When we think about legacy planning, our minds often jump straight to wills, trusts, and who gets what. But here's a question worth pondering: What if the most valuable inheritance you could leave has nothing to do with money?
Beyond the Balance Sheet
An ethical will isn't a legal document—it's something far more personal. Think of it as a letter from your heart to the people who matter most. While your traditional will handles the distribution of assets, an ethical will shares what money can't buy: your values, your hard-won wisdom, the stories that shaped you, and the love that defines your relationships.
This isn't about what you own. It's about who you are.
Why Your Story Matters
We all have experiences that changed us, challenges that tested us, and moments of joy that defined us. These aren't just memories—they're the threads that weave together the fabric of who we've become. An ethical will preserves these threads for the people you love.
Think about the lessons you wish you'd learned earlier, the advice that actually made a difference, or the family stories that still make you laugh or cry. These are treasures that won't show up on any financial statement, but they're often what people cherish most after we're gone.
Starting Your Own Ethical Will
Creating an ethical will doesn't require legal expertise or perfect writing skills—just honesty and reflection. Here's where to begin:
Reflect on what shaped you. What three experiences most influenced who you are today? What challenges are you proudest of overcoming? These aren't just facts about your life; they're the foundation of your legacy.
Identify your guiding principles. What values steered your most important decisions? What beliefs got you through the hard times? These principles are compass points you can offer to those navigating their own journeys.
Express your love specifically. General statements of affection are nice, but specific memories and acknowledgments land differently. Tell each person exactly what they mean to you and why.
What to Include
Your ethical will might cover gratitude for the people in your life, the life lessons you learned the hard way (or the easy way), and the values you tried to live by—even when you fell short. Share family stories worth preserving, your hopes for each person's future, and if needed, your thinking behind certain decisions.
The beauty of this document is its flexibility. You might write a traditional letter, record video messages, create audio recordings, or even compile a scrapbook with photos and handwritten notes. Choose whatever format feels most like you.
Beyond the Funeral
Here's something many people don't consider: you don't have to wait until you're gone to share your ethical will. Some of the most meaningful moments happen when these thoughts are shared during significant life milestones—graduations, weddings, or simply when the time feels right.
Your ethical will can also evolve. Life brings new wisdom, and there's no reason you can't add to or update your thoughts over time.
The Gift That Keeps Giving
Creating an ethical will is an act of generosity that extends beyond your lifetime. It ensures that your prosperity—not just financial, but emotional and spiritual—continues to enrich your family for generations.
Your story matters. Your values matter. The love you've given and received matters. An ethical will makes sure none of that gets lost in the shuffle of estate planning logistics.
So grab your favorite beverage, find a quiet moment, and start writing. Your greatest legacy isn't waiting to be distributed—it's waiting to be shared.
Ready to create a complete legacy plan that honors both your financial and personal values? The Prosperity People can help. Contact us at 859-331-7755 or visit TheProsperityPeople.com.