Section 4: Safeguard Your Legacy and Elevating Others
Protect what you’ve built for yourself and your family.
Your family relies on your financial wisdom. There is no substitute for having legal and updated documents that clearly outline the who, what, when, where, and how of your wishes for you and your heirs.
Safeguard your loved ones and the legacy you created by creating a will, considering a trust, and establishing powers of attorney (POA). These are not just legal tools. They are acts of stewardship and love.
A will ensures your wishes are honored when you're gone.
A trust provides clarity, privacy, and ongoing protection for your assets.
A POA speaks on your behalf when you cannot, preserving your autonomy and values.
Together, these form a protective framework that reflects intentional planning and care for those who walk behind you.
Your life has impact—make sure your legacy does too.
What Is a Will and Why Does It Matter?
A will is a legal document that expresses how you want your assets, responsibilities, and care decisions to be handled after your death. It's more than a financial tool—it’s a final love letter to your family, offering guidance, clarity, and peace during a time when they’ll need it most.
Creating a will allows you to:
Name your beneficiaries and ensure each receives what you intend.
Appoint a guardian for minor children, giving clarity and comfort about their care.
Designate an executor, someone you trust to carry out your wishes and manage your estate.
Prevent unnecessary delays and legal disputes, helping loved ones avoid probate confusion.
Express personal wishes, including charitable donations, family heirlooms, or spiritual instructions you would like honored.
Your will is a reflection of your values, stewardship, and the intentional life you’ve built. Don’t leave your legacy to chance—shape it with love and wisdom.
Even if you think your estate is “simple,” not having a will can complicate everything for your family. State laws will determine what happens, potentially excluding people or purposes you hold dear.
Tip: You can start with a basic will and update it as life evolves. Review it every 1–3 years, especially after significant events such as births, deaths, or major financial changes.
What is a Trust, and Do You Need One?
Trusts aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy. They’re flexible legal tools that help manage your assets both during your lifetime and after you’re gone, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
A trust can:
Help bypass probate (saving time and legal fees)
Protect your privacy
Provide detailed instructions for heirs
Offer protections for minors and beneficiaries with special needs
Be useful for complex family dynamics or complex financial situations
Reduce estate taxes or shield assets from certain creditors
If you value control and clarity for your loved ones, a trust may be a worthwhile consideration.
What is a Power of Attorney (POA), and Have You Considered Creating One?
A POA grants a trusted individual the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you're ever unable to do so, whether temporarily due to illness or injury, or in long-term situations like cognitive decline.
Depending on the type, a POA can empower someone to:
Make financial decisions (a Financial POA), which covers things such as money management, bill paying, and property decisions.
Make medical decisions (a Medical POA or healthcare proxy), which designates someone to make medical decisions based on your values and wishes.
Unlike a will, which takes effect after death, a POA functions while you are still alive. It’s your legal voice when you can’t speak and a vital part of protecting your autonomy and wishes. Without one, courts may need to appoint a guardian, creating costly delays and emotional stress for your family.
Take the Next Step. If you are unsure where to start, now is the perfect time to consult an estate planning professional. A little planning today can save your family a significant amount of time, money, and conflict down the road.
Be sure you’re reviewing these every 1–3 years or after major life events.
Keep this information in a visible location and share it with someone you trust. Your future self (and your family) will thank you.