More Than Just Assets: Using Your Will to Say “Thank You”

When most people think about drafting their will, they think about the math. They consider dividing bank accounts, valuing the house, and deciding which percentage of the estate goes to which child.

While the financial aspects are certainly important, we encourage our clients at TLR Law to look at their will through a different lens: gratitude.

Your will is one of the most significant documents you’ll ever sign. It’s a powerful opportunity to leave a legacy that reflects your values and says “thank you” to the people and organizations that shaped your life.

Here are three ways you can use your will to leave a legacy of gratitude.

1. Specific Bequests to Loved Ones

In addition to dividing your estate among beneficiaries, you can also include specific bequests. These are gifts of particular items or sums of money given to specific people.

This is a wonderful way to acknowledge a special bond. It could be leaving a musical instrument to a niece who loves to play, a piece of artwork to a friend who always admired it, or a modest cash gift to a caregiver or neighbour who showed you kindness in your later years. These gestures often mean more to the recipient than the monetary value because they show you were thinking of them specifically.

2. Supporting the Causes You Care About

Manitobans are known for their generosity. If you’ve supported a charity, a community centre, or a church during your lifetime, you can continue that support through your will.

Leaving a charitable bequest is a way to say “thank you” to the organizations that make our community better. Whether it’s the hospital that cared for a loved one, a shelter that helps animals, or a scholarship fund at a local university, this gift ensures your values live on.

As a bonus, leaving a bequest to a registered charity in Canada can also provide significant tax benefits to your estate, helping to offset the taxes that might be owed on your other assets.

3. Protecting the Vulnerable

Sometimes, the best way to say thank you is to ensure protection for those who cannot protect themselves. This might mean making thoughtful provisions within your will for a family member with a disability, ensuring they’re cared for in a way that considers their unique needs and circumstances. Or it could be making arrangements for the care of a beloved pet who has been your constant companion.

Let Your Will Tell Your Story

Your will is more than a set of legal instructions. It’s the final chapter of your life’s story. It tells your family what and who mattered most to you.

If you’re looking to update your will in the new year to reflect not just your assets but your gratitude, we’re here to help. Call us at (204) 925-1900 or reach out online, and let’s ensure your legacy is exactly what you want it to be.