September always feels like a month of reflection. The long days of summer wind down, children head back to school, and the air begins to carry a hint of fall. Change is everywhere, and with change often comes the reminder that life itself is cyclical.
As an estate planning and elder law attorney, September often prompts me to think about legacy – but not in the way many assume. Too often, “legacy” gets reduced to dollars, assets, or the size of an inheritance. While planning for financial legacy and for assets is certainly important, I’ve come to understand that legacy is so much more than money.
Legacy Is About Values
When an attorney at Schromen Law sits down with our clients, we often ask: What do you want your loved ones to remember about you? The answers rarely have to do with wealth. Instead, they center around values – kindness, resilience, generosity, authenticity. Passing on stories, traditions, and lessons learned can leave a deeper mark than any bank account ever could.
Legacy Is About Connection
The bonds we build during our lives carry forward long after we’re gone. A carefully written letter, a shared family recipe, or even a tradition of Sunday dinners can become part of the fabric of someone’s life. September, with its back-to-school energy and family routines, is a perfect reminder that relationships are often the heart of legacy.
Legacy Is About Purpose
For some, legacy means giving back—supporting causes that mattered to them, investing in their communities, or making a difference for the next generation. As summer shifts into fall, I often reflect on how each season of life gives us new chances to live with intention.
The Financial Piece Still Matters—But It Isn’t the Whole Story
Yes, estate planning includes wills, trusts, and protecting assets. But when done thoughtfully, it also makes space for meaning. It ensures that your loved ones aren’t left with confusion, conflict, or unnecessary burdens. In that sense, financial planning becomes a tool to preserve and honor the things that truly matter.
A September Invitation
This September, I invite you to think about your own legacy. Beyond money, what do you want to pass on? What values, connections, or traditions do you hope will carry forward?
When we broaden the definition of legacy, planning for the future feels less like a chore and more like a gift—one filled with love, intention, and purpose.
The material contained herein is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to create or constitute an attorney-client relationship between Schromen Law, LLC and the reader. The information contained herein is not offered as legal advice and should not be construed as legal advice.