Earlier this month, my wife, Megan, and I dropped our oldest daughter off at college. As you might expect, we were filled with emotions—pride, sadness, nervousness but also excitement for all she’s about to experience.
However, it also caused us to reflect on how we had prepared her for this important chapter. Have we done enough to instill in our girls the work ethic and responsibility that will foster their success? Have we cultivated core values that will shape their character and relationships? Have we taught them the financial foundations that yield wise stewardship? Preparing the next generation of stewards doesn’t begin when they receive an inheritance; it starts decades before when you can still guide them in how to live and give well.
This month, our firm is focusing on the theme of estate planning, and I’m reminded that outlining a plan to transfer your wealth isn’t simply about financial resources. It’s also an opportunity to reinforce what matters most. Your estate plan is your values in action. If you hope to pass on gratitude, generosity, contentment and character, make sure your estate documents reflect that.