NAVIGATOR | How Do I Pass On My Values, Not Just My Assets?

A guide to legacy that preserves meaning, strengthens family bonds, and outlives money.

MEET ELLEN

Ellen had done what responsible people do. The trust was in place. Beneficiaries named. Assets accounted for. Everything was technically sound. And yet, something felt unfinished.

She had watched families fracture after inheritances — not because of greed, but because of silence. Money transferred cleanly, but meaning did not. Children inherited assets without understanding the values, sacrifices, and intentions behind them.

Ellen didn’t want her children to inherit confusion. She wanted them to inherit perspective. She wanted her voice to be present when she no longer could be. The real question wasn’t about estate mechanics. It was about continuity.

“How do I pass on who I am — not just what I own?”

WHAT THIS NAVIGATOR IS:

A human-centered guide to intentionally passing on values, stories, wisdom, and perspective alongside financial assets — so wealth becomes a tool for unity and growth, not division or entitlement.

This Navigator is about meaning first, money second.

A CHECKLIST: To Help You Ask Some Helpful Questions.

Values & Identity

☐ Have I clearly identified my core values?

☐ Do I know what mattered most to me in my decisions?

☐ Can I articulate how I defined a “good life”?

Stories & Wisdom

☐ Have I captured key life stories that shaped me?

☐ Have I shared failures as well as successes?

☐ Have I explained lessons learned the hard way?

Perspective on Money

☐ Have I explained what money meant to me?

☐ Have I clarified what money was for — and what it wasn’t?

☐ Have I explained why assets are structured this way?

Family Dynamics

☐ Do I understand the differences among my children?

☐ Have I considered how unequal outcomes might feel?

☐ Have I proactively reduced the risk of resentment?

Communication

☐ Have I explained my intentions in plain language?

☐ Have I invited dialogue rather than silence?

☐ Do my children feel safe asking questions?

Responsibility & Stewardship

☐ Have I emphasized responsibility over entitlement?

☐ Have I modeled stewardship in my own life?

☐ Have I prepared the next generation gradually?

Ethical Will

☐ Have I created an Ethical Will in my own voice?

☐ Does it explain my values, not instructions?

☐ Does it reassure my family more than direct them?

Continuity & Unity

☐ Have I clearly stated that relationships matter more than money?

☐ Have I expressed permission to live differently than I did?

☐ Have I reduced ambiguity that could create conflict?

Review & Alignment

☐ Is my legacy plan aligned with my estate plan?

☐ Would I be proud of what this leaves behind?

ACTION PLAN

1.Write a short values statement

2. Capture 5–10 meaningful life stories

3. Clarify the purpose of your wealth

4. Draft your Ethical Will (imperfect is fine)

5. Decide how and when to share it

6. Invite family dialogue without pressure

7. Align estate structure with values

8. Appoint stewards, not just executors

9. Review and refine periodically

WHAT TO DO NOW

Do This Today

•  Write down three values you hope endure long after you’re gone.

Do This This Month

• Draft the first version of your Ethical Will.

• Identify three stories worth preserving.

• Reflect on what you want your children to understand, not just receive.

Do This This Year

• Share your Ethical Will intentionally (or plan when it should be shared).

• Revisit legacy alignment as family dynamics evolve.

Schedule a Conversation | Meet with your Gentian advisor to ensure your legacy plan, estate plan, and values tell the same story — clearly, calmly, and humanely.

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gentian@raymondjames.com | 12740 N River Road, Mequon Wi 53092 | PH 262-518-7575 Opinions expressed in the attached article are those of the author/speaker and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Gentian Financial Inc is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.