Why Passing Down Wisdom Is Just as Important as Wealth?
We’re diving into an essential—but often overlooked—part of estate planning: protecting and passing on your intangible legacy.
When most people think about estate planning, they focus on tangible assets: bank accounts, life insurance policies, real estate, and other forms of property. At Spalding Law, we certainly help New Yorkers protect and transfer those assets to their loved ones efficiently and in accordance with state law. But today, we want to talk about something just as important—maybe even more important.
We’re talking about your values, beliefs, and life lessons. These are the intangibles—the wisdom you’ve gathered through life experience that your family will treasure long after you’re gone.
What Are “Intangibles” in Estate Planning?
Intangibles include:
- Your personal values and principles
- Family traditions or cultural teachings
- Life stories and lessons learned
- Messages of love, encouragement, and guidance
Passing on money and property is important, of course. But ask yourself—how much more impactful would it be for your children and future generations to also receive your voice, your stories, and your moral compass?
How We Help Families in New York Preserve More Than Just Wealth
Unlike cookie-cutter estate planning services or online templates that offer basic wills for $500, we take a holistic approach to planning. At Spalding Law, our estate planning process includes tools that help you preserve your full legacy—not just your assets.
We offer clients the opportunity to record audio or video messages—like this one—where you can share your memories, values, and advice. We’ll guide you with thoughtful prompts, or you can craft your own messages.
This is more than just a “nice to have.” Imagine your children being able to hear your voice or watch a video of you explaining the principles that guided your life. The emotional and psychological value of that is priceless.
Why This Matters—Especially in New York
New York estate laws can be complex, and proper planning is essential for avoiding unnecessary probate delays and ensuring your wishes are honored. But just as important is making sure that who you are is remembered—not just what you had.
We often tell clients: Now is better than later—and later is better than never. This part of the planning process is something you could do on your own, but the truth is, most people don’t. We’re here to help make sure you do.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re just beginning your estate planning journey or need to update an existing plan, we’re here to help. Schedule a Family Protection and Estate Planning Session with our office today. We’ll help you organize your financial life and build a plan that protects your family and honors your legacy—tangible and intangible.
Visit our website or call now to book your consultation. Let’s ensure your legacy in New York lives on, in every way that matters.