When most people hear the word legacy, they think about inheritance, wills, or the final transfer of assets. But a legacy is much more than an estate plan — it’s the story your wealth tells about your life, its impact on other people, and the values you would like to see carried forward over time.

At Return on Life^® Wealth Partners, we believe that a meaningful legacy is not defined by a balance sheet; it’s defined by intention. It begins long before assets change hands and continues to evolve throughout your lifetime.

As you think about your long-term goals in 2026 and beyond, consider how your financial life today is shaping the story others will inherit tomorrow.

Legacy Starts Now — Not Later

A legacy isn’t something composed at the end of life — it’s built over time, through everyday choices.

Your financial decisions already communicate your values. They show what you prioritize, such as security, generosity, family, opportunity, education, or entrepreneurship. When people reflect on what they want their legacy to represent, a powerful question often emerges:

“If my children or grandchildren were to describe what matters most to me, what would they say?”

The answer to that question can influence how families approach financial planning. That’s because legacy planning becomes less about transferring wealth and more about expressing purpose.

Values: The Foundation of Every Meaningful Legacy

Every family grows up with its own unwritten rules about money — beliefs passed from one generation to the next. Some associate money with stability; others view it in terms of independence, responsibility, or stress.

When families intentionally identify and align their financial values, planning discussions may become more meaningful. Instead of asking, “What should we do with our money?” the conversation shifts to:

“What does our money stand for?”

Some families formalize these values into a mission statement; others simply engage in ongoing conversations. No matter what approach, clarifying family values can help create unity across generations and strengthen the foundation of your legacy. The following questions are provided to prompt reflection and discussion:

• What financial lessons shaped me growing up?
• What do I want future generations to understand about wealth?
• Which values do I hope my financial decisions reflect?

The Role of Communication in Sustaining Wealth

One of the greatest risks to any financial legacy is silence.

Some studies suggest that many families struggle to preserve wealth beyond the second or third generation, not because of investment mistakes, but because the next generation never learned the story behind the wealth or how to manage it responsibly.

Having open age-appropriate conversations about planning decisions, family values, and the purpose of wealth creates stewardship, not secrecy. These discussions don’t need to be formal or overwhelming. Start by sharing simple anecdotes, such as:

• How you saved for your first home
• The lesson behind your first investment
• A financial mistake that made a lasting impact

Remember, even small conversations can add up to greater understanding.

Balancing Family Inheritance and Charitable Giving

Many families struggle with how to support loved ones while also contributing to causes they care deeply about. But philanthropy and inheritance don’t have to compete — they can work together to shape a legacy that is both heartfelt and financially sound.

For example, some families explore tools such as donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, or family giving initiatives to help:

• Reinforce shared values
• Engage younger generations
• Produce a long-term impact
• May provide potential tax advantages, depending on individual circumstances

Some families even create annual “giving traditions” where everyone participates in deciding which organizations to support. These rituals can often unify families in ways that a traditional inheritance alone cannot.

Creating a Living Legacy — Something You Experience Today

A legacy doesn’t have to be something that begins only after you’re gone. Many of the most meaningful legacies are lived every day.

A living legacy might include:

• Funding educational opportunities for children or grandchildren
• Supporting entrepreneurship or vocational training
• Mentoring future leaders in your industry
• Creating family experiences that build connection and purpose

When individuals view their wealth as a tool for impact today — not just a future transfer — their legacies become dynamic and deeply personal.

Turning Intention into Family Tradition

Legacies endure when they are renewed, shared, and celebrated. Whether through yearly gatherings, storytelling, or charitable rituals, families can help support their legacies for generations by intentionally building traditions around their values.

Consider introducing:

• A Family Impact Journal recording yearly accomplishments, giving, and goals
• An annual legacy meeting to revisit values and discuss shared objectives
• Storytelling traditions that pass down wisdom, not just assets

These traditions help wealth become something that unites rather than divides.

Your Wealth Is Your Story — Make It One Worth Telling

Your legacy is more than the assets you leave behind — it’s the meaning behind them; the gratitude you express, the wisdom you share, and the values you live.

As you think about your financial goals for 2026 and beyond, ask yourself:

“Does my current plan reflect the story I want to tell?”

If you’re ready to continue the conversation around aligning wealth and purpose, we welcome the opportunity to discuss what matters most to you.

Call us at 440.740.0130 or visit ReturnOnLifeWealth.com to start the conversation.

Investment advisory services are offered through Planned Financial Services, LLC, dba Return on Life Wealth Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser.

The views expressed in this article are for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers should consult their own qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.

Information is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication but may not be complete or updated for subsequent changes in law or regulation. Any forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and are subject to risk and uncertainty. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

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