Articles of Interest

People Matter More Than Money
The True Essence of Estate and Legacy Planning

by Jeff Cory, CFP, ChFC,
Executive Director

I believe that individuals are designed with the innate desire to make a difference, leave their mark, and live a purposeful life that extends well beyond themselves.

During our lifetimes we accomplish this by investing our lives in other people: raising a family, volunteer work, a career or vocation, church, serving our country, and giving to worthy civic and charitable organizations.

As we approach the estate and legacy planning process, something I often refer to as planning for the "crowning achievement of one's lifetime," we bring together the culmination of our life experiences, values, faith, relationships, and resources into a unique master plan to leave our mark on family and society for generations to come. When handled with purpose, thoughtfulness, and a sense of responsibility, the process is exciting, dynamic, and very often inspirational. All too often in today's world, we are bombarded with the latest financially-related estate and tax planning strategies from professional advisors, speakers on the seminar circuit, financial publications, and 24-hour financial news networks. In contrast, I believe that estate planning is about much more than legal techniques, tax avoidance strategies, and money... much more. It's about people.

George Bernard Shaw told us that some men see things and ask why, and others dream things that never were and ask why not. The estate planning process is very much an act of self discovery, a journey on the path to reconcile our past with the present, while indelibly changing the world for those who follow in our footsteps forever. Our lasting legacy shares with the world how we intend to be remembered. It's a celebration of our life, our passions and convictions, and our belief in a better and brighter tomorrow. It's fulfilled in a grandchild's college education, the cure for a chronic disease, food for the poor, encouragement for the unfortunate and hurting, a helping hand to those trying to make the world a better place to live. The possibilities are endless, limited only by the size and scope of one¹s dreams.

If it's time for you to review your current estate and wealth planning documents, or you'd like to learn more about making the most of your estate plan, contact The Legacy Foundation at Shell Point at 466-8484 to schedule an appointment (there's never a cost or obligation). Whether your estate is simple or complex, whether your plans include philanthropy or not, our caring staff will provide you with professional expertise, services, and personal attention designed especially for Shell Point residents.