(Hint: It's Not About Money)
Taking a break to think about and document what’s important to you—and why it’s important—can help you connect more deeply with the people and places you hold dear.
However, few people take the time.
Did you know that top philanthropists insist on documenting personal values during their estate planning meetings? Similarly, many financial planners have added this step to their wealth management efforts, asking their clients to reflect on what they love most. It’s an important moment to stop and consider your full goals for your assets—how they can protect you, your loved ones and your loved causes.
Ultimately, documenting your values is a rewarding exercise that allows you to tie your hard work to the ways you hope to improve the world.
It’s time to be the author of your life story. Here are some ideas for how you can forge more meaningful connections and pass along your generous spirit.
To start, answer these questions:
Tell your story by keeping a running document of the organizations that have helped you or that you’ve helped. Share specifics about when you were charitable: Account for which organization(s) you gave to, why you gave to that nonprofit, how it made you feel and how that nonprofit’s mission fits into your overall value system.
Your will is your legacy. It dictates how you will be remembered and can be created to reflect your values. That’s why, no matter your age or wealth, you should take time to consider this important document.
For example, there’s an easy way for you to continue supporting our work without giving anything today: by including a gift to Rady Children's Hospital Foundation in your will. To learn more about ways a gift in your estate plan can make an impact, contact Elise Webster at 858-966-7537 or ewebster@rchsd.org.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.