Triple Win
We believe your legacy plan should strengthen three things:
1) your future security 2) your family's welfare 3) the ministries you love
This makes a triple-win arrangement. Why not aim for the ideal win for all three, rather than a plan where one objective wins at the expense of another.
Your future security
According to the 2009 Retirement Fitness Survey from Wells Fargo & Co., "the current rate of savings among U.S. pre-retirees is unlikely to fund the retirement lifestyles they expect." No one wants to be a burden to their family or dependent on government funds to provide their security. Yet, without good planning, your future security will be at others' expense.
The earlier you start planning for this, the easier it will be. First, prayerfully determine what level of lifestyle is right for retirement. Then, make plans with a trusted financial advisor to save and grow the nest egg you'll need.
Wise planning will yield a win for your future security, plus an over-and-above amount that you can put toward wins in the other two areas.
Your family's welfare
Taking care of your family is a critical matter of stewardship to God. I Timothy 5:8 goes so far as to say "If anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith . . ." (NIV). Yet, giving your heirs a financial inheritance before their character develops can be disastrous. How can you wisely transfer an appropriate amount of financial inheritance?
For a good treatment of this challenging topic, read this article by David Wills or order a copy of the book Splitting Heirs by Ron Blue.
Your win here minimizes any chance for conflict and misunderstanding after you are gone. Your family will feel cared for, but will also understand your heart for supporting the ministries you love.Our aim is to help you establish legacy arrangements that:
- Impart wisdom to your heirs now
- Leave behind a sense of peace and order for your family
- Provide well for your family's needs, both now and after you are gone
- Pass on a strong example of generosity and compassion for the poor
The ministries you love
Why should you make supporting God's Kingdom work a significant part of your legacy? I Timothy 6:18 calls us "to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share", and then goes on to declare that this is a means by which we can "take hold of the life that is truly life." (NIV)
Your sacrificial legacy giving can certainly bring transformation to the lives of the most vulnerable. It can also bring transformation to your life as well. Through giving, God brings the world of wealth and the world of poverty together for a truly transformative win. This win honors God, makes a difference in this broken world and can change you!
For more on this subject, listen to our FH Ministry podcasts.
