Legacy planning begins from within yourself, as you assess what family, friendships and other relationships are truly important to you. If estate planning is going to extend that part of yourself into the future—to create a legacy—it has to begin with assessing your principles and values. Legacy planning doesn't start with an eye on tax strategies or the things that we call tools. It starts within yourself and gives you the opportunity to decide how your story can continue most effectively from this day forward within your family, the organizations that are important to you, as well as the people outside your family who you want to benefit from your foresight.

While all of us spend time planning in our businesses, a good portion of our lives takes place almost by default. Your legacy plan not only mirrors the positive aspects of the life you have lived, it can help you live the remainder of your life more deliberately so that your story begins to take clearer focus for others.

You will leave your story imbedded within the stories of others around you, whether you plan to or not. Everyone does. Our stories are left behind like DNA on the lives of others. The question is: "How will your story touch their lives?" With good planning, you will also leave your story imbedded in positive ways in the lives of people you will never meet.

You see, everyone has an estate plan—either a plan by default or a plan by design. You can plan your estate with your family or throw it at them when your gone. Investors Trust will assist you with a value-based legacy plan that builds stronger relationships today, and you will enjoy that benefit while you are still living. You will strengthen intergenerational communication and trust and may even restore relationships that are damaged. Unfortunately, too many people choose to throw the plan at their family, using their wealth as a means to control the futures of their family members.

• Wealth Preservation Planning

• Charitable Trusts

• Dynasty Trusts

• Family Dynamics