I regularly spend time thinking about what my goals are for my life and if those goals are compatible, etc.

Today, a stray thought popped through my head that won’t let go.  It is hammering on me and I cannot decide which way makes more sense.

It has to do with my legacy and any inheritance that I will eventually leave to my heirs.  Since part of my goals involves building up a significant amount of assets, what to do with them after I am gone is a question to be answered.   There really seem to be just two options for it: give them away or give them to my heirs.

Both options have their appeal.  On on hand, it would be an opportunity to make an impact for what I believe strongly in by giving lasting gifts to organizations that are support what I care about.  On the other, is the notion of making life easy (too easy?) for my family.

Warren Buffet and Bill Gates have already addressed this question for themselves – choosing to give most of their fortunes (admittedly, much bigger than anything I expect to amass) to charities and reserving just a small portion for their families.

What are your thoughts?

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