THE CHALLENGE

Jim and Linda, loving grandparents with three young grandchildren, wanted their legacy to extend beyond financial inheritance.  They asked their advisor a heartfelt question:

“Is there a way our grandkids could still receive gifts from us for birthdays and holidays, even after we are gone?”

Their goal was simply to make sure their presence, values, and love were still felt at every milestone, not just to be remembered as names on a trust document.

THE STRATEGY

Working alongside their estate planning attorney and advisory team, Jim and Linda established a Legacy Trust - a flexible, multi-generational structure designed to provide ongoing benefits to their grandchildren.

They worked with their insurance professional to fund the trust with a permanent life insurance policy, ensuring tax-efficient and predictable funding. The trust was drafted with language that allowed the trustee to make annual and event-based distributions for birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings, first homes, or other special achievements.

Through a “Letter of Wishes,” they guided the trustee to send each gift with a personalized note - continuing to celebrate life’s moments even after they were gone.

THE OUTCOME

When Jim and Linda passed, the trust began its work.  Each grandchild received thoughtful annual gifts and milestone recognition - all in their grandparents’ names.



This plan turned a financial strategy into a living legacy, ensuring that family traditions, love, and generosity endured for generations. What began as a question about “how to keep giving” became an inspiring example of estate planning with heart.