Talking about the future can be difficult, but having conversations with your adult children about your legacy plans is important. Schedule a visit with your loved ones — whether one-on-one over coffee or all together at an official family meeting — and share your estate plans. While you’re together, be sure to answer these three questions:

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  Do you have an up-to-date will?

  
  

  About 60% of Americans don’t have an up-to-date estate plan and many that do haven’t shared it with their loved ones. Create or update your will and then have an open and honest dialogue with your family.

  
  


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  How have you designated your assets?

  
  

  Share the contents of your will and estate plan, explaining what you have planned and why. This will help your family understand your plans and motivations for giving. And having a will in place gives your loved ones the gift of not needing to handle estate plans while they are grieving or settle things through probate.

  
  


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  What do you want your legacy to be?

  
  

  Your life and example influences your family. They want to hear about the beliefs and values that have shaped your life. Make your time together a chance to talk about the things you value most and how you want those things to be part of your legacy.

  
  

Estate planning can be a simple and powerful way to communicate love and connect with your loved ones on a deeper level. Talking about the future can create more certainty and peace, and even inspire your family to get involved in the causes you’re passionate about.

Looking for More Real World Helps for Planning Your Legacy?

Our free e-book, The Real-World Guide to Gift Planning,” shares everything you need to know to support your family and the charities you care about most — both now and long into the future.

Inside you’ll find legacy planning ideas for every stage of your life. As you read, you’ll receive a step-by-step guide on how to create a legacy drawer, and hear from a donor like you who utilized Wycliffe Foundation’s services to make a difference.

Enter your email below to download the free e-book and get started.

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