Key Takeaways

• When a person passes away, you typically hear people saying the same two or three things about them, things that they will be remembered for.
• You might have a lot of money, or family, or possessions, but you only get to live once.
• If you haven’t started to build your legacy yet, the best time is now.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

Old Chinese proverb

You may have heard this ancient Chinese proverb before, but it reminds me of the idea of legacy.

After being in my business now for many years, one of the unfortunate parts of it is having to watch long-term clients pass away.

After a client of mine passes, I write a card with my condolences to the family. In the process of writing this card, I usually like to say a couple of things that really stuck out to me about that person. What’s always interesting to me, is that after I am done writing the card and I read it over, I typically find there are two or three things that I remember them by. What’s even more interesting, is that when I attend the funeral or wake, I hear people saying the same things about the person that I thought about them.

We have a chance in our lives to shape what it is people will remember us for. What are people going to say about you?

It’s usually one of the most important things to most of us when it comes to thinking about our lives, this question of what we will be remembered for. Many of us hope that it’s the things we find meaningful to us that people will remember us by.

You might have a lot of money, maybe a lot of family, perhaps just a lot in general, but you only get to live once. You only get to build your character and who you are as a person, once. Then, you die, fortunately, only once. In this process, a legacy is built, and it is who you are.

Like planting a tree, you can start now, or you could have started 20 years ago. But if you haven’t started yet, you still have the chance to build your own legacy, so get started!

Until next time, enjoy.

Gary

TransformingWealth™ , our proprietary approach, designed to get your arms around the big picture so you can make informed financial decisions. As part of our process, we use mind mapping – one of the most powerful tools available for bridging the communication gap between different generations. Mind mapping is visual and helps all parties gain a clear picture of all aspects of the financial equation. Ask Gary about mind mapping and Coyle’s TransformingWealth Preview Meeting, and schedule a complimentary consultation and start living the Good Life Managed Well™.

Gary Klaben is in our Glenview, IL office and serves our clients who are now located all over the country. He has over 30 years of experience and is the author of Changing the Conversation, Wealth of Everything and co-author of The Business Battlefield. Whether advising his clients, mentoring his team, or coaching entrepreneurs, he is always simplifying complexity and motivating others to take the next action that’s right for them.

www.coylefinancial.com
800-480-7913 | coyle@coylefinancial.com

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