Leaving a Legacy: A Lasting Gift to Loved Ones

Respondents say that those documents need to be updated throughout their lives as circumstances and preferences change (93%) and that having open conversations in advance about end of life can alleviate suffering for the dying and their families (91%). They also recognize the benefits of having affairs in order, most importantly to relieve the burd... See more

One of the biggest shifts in mindset around inheritance is that most Americans now favor the idea of “giving while living.” Two-thirds say they prefer to distribute part of their estate, 30% on average, while still alive (Figure 5) . That provides both a means of directing the distribution and the opportunity to see the inheritance benefiting the n... See more

“Those who love us plan for our beginning. Those we love need a plan for our ending.” —April Koontz, MSW, Founder, Daughters Unite

Passing away without affairs in order can not only leave disarray for family and heirs but also diminish one’s personal legacy. Our survey respondents see someone who dies without having affairs in order as irresponsible (52%), inconsiderate or ignorant (Figure 10) . Yet having affairs in order is still the exception, not the rule. Leaving a legacy... See more