076: Intentional Legacy: Aligning Wealth and Values Across Generations

06/05/2025 47 min
076: Intentional Legacy: Aligning Wealth and Values Across Generations

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Episode Synopsis

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Morgan Nichols and Kelly Bays, financial advisors at Ameriprise and co-authors of the new book "Intentional Legacy." The discussion explores how legacy isn't something you plan for at the end of life, but something you live every day through your financial decisions, family interactions, and the values you demonstrate and pass on to future generations.Guest InformationMorgan Nichols: Financial advisor at Ameriprise for 10 years, comes from a family of financial advisorsKelly Bays: Financial advisor at Ameriprise for 19 years, joined the profession after discovering her passion for teaching others about financesKey Topics Discussed1. What is Intentional Legacy?Legacy isn't just what you leave behind when you're goneIt's how you teach children about money, balance enjoying today while preparing for tomorrowIt's the values that guide your everyday financial decisions2. Aligning Financial Decisions with Personal ValuesBoth advisors help clients identify their top five personal valuesThey customize financial plans based on these values rather than using a "cookie-cutter" approachExample: Creating flexibility for a client who values adventure over traditional retirement3. Value Exercises with ClientsUse card exercises to help clients identify and prioritize their personal valuesHelp couples discover where their values align and differCreate financial plans that honor these values for both today and tomorrow4. Teaching Children About MoneyMorgan's experience earning an allowance with chore chartsKelly's experience with the three-jar approach (quick cash, long-term savings, "taxes" for family vacations)Importance of being intentional about teaching financial lessons, regardless of method5. Breaking the Three-Generation Wealth CycleFirst generation builds wealthSecond generation enjoys the wealthThird generation squanders the wealthHow to break this cycle through communication and value-sharing6. The Sandwich GenerationStrategies for those supporting both aging parents and children simultaneouslyImportance of self-care and avoiding burnoutDelegating the "mental load" across siblings or family membersCreating clear plans with parents about care preferences before crisis moments7. Wealth as an AmplifierMoney doesn't change who you are fundamentally—it amplifies existing traitsReframing money as a tool rather than a goalHow greater wealth can allow naturally generous people to increase their impact8. Emotional Aspects of RetirementPlanning beyond the numbers to address the emotional transitionThe importance of "retiring to something" rather than just away from workReplacing the purpose, social connections, and sense of accomplishment that work providesClosing ThoughtsThe authors emphasize that creating an intentional legacy isn't just for end-of-life planning—it's about making mindful choices throughout your life journey. Their book aims to help readers make financial decisions that align with their core values, creating meaningful impact for themselves and future generations.Where to Find the BookThe book "Intentional Legacy" is available at IntentionalLegacyBook.comSupport the show

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