What Is TrueWealth? A New Perspective on Estate Planning

When you think of estate planning, what comes to mind? For most people, it’s wills, trusts, and financial decisions aimed at securing loved ones’ futures. But there’s more to leaving a legacy than dividing up assets. At Hammond Law Group, we believe that TrueWealth goes beyond money—it’s about preserving and passing on what truly matters: your wisdom, values, and love.

The True Meaning of Wealth

The word “wealth” originally meant “well-being.” While financial security is part of that, it’s not the whole picture. What truly sustains and enriches families is the connection created by shared stories, values, and guidance.

Studies show that 90% of family wealth is lost by the third generation. But what lingers—what family members truly cherish—are the intangible gifts: the life lessons, traditions, and memories that tie one generation to the next.

This is the essence of TrueWealth. It’s the wisdom you’ve gained from life’s challenges, the values that guided your decisions, and the stories that shaped who you are. These are the gifts that provide lasting support to your loved ones.

The Problem with Traditional Estate Planning

Estate planning often focuses solely on financial assets. Wills and trusts are essential tools, but they don’t address what your loved ones will treasure most when you’re gone: the pieces of you that can’t be written into legal documents.

Imagine inheriting a check versus receiving a heartfelt letter from a parent, filled with their hopes for you, their love, and the lessons they learned over a lifetime. Which would mean more to you? While financial inheritance can provide security, emotional inheritance—your TrueWealth—is what nurtures resilience, connection, and purpose.

Why TrueWealth Matters

Leaving behind your TrueWealth can have a profound impact on your family:

• Strengthening Connections: Sharing your stories and values helps loved ones understand their own identities and strengthens their sense of belonging.
• Guiding Future Generations: Your wisdom becomes a lantern during their darkest times, offering guidance and comfort when they need it most.
• Preserving Family History: Passing down stories, traditions, and lessons helps create a sense of continuity, connecting generations past, present, and future.

Psychologists like Carl Jung and Robert Jay Lifton emphasize the importance of this intergenerational connection. Feeling part of a larger family story provides a sense of belonging and helps us navigate life’s challenges with hope and resilience.

How to Cultivate and Pass On Your TrueWealth

Cultivating your TrueWealth is a reflective and fulfilling process. Start by asking yourself:

1. What stories from my life could teach or inspire my loved ones?
   Think about moments when you overcame challenges, made pivotal decisions, or found joy in unexpected places.
2. What values have guided me?
   Identify the principles that have shaped your life—whether it’s kindness, perseverance, or a commitment to family—and how you’ve lived by them.
3. What do I want my loved ones to remember about me?
   Consider the messages of love and encouragement you’d want them to carry through life’s ups and downs.

Once you’ve reflected on these questions, think about how to preserve and share your insights. You might write letters to your children or grandchildren, create audio or video recordings, or compile a “Book of Wisdom” filled with life lessons and stories.

TrueWealth Is for Everyone

Whether you’re a parent, an aunt, a mentor, or a friend, you have the power to make a lasting impact. TrueWealth isn’t just for those with children; it’s for anyone who wants to leave a meaningful legacy. Even a simple act, like writing a letter or sharing a cherished family story, can create a ripple effect of connection and understanding.

Start Building Your TrueWealth Today

Estate planning is about more than transferring assets; it’s about taking care of the people you love in every way possible. By focusing on your TrueWealth, you can leave a legacy that supports your family emotionally, spiritually, and financially.

At Hammond Law Group, we’re here to help you think differently about estate planning. Start today by reflecting on your life’s wisdom and the values you want to pass on. What you leave behind can become the foundation for your family’s well-being and connection for generations to come.

If you’re ready to explore how TrueWealth fits into your estate plan, contact us to learn more. Together, let’s ensure your legacy reflects the fullness of your life.