Let Me Tell You A Story
Early in our estate planning practice, I met a kind woman who had tragically lost her daughter. Her daughter was in her 20s, had her life ahead of her, and it was cut short by a drunk driver.
Several months after she died, a stranger called her mother and said she found something that she might like to have. This stranger had recorded a video of the daughter, having fun at work, smiling, and laughing, and offered it to the mother. Of course the mother said she would love it, and gratefully accepted.
The mother told us she had watched that video dozens, or even hundreds, of times. It was the memory she had of her daughter, happy and fulfilled, and she cherished that video.
The recording didn't show the daughter's hopes and dreams, the life lessons she had learned, or many of the fun stories she could tell. It was just her being happy.
But what if it had also included those things?
You Could Make a Recording, but Who Has Time?
When we were first in practice, we would tell our clients to record a message for their loved ones and put it in a safe place or simply write notes to their children letting them know how they felt about them. But so few people ever actually did it. We just get so caught up with the day to day of our lives that focusing in on leaving a legacy seems to take a back seat.
We realized we’d have to build this into our planning process and not make it just another thing you’ll get done someday. That’s why at Dunlap, Bennett & Ludwig we make it part of our planning for every client to help you capture and pass on more than just your money: your intellectual, spiritual and human assets, who you are and what’s important to you.
For more information about how we help you pass on your most valuable assets – your values, insights, stories and experience - to your loved ones, or about our resources for leaving your family with a true legacy, please contact us.
What Would It Be Worth?
Can you picture someone who’s passed away, someone you love and miss deeply? Can you recall a conversation you had with them? Can you remember the sound of their voice and what they told you? What if you could hear their voice again?
What if they could speak to you—heart to heart—and share their wisdom and advice? What would it be worth to you to hear their words one more time?
What is it worth to you to know that they’ll always know exactly how much you love them? It’s worth a lot to us and we are honored to be able to provide you and your family with this gift.