What Is Legacy Planning? 5 Practical Steps to Leave a Meaningful Legacy

Aug 17

The first year my husband and I were married, I tried to plan a sweet post-Thanksgiving getaway. Keyword: tried. I had the brilliant idea to book a hotel to experience this charming little town of Helen, Georgia. That was pretty much the full extent of my “planning”.

I didn’t check if it was a good time to visit. I didn’t look at food options. I didn’t map out things to do.

What did we get?

A ridiculously packed tourist town
An hour of traffic just to drive a few miles
A questionable motel room
Snacks from the convenience store for dinner
A whole lot of disappointment

Turns out, the weekend after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times to visit Helen. Who knew? (Spoiler: I would’ve known if I had planned ahead).

But I learned something important that weekend: when you don’t plan, you don’t get the experience you hoped for. And the people with you end up paying for it too.

What Is Legacy Planning and Why Does It Matter?

Now, a disappointing weekend trip is one thing. You can make the best of it and learn from it. But that same principle of failing to plan applies to something far more important: legacy planning.

We often avoid estate planning because it feels morbid or sounds complicated. Or maybe we don’t think we have “enough” assets for it to matter.

But here’s the truth: everyone has a legacy. Whether you have a little or a lot, planning ahead ensures your wishes, values, and relationships are protected.

Just like I had the power to shape our trip (and didn’t), you have the power to shape what happens after you’re gone. If you don’t plan, someone else will have to during a time of grief, confusion, and maybe legal stress.

What Should Be Included in a Legacy Plan?

Legacy Planning is about more than just documents and dividing your stuff.

It’s about:

Who makes decisions if you’re unable to
How your kids are cared for
What values and priorities you want passed down
Minimizing burden for those you love

The intentionality behind legacy planning is more than handling the legal paperwork; it is also about leaving a lasting impact of intentionality.

What Does the Bible Teach Us About Leaving a Legacy?

Abraham’s story starts with God making a covenant with him, a promise for him and his descendants. God calls Abraham to leave everything behind and go to a land He will show him. Abraham obeys, trusting in God’s promise. This faith becomes the cornerstone of Israel’s identity.

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will cruse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:2-3.

His legacy wasn’t just in material wealth, but in his obedience and faith in God. This is an important takeaway for legacy planning: our faith and values often outlive us and shape the future.

Abraham’s son Isaac was a blessing and promised provision. However, when God asked him to sacrifice his son, Abraham follows in obedience. The level of faith that would take is incomprehensible. Abraham didn’t know how it would all turn out, but he believed that God would keep His promises. When God stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, He provided a ram as a substitute. This was a powerful moment of faith, showing that trusting God with your legacy means trusting His provision.

“Abraham replied, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ And the two of them went on together.” Genesis 22:8.

Abraham’s faith wasn’t just for his own life; it had a ripple effect, impacting his descendants and the nations that would come from his line. Your legacy might also be about trusting God beyond what you can see.

How Can Christians Create a Legacy Plan?

1. Pray About Your Legacy

Ask God to guide you in understanding what kind of legacy He’s calling you to leave. What values, wisdom, and relationships are most important? What would it look like to steward those intentionally?

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3

2. Start the Conversation

Talk with your spouse, family, or a trusted advisor about your goals. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time- legacy planning starts with a simple conversation.

What do you want your children or loved ones to remember about your life?
How do you want your resources used after you’re gone?
Are there causes or ministries you feel called to support?

3. Take One Step Toward Estate Planning

You don’t have to do everything at once. Just start somewhere:
If you don’t have a will or trust, book a consultation with an estate planner or attorney.
If you already have documents in place, review them (especially if your life circumstances have changed)
Write a legacy letter to your family sharing your values, faith, and blessings over them

4. Include Your Faith in Your Legacy

Your spiritual legacy may be the most powerful part of what you leave behind.

Consider writing down your testimony or stories of God’s faithfulness.
Set up ways to bless future generations spiritually, like gifting Bibles, supporting missions, or creating rhythms of generosity in your family culture.

5. Keep It Updated

Legacy planning isn’t one-and-done. Life continues to change. Make it a habit to review your plans every year or two to ensure they reflect your current wishes and circumstances.

Conclusion: Start Where You Are

That weekend trip to Georgia taught me an unforgettable lesson: having no plan is still a plan. When it comes to your legacy — including your faith, family, and resources — you don’t want to leave those to chance.

It’s one of the reasons I explore legacy planning more fully in my new book, Financially Unbroken for the Golden Years.

You don’t need to have all the answers or a perfect system in place. You just need to start. Legacy planning isn’t about fear, but about faith. It’s about living with intention today so you can leave a meaningful impact later.

Like Abraham, you may not see the full fruit in your lifetime. But your obedience, your decisions, and your planning can bless generations after you.

So, take those first steps. Pray. Plan. Prepare.

Because what you leave behind isn’t just about what’s written in a will; it’s written in the lives and hearts of the people you love.

Bible Verses to Reflect On

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:2-3.