values into words. 

5 A journal of family recipes and traditions—Why do you always have grandma’s blueberry pie instead of cake for birthdays? Why do you play flag football on New Year’s Day? Your family’s traditions and recipes are what make your get-togethers special. Yet, it can be hard to remember how they started, especially if they’ve been passed down over time. Creating a journal of your favorite recipes and traditions can help loved ones understand their significance and keep them going.

6 A visual family tree—It’s tough for younger generations to connect with their heritage when all they have is a list of names and dates. A visual family tree with pictures and fun facts about each person can help give them a clearer picture of where they come from and how everyone fits together. It could also pair nicely with your storybook or oral history. 

Leave an emotional legacy, not just a financial one

When creating an estate plan, it’s easy to get caught up in deciding who will get your stuff. But the truth is, many of these things will probably be sold, donated, or even thrown away over time. And while that can be hard to think about, it’s okay. Because your legacy is so much more than what you own. It’s your stories, values, wisdom, and traditions. Make sure your estate plan reflects the life you lived and helps your family carry your memory forward for generations to come.