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Don't Leave Them Grieving; Leave a Personal Legacy

Estate planning is thought about as wills, trusts, and gifts, etc. Not anymore. No one wants to think of sickness, old age, and death, yet all of us will experience them at some point, and the most important element of a personal legacy is not money but passing along values and life lessons. Yes, the basic documents of an estate plan are needed such as a will, durable power of attorney for financial care and durable power of attorney for health care. But now people want so much more. They want to know how the final wishes and preserved memories of their loved one will be left behind. Here is the new softer side of estate planning:

Ethical Wills-more people are using this type of will not just to distribute assets but to also put their values and beliefs on paper. Even if you aren't the best writer, you can find outlines and examples on the web to get you started on what memories, beliefs, values, or life lessons you would like to leave behind. (See "Ethical Wills" by Barry Baines M.D.)
Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Care is a document that gives someone the authority to take over your financial matters upon your disability or incapacity. Make sure that the individual you choose is aware of his or her duties. I have found too often that one child who is not financially savvy is given the responsibility that he or she didn't want. Don't surprise people with this responsibility. Talk to them first to see if they are open to being appointed for these duties.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care is a document that gives someone the authority to make medical decisions for you upon your disability or incapacity. 85% of most DNRs (do not resuscitate) are not honored. Again, make sure the individual you choose knows of his/her obligation to see that your wishes are honored.
Some of the new advanced medical directives like the Five Wishes available at Aging with Dignity offer a more detailed medical directive which is easy to understand and use http://www.agingwithdignity.org.

Passing along "values and life lessons" was overwhelmingly considered (by over 75 percent) the most important element of a person's legacy according to a recent study. Don't wait to execute these documents under duress. Plan your legacy today for the protection of your assets and your family. Coaching sessions can get you started on the what and how of putting together your plan. But most importantly, it will get you to do it!

News Flash! - I will be holding a FREE teleclass,
7 Steps to Creating Your Own Financial Plan for a Secure Retirement
on Tuesday, August 19th, at 6 p.m. PDT.

Email me (fern@wholeheartedway.com) with August 19th in the subject line to register and you will receive the call in number.

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August 2008--this column is produced by Whole-Hearted-Way and provided by Fern Alix LaRocca CFP® EA