Legacy Leaders Network

Tips of the week!

Trivia Question❓

Where does the word “legacy” originally come from, and what did it first mean?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

How to Help Clients Define What ‘Legacy’ Means to Them

Legacy is a word that gets thrown around often, especially in financial and estate planning circles. But ask ten clients what it means, and you’ll likely get ten different answers. That’s because legacy is deeply personal. It goes beyond wills and wealth. It’s about impact, identity, and intention. If you want to be a true legacy advisor — not just someone who fills out forms or manages assets — your role is to help clients define what legacy really means to them.

Many people start the legacy planning process thinking only in terms of money. But money is just the vehicle — not the destination. Clients often haven’t taken the time to consider what values, stories, traditions, or causes they want to carry forward. That’s where your leadership makes all the difference. You can shift the conversation from “What do you want to leave?” to “Who do you want to become — and how do you want to be remembered?”

Start by asking open-ended questions. What lessons shaped your life? What do you want your grandchildren to know about you? What do you hope your business or community will remember you for? These conversations aren’t always easy, but they open the door to clarity. When clients articulate their vision of legacy, everything else — from the estate plan to the philanthropic goals — becomes much more meaningful and aligned.

This process isn’t just powerful for your clients. It’s transformative for your practice. When you help people explore their legacy on an emotional and philosophical level, you stop being a service provider and start being a trusted guide. You move from transactions to relationships — the kind that deepen trust, increase retention, and lead to more referrals.

Helping clients define their legacy also leads to more thoughtful planning. They become more intentional with their decisions — whether it’s naming a trustee, setting up a foundation, or writing a letter to their heirs. And when clients feel seen, heard, and understood in this way, they remember you. Not just as someone who helped them “get their affairs in order,” but as someone who helped them make sense of their life’s purpose.

Your job isn’t just to pass on wealth. It’s to help your clients pass on wisdom, love, and meaning. That’s what legacy truly is. And that’s the kind of work that lives on long after you’re gone.

Legacy Webinar - Inspiring Family Generosity

Stories connect us...and generosity defines us.

In this free one-hour session, estate planning expert Stan Miller will show you how to preserve your family’s stories to pass on values like generosity, connection, and purpose.

Register now to preserve the generosity that defines your legacy.

📋 Event Details:
Date: Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Time: 12PM–1PM Eastern
Location: Zoom (link provided after registration)

📣 Bonus: One lucky attendee will win a 3-night, 4-day stay at a 5-star resort...but you must attend live to be eligible!

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

From the Latin legatum, meaning “something appointed or entrusted,” not necessarily money.