- July 27, 2024
- By: Vladimir Charlemagne
- Aging with Grace
The pandemic served as a stark reminder of life’s impermanence, emphasizing the need for preparation not just for financial security, but also for the emotional well-being of our loved ones. My personal story underscores this point:
A few years ago, a close friend’s sudden illness made us realize how unprepared many of us are. He was diagnosed with colon cancer, and a few weeks later, he passed away. My friends and I were in shock and dismay. We scrambled to understand his wishes, and the emotional toll on his family during that difficult time was immense. It highlighted a truth many of us ignore: 32% of Americans have a will, and a staggering 60% of people without a will have not taken any action to create one.
As a technologist who is running the most popular online legacy platform, I have met hundreds of intelligent, kind, and knowledgeable estate attorneys, financial planners, and insurance agents. These professionals deal with these issues day in and day out and are happy to share their expertise, guiding us towards preparedness. However, during conversations with these professionals, I noticed a gap. They excel at the technical aspects of legacy planning, but the emotional side often gets overlooked. Legacy planning isn’t just about wealth transfer; it’s about a family’s well-being and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your wishes will be respected.
Walter Greer, President of G &G Insurance, often advises, “Don’t be a transactional Agent.” This is a call to all professionals to go beyond mere transactions and build deep, meaningful relationships with their clients. Additionally, he tells clients, “Don’t let leaving a big mess be your legacy.” That is why he shows them products that align with their legacy, ensuring their future is secured and their wishes are honored.
The Emotional Side of Legacy Planning
“Wealth is not about how much money you have. Wealth is about the impact you have on the lives of others.” – Renowned philanthropist Jean Paul Getty
Estate planning conversations should address not just assets, but also values, traditions, and wishes for future generations. EnduringWishes provides a secure digital vault to help families organize and store these precious memories and documents, making it easier for professionals to offer a comprehensive service.
Kendall Westbrook, CEO of Westbrook Financial Group, wisely said, “Who would you rather have: someone from an 1800 number or someone who knows you? You’re going to want someone who understands you and knows your family, knows your goals, purpose, and where you want to go. You want to create something long-lasting.” This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of what estate planners and insurance agents should strive for in their client relationships.
Enhance your practice by incorporating legacy planning with the help of EnduringWishes. Visit our website to learn more about how we can support you in providing a holistic approach to estate planning.
Enhancing Your Practice with EnduringWishes
By embracing both the technical and emotional aspects of legacy planning, you can build stronger, more meaningful relationships with your clients, ensuring their peace of mind and securing their legacies for generations to come.
Legacy planning isn’t just about wealth transfer; it’s about creating a lasting impact on future generations and ensuring your clients’ peace of mind. By incorporating these elements into your practice, you can build stronger client relationships, provide a more holistic service, and contribute to the emotional well-being of families. Consider utilizing tools like EnduringWishes to streamline the process and empower your clients to create a meaningful legacy.
