It is so difficult — but so rewarding — to know that you are leaving your family and your favorite charities in a much-improved financial situation, sometimes when you are alive, but often in death.
Whether it be more financial stability for your spouse or heirs, or a building for a hospital, or money to keep your church or synagogue doing well, or something else, you have the incredible ability to make a difference.
We can help you develop a personal financial plan, financial goals, and charitable-giving-legacy goals for success.
Here are 10 ways you can change the lives of people and charities you care about. Here are 10 great ideas I have borrowed from Lidiya Kesarovska.
1. Contribute beyond yourself.
Find and take part in activities connected with making the world a better place to live in. The point is to make your life for something more than yourself. This way your actions will speak for you even when you are gone.
2. Create.
If you are the person who loves finding the special niche where you can make the greatest impact, then find an outlet that meets your needs.
3. Be a role model.
A great way to leave a legacy is to be a good role model for everyone around you. Not only for your kids, but also friends, acquaintances and even people you have recently met. Behave as you think everyone should, be good, do great things with your own life and teach others to do it too, grow spiritually, and set an example for the next generations.
4. Raise your children well.
Often the only legacy people leave is their children. But if you didn’t make them honorable people who are willing to help others and have morals, you haven’t done your job well.
So do your best to teach them everything they need to know to become the next successful leaders.
5. Love.
Loving every human being and showing it will create a peaceful world.
Express your love on a daily basis to your family and friends and treat with love even strangers or those who aren’t good to you.
By doing this you make them believe they are worth it, you remind them we’re all humans and together in good and bad times. And soon they will also share this newly found feeling with others.
6. Give.
That is the ultimate law of the universe and another one of the best ways on how to leave a legacy. No matter what the situation is or the person in front of you, be ready to give him what you have, to share what’s given to you and go beyond your egoistic nature.
You may give things, money (donate), advice, help, time, effort and whatever it is that you can. Do not expect anything in return. Just give and when you least expect it, you will receive twice as much.
7. Do good.
Good deeds are always remembered. Let yours show other people that we can all do something nice today and make someone happy.
Smile to strangers, help when you can, make compromises, be kind to everyone. Things like that can change someone’s day without you even realizing it.
Kindness is the universal language that can make everyone smile and forget their problems for a while.
8. Inspire.
If you’ve found your passion, have what you want, achieved some of your goals and are contented and happy, don’t forget to stop every now and then and share your secrets with others.
Today people need to be reminded of their potential and all the possibilities around them more than ever.
So share with them your steps and what you did to get where you are, give advice, motivate, make them believe in themselves and find a direction.
This way you’ll be remembered as the inspiring person who probably helped at least a few people do something about their life.
9. Volunteer.
This is beneficial to your mental health, society, the community and the world in general. There are tens of ways to do it. Just do what you’re good at, but do it for others and don’t charge.
Search for organizations that help an area you’re interested in and join it. Give your time, skills and energy and help old people, the environment, animals, orphans, the poor, the disabled, etc.
You’ll feel amazing after doing it for some time. It’s proven that it affects your confidence, physical health, happiness, social skills, lowers depression and you meet new amazing people.
Even if you want to do it from home, there are multiple options. Just find what works best for you and contribute.
10. Make a family history.
Research your ancestors and make a family tree. Include photos. Write a book about that if you want. And don’t forget your Will or Trust.
Put your history into words – journal, autobiography, memoir. There are many ways to help your family be remembered.
I look forward to connecting with you when you’re ready to work toward your estate planning goals.
Please call or email me anytime.
All my best,
Elliot Kallen
925-314-8503
elliot@prosperityfg.com