5 Things You Didn’t Know About Ethical Wills

While you’re likely familiar with the concept of a Last Will & Testament for handling one’s affairs after passing, there’s a lesser-known, yet equally impactful counterpart that doesn’t deal with material assets. Enter the world of ethical wills – a concept that may not be in your current life playbook, but one that presents an extraordinary avenue to impart your values, beliefs, and hopes to the future.

This isn’t about the tangible wealth you might amass. Instead, Ethical Wills help you pass on the intangible riches of your life experiences, wisdom, and hopes.

Here are 5 things about ethical wills that might just surprise you.

1. Values Over Valuables: The Heart of Ethical Wills

Forget about money, cars, or houses; ethical wills aren’t about leaving your stuff to someone else. They’re about sharing what’s truly important: your values, beliefs, life lessons, and hopes for the future. Think of it as a way to pass on the essence of who you are, not what you have.

2. You Can Get Creative With It

There’s no rule book saying an ethical will has to be a written document. If writing isn’t your thing, you could make a video, record a podcast, or even create a piece of art. It’s your chance to express your deepest thoughts and feelings in a way that feels right to you. So, whether you’re a poet, a YouTuber, or an aspiring artist, there’s a place for your unique voice in creating an ethical will.

3. It’s Like Time Travel for Your Values

Imagine being able to share a piece of advice with your future kids or even grandkids long before they’re born. An ethical will allows you to do just that. It’s a way to let future generations know what mattered to you, the challenges you overcame, and what you hope they’ll aspire to. Pretty cool, right?

4. Great for Reflection and Closure

Life’s a journey with its ups and downs. Writing an ethical will can be a powerful way to reflect on what you’ve learned so far. It’s not just for people who have lived a long life; anyone, at any age, can benefit from taking stock of their experiences and sharing their wisdom. Plus, it can be incredibly therapeutic to express gratitude, forgiveness, and love, perhaps in ways you’ve never done before.

5. Anyone Can Do It

You might think this sounds like something only older, wealthy people would do, but you’d be surprised. Ethical wills are for everyone, regardless of age or the size of your bank account. It’s about the impact of your words and the values you want to pass on, not your net worth.

BONUS: Creating Your Ethical Will

So, how do you start creating an ethical will? Begin with some self-reflection. What lessons have been most important in your life? What values do you want to share? What wishes do you have for your loved ones? You don’t have to do it all in one go. Your ethical will can evolve just like you do.

If you’re intrigued by the concept and eager to learn more, our free guide “Introduction to Ethical Wills” is a fantastic resource to help you create your Ethical Will today.