A Life Well-Lived, A Legacy Well-Planned
This morning, a quote struck a chord with me: “be a creator, not a consumer.”
I’ll admit, I’ve been consuming way too much social media since Tuesday’s election, and honestly, it’s left me feeling queasy. So today, I’m choosing to take a step back and focus on creating something meaningful.
Losing the use of my body and losing my independence made me pause and rethink basically, everything.
I want to talk about something we often avoid—death. Not the easiest topic, I know, but it’s an essential one. Two years ago, I had a near-death experience that changed my outlook forever. I was in a car-bike collision in June 2022, and as it unfolded, I thought it was the end. I had just a few seconds to process what was about to happen prior to impact, and believed it was lights-out for me. By some miracle (and maybe a bit of bike handling skill), I avoided a direct head-on impact. Though I was seriously injured, I survived, and that experience shook me to the core.
While healing, I had a lot of time to think about life, purpose, and what I wanted to leave behind. Facing my own mortality pushed me to get my affairs in order—something I’d been putting off. Setting up a trust was hard, both financially and emotionally, but I realized it wasn’t just about me. It was for my loved ones, so that when my time comes, they’re spared from unnecessary complications. It also lets me decide how my life’s work will be used, instead of leaving it to chance.
“If you’re going to live, leave behind a legacy. Make an impact on the world that can never be erased.”
When you set up a trust or plan your estate, you see your “stuff” differently. Our estate represents all those hours and years we spend working to earn money, which then translates into our homes, cars, and all the little (or big) things we buy. The process made me ask questions I’d never really considered: “Who will want my things when I’m gone?” and, “Do I even need all of this stuff?” It became clear that I’d rather focus on experiences and using my resources to make a difference.
If setting up a trust feels daunting, there’s an easier place to start: designating beneficiaries on your bank, stock, and retirement accounts. It’s an easy process that can have a powerful impact and allows you to build a legacy without any immediate financial cost. For instance, I have a passion for cycling and supporting safer roads, so I chose to name People for Bikes (PFB) as a beneficiary on some accounts. At my passing, my work will continue to make a difference by supporting safer cycling—something that brings me comfort and a sense of purpose.
Setting up a beneficiary designation is simple. Log into your financial account, search “designate beneficiary,” and follow the prompts. You can even specify the percentage or amount each person or organization will receive. It only takes a few minutes, and you can change it as life evolves.
Here are the steps I followed:
Step one: search for “designate beneficiary” on your financial institution’s website.
Step 2: add beneficiaries, like People for Bikes
Step 3: decide an amount or % percentage for each beneficiary, and then click save- -you’re done, it’s that easy!
Of course, a will or trust offers more comprehensive protection, and I highly recommend consulting an estate attorney when you’re ready. Yes, it has upfront costs, but it’s a small investment in protecting what you’ve built for those you love.
Going through this process may stir up emotions, and that’s normal—it’s human. When you’re done, take a moment to celebrate. Go for a bike ride, knowing that your years of work will have a lasting impact and create something meaningful for future generations. Now that feels like a legacy worth leaving behind.
Safer cycling for EVERYONE, please and thanks. Bikes make us better. Photo credit: J.Rojas, Arbor Drive.
Sincerely,
Megan
NOT SPONSORED, but anytime I write about my trust people often ask me where to go to get one set up – I will simply tell you that I worked with Tim Schafer and his amazing legal team at Schafer Thomas Maez in Broomfield CO and highly recommend them. I currently work with Clinton Carlisle as I update my estate and make edits, etc. He is awesome! https://stmlawfirm.com/