Transferring Wealth: Are you Mentally Prepared?
Transferring wealth is a multifaceted process that entails navigating intricate legal, financial, and emotional considerations, and hence demands thorough and meticulous planning. Planned giving, in particular, is a significant decision that has far-reaching financial and emotional implications. Therefore, it is crucial to approach planned giving with careful consideration and attention to detail.
To ensure that your planned gift aligns with your retirement goals, we advise that you first determine the amount necessary for your financial security during retirement before proceeding with the development of your planned gift. Here are some suggestions for mentally preparing to transfer wealth:
Clarify your motivation:
Why do you want to transfer wealth? Is it to support a specific cause or charity, to make a positive impact on the world, or to create a legacy for yourself? Clarifying your motivation can help you stay focused on your goals and avoid second-guessing your decision.
Consider asking yourself these questions to help you narrow your motivation and help manage your emotions:
If you were financially secure and had enough money to support your ideal lifestyle, how would you spend your time? What activities and pursuits would you engage in? Which projects would you undertake?
If you were in the last years of your life and reflecting back, what would you consider to be the most significant things in your life? Which achievements brought you the greatest satisfaction? What, if anything, would you have done differently?
If you had only one day to live, what would be your greatest regrets? What would you have done differently?
Create a giving plan:
Once you have a clear idea of your motivation, you can create a giving plan that outlines how you will distribute your planned gift. This can include identifying the charities or causes you want to support, setting giving goals, and establishing a timeline for giving.
Seek expert advice:
Giving away a large sum of money can be complicated, so it's important to seek expert advice from financial advisors, accountants, or philanthropy experts. They can help you navigate the legal and financial considerations of giving and ensure that your gifts have the maximum impact.
Manage your emotions:
Giving away a large sum of money can be emotionally challenging, and it's important to manage your emotions throughout the process. This may involve setting boundaries with recipients, taking time to reflect on your giving decisions, or seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist.
Celebrate your impact:
Giving can have a significant impact on the world, and it's important to celebrate your accomplishments and the positive change you have created. By focusing on the impact of your giving, you can find motivation and satisfaction in your generosity.
Overall, transferring wealth is a complex process that requires careful planning and consideration. By seeking professional advice and being open to revising your plan, you can ensure that your wealth transfer achieves your goals and provides for your loved ones and the causes you care about.
If you are interested in learning more about how GW Financial, Inc. can help you transfer wealth strategically, click here to schedule a Getting Acquainted Call today.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by GW Financial, Inc. to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2023 GW Financial, Inc.