Life & Legacy

The community of shared experiences is important throughout our lives.

Each of us mirrors the life and values of our parents. To a significant degree, our lives reflect the distant image of earlier generations.

The later years of life are a unique vantage point from which you and your family can decide what you would most like for future generations to remember about your life and your experiences. Family history and stories can be a tremendous source of inspiration and enjoyment to children young and old, for years and years. Remember to write them down, to your organize photos, or to make audio or video recordings to let the memories live on.

An heirloom or keepsake need not be expensive to be a valuable and visible symbol of the family's history. Most last wills and testaments have a provision to identify so-called "tangible personal property" to be passed on to others. But these forms are often forgotten and left blank. Many families decide to give the items while they are still living, so they can participate actively in enjoying their bequest and telling the story behind the keepsake.

Keep your advance directives up to date.

Only 70% of Americans have a current last will and testament. The reason people put off this important document may be that we prefer not to think about death and dying. It is more likely that most simply don't make this a priority. Be sure to consult with your financial planner and attorney to keep everything up to date -- estate plan, last will and testament, beneficiary designations for insurance and retirement savings, and even funeral instructions. Advance planning will make things much easier for your family.

Unfortunately even fewer people keep up to date with their advance directives -- documents that communicate one's wishes about life sustaining measures and care during a serious or terminal accident or illness. Your qualified professional advisor can help you to prepare a living will and to designate persons who have the authority to access information or make decisions concerning your healthcare and finances. Be sure to keep these important documents up to date:

•  Living Will
  
  
•  Release for Medical Records and Information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  
  
•  Healthcare Power of Attorney
  
  
•  Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Matters

Your financial or legal advisor can help you with these decisions and have the correct documents prepared or reviewed by an attorney. We can make a referral to a qualified financial planner or attorney if you do not have one.

Contact us about our Life & Legacy Program.