Passing Down More Than Money: Letters & Legacy Planning
When people think of estate planning, they usually picture wills, trusts, and dividing up their assets. But your legacy isn’t just about what you leave behind—it’s also about what you leave within the people you love.
During Make-a-Will Month, we’ve talked about the legal tools that help protect your assets. Now, let’s talk about the tools that help protect your wisdom, memories, and values—the intangibles that define who you are and how you want to be remembered.
What Is a Legacy Letter or Ethical Will?
A legacy letter (also called an ethical will) is a non-legal document that shares your:
- Life lessons
- Family history
- Personal beliefs
- Stories or memories
- Messages of love, guidance, and hope
It’s not about dividing up money or property. Instead, it’s your chance to express what mattered most to you—and to pass that on in your own words.
Unlike a legal will, this letter doesn’t need a lawyer, notarization, or witnesses. But it may be the most valuable gift you leave.
Why This Matters in Retirement
As you shift from accumulation to legacy, your focus naturally turns to:
- Meaning
- Purpose
- Connection
A legacy letter gives you a platform to reflect and communicate those deeper intentions. For many retirees, this is also a healing and clarifying experience—especially when planning their estate.
You can also pair your legacy letter with your will or trust as a heartfelt companion document for your family.
What to Include in Your Legacy Letter
There’s no single format, but here are a few meaningful elements to consider:
| Section | What You Might Share |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Your purpose for writing and who it’s for |
| Life Lessons | What you’ve learned through major life events |
| Family History | Stories, traditions, and genealogical notes |
| Gratitude | Thanks to those who impacted your life |
| Hopes for the Future | Wishes for children, grandchildren, or others |
| Values and Beliefs | Your moral compass, guiding faith, or worldview |
| Final Thoughts | A personal message, affirmation, or goodbye |
✍️ Tip: You can handwrite it, type it, record it as a video, or even create a multimedia “time capsule.”
Legacy Letter vs. Legal Will
| Purpose | Legacy Letter | Legal Will |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Not legally binding | Legally enforceable |
| Focus | Values, love, guidance | Asset distribution |
| Format | Flexible and personal | Must meet legal requirements |
| Impact | Emotional and spiritual | Financial and logistical |
Both have their place—and they work best together.
Real-Life Example: A Gift That Lived On
When Margaret passed away, her children found a sealed envelope tucked into her estate folder. Inside was a handwritten legacy letter.
She spoke about her childhood, her hopes for her grandkids, and why family traditions mattered to her. It included favorite recipes, stories about their father, and advice for staying resilient.
Though her legal will made distribution easy, it was her letter that brought tears—and lasting comfort.
Why This Is Especially Important in 2025
In today’s digital, fast-paced world, personal stories and handwritten wisdom are becoming rare. Legacy letters preserve your voice in a way that money never can.
They’re also incredibly helpful during times of grief, when families are searching for clarity, meaning, and connection.
🔐 Your family may forget what you owned, but they won’t forget what you said—or how you made them feel.
When to Create a Legacy Letter
There’s no “right time,” but here are some milestones that make sense:
- After writing or updating your will or trust
- Upon the birth of a grandchild
- After a major life event (retirement, illness, loss)
- During holiday seasons or family reunions
Remember, you can update your legacy letter anytime—just like your legal documents.
How to Store or Share It
You can:
- Keep a printed copy with your will or trust
- Email or mail it to loved ones
- Record a video and store it securely
- Use a secure digital vault or legacy planning tool
Make sure someone knows where to find it when the time comes.
💬 Ask Yourself: “If I could only say one thing to my family—what would it be?”
If you’ve never written it down, now is a perfect time.
Take the First Step
- Start small. Write just one paragraph to a loved one.
- Use prompts. What do you want them to remember about you?
- Pair it with your estate plan. Your voice adds meaning to your documents.
Leave More Than a Will—Leave a Legacy
During Make-a-Will Month, you’re doing the important work of protecting your assets and your family’s financial future.
But remember: your stories, wisdom, and values may be what they treasure most.
Write your legacy letter today—and pass on the things that matter forever.
🔜 Coming Up Next:
Our next article will explore how to organize your estate documents, titles, policies, and passwords—so your family isn’t left scrambling in a time of grief.
🧑💼 Written by Brent Meyer, founder of SafeMoney.com. With more than 20 years of hands-on experience in annuities and retirement planning, Brent is committed to helping Americans make informed, confident financial decisions.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or financial advice. Please consult a qualified estate planning professional for guidance tailored to your situation.
