What a legacy plan is and why you need one
A legacy plan is a written record of what matters to you — your values, your wishes for your money and possessions, and the story you want to leave behind. It goes beyond a will. While a will tells the court who gets your house and bank accounts, a legacy plan tells your family who you were, what you believed in, and how you want to be remembered.
Creating one now means your family will not have to guess. They will know whether you wanted donations made in your name, which charities mattered to you, how you wanted your funeral handled, and what information you would give them if you could. A legacy plan also reduces confusion and conflict among family members after you die, because your wishes are documented in your own words.
You do not need to be wealthy to have a legacy plan. It works just as well for someone leaving a modest estate, family recipes, or a collection of photographs. The point is to be intentional about what you pass on.
Key Takeaways
- A legacy plan includes your values, life story, and wishes for your possessions, and is separate from your will and other legal documents.
- You can write a legacy plan yourself in a notebook or document, or use a structured template to organize your thoughts.
- Share copies with your executor, your family members, and anyone else who will need to carry out your wishes.
- Review and update your legacy plan every few years, or whenever your values or circumstances change significantly.
- A legacy plan works alongside your will, power of attorney, and healthcare directives — it does not replace them.
The difference between a legacy plan and a will
A will is a legal document that tells a court how to distribute your money, property, and possessions after you die. It names an executor — the person who carries out your instructions — and it can name a guardian for minor children. A will is required to go through probate, a court process that can take months or years.
A legacy plan is not a legal document and does not go to court. It is a personal record that you create for your family. It can include your life story, your core values, letters to loved ones, instructions for your funeral, charitable giving wishes, and information for your children or grandchildren. Some people include recipes, family history, or the story behind heirlooms.
You need both. Your will handles the legal and financial side. Your legacy plan handles the personal and emotional side. Together, they give your family a complete picture of who you were and what you wanted.
What to include in your legacy plan
Start with the basics: your full name, date of birth, and the date you created the plan. Then choose what feels right for you. Here are common sections:
- Your life story. Write down key events, people who shaped you, places that mattered, and lessons you learned. This does not have to be long — even a few pages help your family understand your journey.
- Your values and beliefs. What did you stand for? What was important to you? What do you hope your family remembers about you?
- Funeral and burial wishes. Do you want a funeral, a memorial service, or neither? Cremation or burial? Any religious or cultural traditions you want honored? Where do you want your remains to go?
- Charitable giving. Are there organizations or causes you want remembered? Do you want donations made in your name?
- Letters to loved ones. Write letters to your children, grandchildren, spouse, or close friends. Tell them what they mean to you, or give them information for the future.
- Instructions for heirlooms. If you have items with sentimental value, explain their history and who you want to have them.
- Practical information. Where are your important documents? Who is your executor? What are your account numbers and passwords? (Store this securely, not in the legacy plan itself.)
- Your wishes for your digital life. What should happen to your email, social media accounts, photos, or online files?
You do not have to include everything. A legacy plan is personal — include only what matters to you.
How to write and organize your legacy plan
You have several options for creating your legacy plan. The simplest is to write it yourself in a notebook or word document. Start with whatever feels easiest — your life story, a letter to your family, or your values. You do not need to write it all at once. Many people add to it over time.
If you prefer structure, you can use a template. Search online for "legacy plan template" or "ethical will template" — these are free documents that prompt you with questions and sections. Some templates are straightforward (a few pages), and others are detailed (20 or more pages). Choose one that matches how much you want to write.
You can also work with a professional. An estate planning attorney can help you create a formal legacy document and make sure it coordinates with your will and other legal papers. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for this service; others charge by the hour. A life coach or legacy consultant can also help you organize your thoughts, though these services are not covered by insurance and cost varies widely.
Type or write clearly so your family can read it easily. If you handwrite it, consider typing it up afterward or having someone else transcribe it. Keep the original in a safe place — a safe deposit box, a fireproof safe at home, or with your executor.
Where to store your legacy plan and who should have a copy
Store the original in a place where it will be found and protected. Options include a safe deposit box at your bank, a fireproof safe in your home, or with your executor or attorney. Tell at least one trusted person where it is and how to access it.
Give copies to your executor, your spouse or partner (if you have one), and your adult children or the people you name in the plan. You can also give copies to your attorney, your financial advisor, or your healthcare proxy — whoever needs to know your wishes.
Do not post your legacy plan online or on social media. It contains personal information and may include financial details. Keep it private and share it only with people you trust.
If you store passwords or account numbers in your legacy plan, use a find method. Consider keeping a separate document in your safe deposit box or safe, and reference it in your legacy plan without listing the actual numbers. Your executor will need access to this information, but you do not want it lying around.
Updating your legacy plan over time
Your legacy plan is not a one-time project. Review it every few years, or sooner if your life changes significantly — a major illness, a move, a change in your family, a shift in your values, or a change in your finances.
When you update it, add the new date at the top so your family knows which version is current. You can cross out old sections and write new ones, or rewrite the whole thing. If you have already shared copies with your executor or family, let them know there is an updated version and where to find it.
If your will or other legal documents change, review your legacy plan to make sure they still align. For example, if you name a new executor in your will, make sure your legacy plan reflects that person's name.
How your legacy plan works with other end-of-life documents
Your legacy plan is one piece of your end-of-life planning. It works alongside these other documents:
| Document | What it does | How it relates to your legacy plan |
|---|---|---|
| Will | Tells a court how to distribute your money, property, and possessions; names an executor and guardian for minor children | Your legacy plan explains the "why" behind your wishes; your will handles the legal details |
| Power of Attorney | Names someone to make financial and legal decisions for you if you become unable to do so | Your legacy plan can include guidance for that person on your values and priorities |
| Healthcare Directive or Living Will | States your wishes for medical care if you are unable to communicate; names a healthcare proxy | Your legacy plan can explain your beliefs about end-of-life care and why you made those choices |
| HIPAA Authorization | Allows specific people to see your medical information | Your legacy plan does not contain medical information; this document is separate |
You do not need all of these documents, but most people benefit from having a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive. Your legacy plan complements them by adding your personal voice and values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to create a legacy plan?
No. You can write a legacy plan yourself in a notebook or document. A lawyer is helpful if you want to make sure your legacy plan coordinates with your will and other legal documents, or if you want help organizing your thoughts, but it is not required.
What if I change my mind about something in my legacy plan?
Update it. Cross out the old section, write the new one, and add the date. If you have already shared copies with your executor or family, let them know there is a new version. Your legacy plan can change as many times as you want.
Can I include instructions about my funeral in my legacy plan?
Yes. Many people include funeral wishes, burial or cremation preferences, religious or cultural traditions, and the location where they want their remains to go. You can also create a separate funeral planning document if you prefer to keep that information separate from the rest of your legacy plan.
What if I do not have much money or property to leave behind?
A legacy plan is not about money. It is about your values, your story, and what you want to be remembered for. You can leave behind letters, recipes, family history, information, or straightforward your wishes for how you want to be remembered. A legacy plan works for anyone.
Should I tell my family I am creating a legacy plan?
It is a good idea to let your family know you are creating one and where they can find it. You do not have to share the contents before you die, but knowing it exists and where it is stored prevents confusion later. Some families find it helpful to discuss the legacy plan together while the person is still living.