Leaving Behind a Legacy that Lasts

As you grow older especially when you are retired, you have more time to think about the future and what legacy you want to leave behind to your children and grandchildren. Of course you would want to make sure your family is taken care of when you’re not around anymore. Finances is already a given. Beyond material wealth, there are other valuable things that would make your legacy a lasting one. 

Words of Wisdom

Do you remember the 1994 movie, Forrest Gump? Tom Hanks played the lead character Forrest Gump and one of his most memorable lines was, “Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.”

How many times have you caught yourself saying, “My Dad said...” or “Mom told me...”? Just like Forrest Gump, we hold what our parents’ words in high esteem. You may not recognize your parents’ advice as golden nuggets of wisdom then but when you become a parent or grandparent yourself, you realize the truth of those words. Your wise counsel is one of the best things you can pass on to your children and grandchildren. At first they may not realize its value but once they do, your words of wisdom will become a legacy that your descendants will live by.

Financial Stability

Do you remember the hearing the heartbreaking news about four innocent lives that were lost during a police chase gone wrong? It’s news like this that remind us of our mortality, of the fact that any day could be our last. It is a reminder to never go to bed mad and to try to never say hurtful words you don’t mean because that last angry encounter with a friend or a loved one could be the last time you will ever see him or her.

Life is so unpredictable that you never know what tomorrow brings or when you will meet your end. That is why it’s important to prepare for all contingencies and this includes investing in insurance to provide for your family’s needs should you meet an early demise. Consult a term life insurance company and get quotes that will fit your budget. If you have children who are still in school, insurance will help pay off tuition and allow them to finish their studies. It will also help your family get back on their feet after they grieve over their loss. 

Education

One of the best things you can give to your children as parents is education and I don’t mean the academics part only. You can offer financial support while your son or daughter is in still in school. But you can also teach them lessons that will help them grow to become good and responsible adults. Learning is an integral part of life and no matter how much time passes by, you are never too old to learn something new. You are not only a parent but also a teacher who must help your children to better understand the world and people around them. You can help expose them to new venues for learning through travel and activities like community outreach. The valuable lessons you impart to your children will someday be passed on to their own children in the future.


About the Author Based in San Diego California, Tiffany Matthews is a professional writer with over 5 years of professional writing experience. She believes it is better to be prepared than sorry. Tiffany also blogs about travel, fashion, and anything under the sun at wordbaristas.com, a group blog that she shares with her good friends. In her free time, she likes to travel, read books, and watch movies. You can find her on Twitter as @TiffyCat87.