Quit Overplanning Give While Living Rather Than Waiting

Sandra grew up scrimping, believing her inheritance would finally arrive when she turned 60—until her mother quietly donated her million-dollar nest egg to charity after passing. Despite financial stability in her twenties and thirties, Sandra never saw a cent until it was gone. She felt cheated by endless delays and the random timing of death.

Contrast this with her friend Robert, whose parents set up milestone gifts: a car at 18, business seed money at 30, and retirement top-ups at 55. Each transfer aligned perfectly with Robert’s needs—he launched a startup debt-free and later enjoyed a secure early retirement. The clarity of timing made every dollar more impactful than any lump-sum bequest could have.

Sandra realized she could have the same impact on her own children and causes—without waiting for a will. She set up a trust that disburses on birthdays and college graduations. The early gifts created gratitude, growth, and a string of enduring memories. No one benefits from random delays—it’s time to give while living.

Start by listing who you want to help most, then convert a portion of your legacy into immediate gifts at ages that matter. Schedule each transfer on a calendar—school graduations, milestone birthdays, or charity deadlines—and make it real before you’re gone.