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Pass it On
The Fine Art of Dying Well
Based on an article in "More than Money" Summer 1999 issue
The discussion of death and money are both taboo in our culture. It is against this reluctance that we
have to contend as we face our own mortality and the wise distribution of the money that God has blessed us with over our lifetime. Facing our own death or that of a loved one can cause us
intense and uncomfortable feelings, but with God's grace, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the encouragement of others who have dealt with these issues, we can make even this planning a
time of joy and satisfaction. What better spring-board to discuss with our families our values, priorities, relationships and the practical challenges that come with managing an inheritance
wisely?
One such family has gone through this process, from fear and reluctance on the part of the children to confident, close relationships which will endure and continue the
stewardship of the parents. When the father first approached the subject of his estate planning and how the children, then in their 20's and 30's, would fit into it, they were horrified. This
meant to them that he was going to die. After a time to adjust, they were willing to hear him out and even began to think in depth about the ramifications in their own lives.
In about
three months, the young people requested another family meeting. At this time the family decided to establish an investment club to give the siblings a chance to learn how they could make the
money work for them. It was a great learning experience and they all became active in research, seeking advice from financial advisors and recommending specific stocks. The parents' initial
investment suffered a loss the first year, which was good training also, but in subsequent years they have made money, split the profits and continued on.
As a next step, the parents
then introduced the idea of giving by suggesting that the profit split include an equal share to charitable causes. This allowed them all to discuss their dreams and visions for the world and
how their financial abundance could help make those dreams come true. As with the investment fund, they all worked together to decide where and how to make the contributions. This has matured
into the establishment of a family foundation to facilitate the family giving.
This parent rests in the knowledge that, while his children will mourn when he dies, they are prepared
to handle the family finances in a spirit of closeness and cooperation and that they will live fully and well after he is gone.
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