What Will Be Your Legacy?
Do you know your great-grandparents’ name?
According to a survey by Ancestry.com, half of Americans know the name of only one or none of their great-grandparents. But perhaps more importantly, do you know anything about them?
In the financial planning process, financial advisors often ask about leaving a legacy—usually in the context of how much money you want to pass on to the next generation. But have you ever been asked about leaving a legacy that goes beyond assets?
While legacy is frequently associated with money, there is so much more to it. Famed investor Warren Buffett once said, “Your legacy should be about giving people a better life, not just giving them money.” I’d take it a step further: feed future generations what they truly hunger for—knowledge about who you are.
That same Ancestry.com survey found that 83% of 18- to 34-year-olds are interested in learning their family history. But it’s not just names, dates, and places they’re after—they want to know you!
How Can You Leave a Legacy?
Creating an estate plan with your financial advisor, estate lawyer, and CPA is a smart step toward ensuring your assets are distributed efficiently. But have you considered writing an autobiography?
This idea came to me during a Rotary International lunch in Cuero, Texas, where Rocky Arrell gave a presentation. He spoke about starting his own autobiography—not because he’s famous, but because he loves his family. He wants future generations to know him and his life experiences.
You might think, “My life isn’t exciting enough to write about.” But your descendants, living in a vastly different world in 2124, will likely disagree.
Take my family as an example. My father was born near London, England, and my mother in Eunice, Louisiana. I met both of my grandmothers. My paternal grandmother lived through the Nazi air raids on London and told stories I’ll never forget—stories of resilience and her British “stiff upper lip.” My maternal grandmother, a Creole French speaker from rural Louisiana, shared memories of her Catholic faith, struggles, and love for family.
If I don’t pass these stories on to my children, they will be lost in a generation. So, how can you preserve your family history?
Write Your Autobiography
I know the idea sounds daunting, but it’s easier than you might think. You don’t need a major publisher or a leather-bound book. You just need a pen and paper, or your computer. Take some time each day, turn off the TV, and start writing.
If writing feels too overwhelming, consider recording a video of yourself talking about your life. Video can convey more than words—your body language, tone, and energy will come through in ways that writing may not. But both forms have their advantages: an autobiography allows you to be specific, while a video brings your stories to life.
What Should You Include?
Begin with your earliest childhood memories, then move on to family, school, friends, first jobs, love—anything you would have wanted to know about your ancestors. The world has changed drastically in the last century and will continue to change. But the love of family and the bonds of friendship remain timeless.
If writing or recording chronologically feels too rigid, start with your favorite memories instead. Include your views on life, how they’ve changed over time, and capture your thoughts on current events. Imagine having an ancestor’s written account or video recording of their experiences during the Great Depression or their reflections while stationed in Europe during World War II. How valuable would that be to you now?
Think of your autobiography as a time capsule, but better—a time capsule with context, offering insight into your family’s history, not just artifacts.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Every man is a quotation from all his ancestors.” In other words, we are shaped by those who came before us. Now is your chance to provide future generations with the context of their identity, beliefs, values, and behaviors.