Intentional Inheritance

An important starting point in inheritance planning is introspection: What role does wealth play in our lives? This question encourages us to view our financial resources not as ends in themselves, but as means to help us pursue God’s purposes in and through us. It’s a question worth coming back to often, as our financial resources can sometimes un­healthily intertwine with our sense of identity and security—a central place where only Christ should reign.

Having a healthy stewardship perspective towards our re­sources is where true financial freedom and blessing lie. This is true for us and for those who will inherit from us. In Christ, our resources do not play the hero or villain in our life story; they are only the fuel in the engine to power us along our life journey. If our primary intent in leaving an inheritance is to provide lifelong security or a lifestyle-based identity for our children, we risk laying a faulty foundation that will hinder their growth and spiritual maturity.

Planning an inheritance requires in­tentionality and prayerful reflection. Each heir is created by God with unique strengths and challenges. Intentional inheritance design starts with asking: How can this inheri­tance support God’s ongoing work in their lives? Instead of focusing solely on equal distribution, aim for a purposeful allocation that supports your loved ones’ pursuit of their God-given potential.

Intentional inheritances not only look to the tax-efficient transition of financial resources, they also carefully consider the impact for which these resources are being entrusted. Over the years, I have found it helpful for families to think in terms of three types of inheri­tances we can leave our loved ones, and then to structure our wills and trusts around these purposes:

• Inheritance to Spend: Resources to provide the training, experiences, and pos­sessions helpful for our heirs to launch into and live productive and content lives.
• Inheritance to Shape: Funds allocated to fuel opportu­nities and experiences that build character and reinforce family values, such as mission trips, family retreats, or community service projects.
• Inheritance to Share: Portions set aside for charitable endeavors, encouraging heirs to give generously and actively help others in need.   Expanding the idea of leaving an impact-driven in­heritance beyond what an heir individually receives for his or her own use, provides the framework to leave a more holistic, others-centric stewardship legacy. With this approach, you can craft inheri­tances that not only meet your loved ones’ financial needs, but also foster spiritual growth, family culture, and an ongoing commitment to use family resources to bless and serve others.

To help you craft your generational legacy, con­sider the following actions:  

• Engage in Open Dialogue: Initiate conver­sations with family members about family values and the desired purposes for stewarding shared family resources.
• Collaborate with Faith-Informed Advisors: Seek guidance from financial and legal professionals who empower your faith perspective, ensuring your estate plan aligns with your Christian worldview.
• Educate and Prepare Heirs: Provide your beneficiaries with financial literacy education and opportunities to participate in activities that live out family values and serve others.
• Utilize Strategic Giving Vehicles: Explore options such as donor-advised funds or charitable trusts that facilitate ongoing generosity and reflect your commitment to generous living and giving.   By embracing these steps, you can create a legacy that honors God, empowers your heirs, and contributes meaningfully to the good you hope will happen in the world through the wise stewardship of your family resources. In doing so, you transform your financial resources into a tes­tament of faith and a catalyst for lasting blessings for generations to come.