A legacy statement is a powerful document where you express the values, life lessons, hopes, and guidance you want to leave to your loved ones and future generations. Unlike legal wills (which dictate the distribution of assets), a legacy statement shares the “why” behind your choices, stories that shaped you, and the enduring wisdom you hope will inspire your family.

1. Why Write a Legacy Statement?

It creates a guiding star for your loved ones after you're gone.

It helps clarify your core values and what matters most.

It bridges generations by preserving stories, traditions, and family identity.

It offers emotional closure and lasting encouragement.

What is a legacy statement? (Wall Street Mojo)

2. Key Elements of an Impactful Legacy Statement

Values and Beliefs Begin by articulating the principles that have guided your life. Your legacy statement should “sound like you”—expressing your unique voice and convictions.

Example: “I believe integrity and kindness are the cornerstones of a meaningful life. I’ve tried to live by these values every day, and I hope you will too.”

Defining Life Lessons Reflect on pivotal moments, good or bad, that taught you meaningful lessons.

Example: “Losing my first business taught me resilience. I learned that setbacks are seeds for future joy if met with perseverance.”

Personal and Family Stories Interweave short anecdotes, family lore, and personal stories that capture your journey.

Example: “Our Sundays at Nana’s taught me the meaning of togetherness. I hope you’ll also cherish regular family meals.”

Hopes and Blessings for Loved Ones Share aspirations, guidance, or encouraging words for the next generation.

Example: “May you travel boldly, remain curious, and always come home to family.”

Messages for the Future Conclude with any specific wishes (e.g., carrying on traditions, reconciling relationships, or making a difference).

Example: “If you ever doubt yourself, remember that your roots are deep and your family stands behind you.”

3. Steps to Writing Your Legacy Statement

a) Reflect Set aside quiet time to think about your life story, values, family traditions, and what you want future generations to remember.

b) Choose a Structure Consider writing as a letter, in short themed sections (values, stories, wishes), or as a story with chapters.

c) Draft in Your Own Voice It doesn’t have to be formal. Imagine you’re speaking to your loved ones—use warmth, honesty, and your own expressions.

d) Review and Revise Let it sit, revisit it later, and invite thoughts from trusted friends or family.

e) Preserve and Share Save it somewhere safe—ideally in a digital legacy vault or by giving printed copies to loved ones.

Practical tips and prompts for starting your legacy letter (Sixty + Me)

Meet your Legacy Assistant — Charli Evaheld is here to guide you through your free Evaheld Legacy Vault so you can create, share, and preserve everything that matters — from personal stories and care wishes to legal and financial documents — all in one secure place, for life.

4. Templates and Prompts

If you’re unsure where to start, use open-ended prompts:

“I am writing this to you because...”

“The value that has served me best is...”

“The happiest lesson I learned in life was...”

“My greatest hope for you is...”

“The family tradition I hope you continue is...”

For more, see: Prompts and example sentences (Phinney Estate Law)

5. Example Legacy Statement (Comprehensive Sample)

Dear Family,

Above all, I want you to know how deeply you are loved. My greatest blessing in life has been watching our family grow and caring for each other through every season. My parents taught me humility and the power of honesty—a lesson I hope continues for generations. I encourage you to stay connected, share your joys and struggles, and be patient with each other.

I have made mistakes, and each one reminded me of the preciousness of relationships. My wish is that you will be slow to anger and quick to forgive. Please keep our tradition of Sunday gatherings alive—they remind us that home is not a place, but the people who love you.

As you face your own challenges, remember that courage and kindness will take you further than any material possession. Leave room for laughter, adventure, and wonder. Know that my spirit is with you, always.

With all my love,
[Your Name]

You can find more real-world examples and further inspiration here:
Examples of Legacy Statements (Evaheld)

Bring your family and friends together in one secure place — create your free Evaheld Legacy Vault to share memories, send and receive content requests, and preserve every story safely forever.

6. Digital Preservation and Tools

In our digital age, securing your statement goes beyond paper. A digital legacy vault allows you to record video or audio messages, upload stories, and share your wisdom with adaptive privacy controls.

7. Final Tips

Write in small sections if a full letter feels daunting.

Update your legacy statement over time—your insights and family may grow.

Let your statement be an alive, evolving gift rather than a static document.

Share it when you feel comfortable; sometimes the impact is greatest when your loved ones see it when they need it most.

Future-Proof Your Family’s Story with the Evaheld Legacy Vault

Imagine a single, permanent home for your life's most precious layers: the laughter in your stories, the wisdom in your wishes, and the clarity of your care plans. The Evaheld Legacy Vault is that home—a guaranteed sanctuary for your legacy, designed to outlive the digital noise and ensure your voice is heard for generations.

This is more than storage; it's the one account your family will thank you for creating.

Take control of what matters most — set up your free Evaheld Legacy Vault to keep your stories, care wishes, and essential documents safe, organised, and instantly shareable with loved ones and advisers, for life.

Get Your Vault Running in Minutes with Charli, Your AI Legacy Preservation Assistant

Stop feeling overwhelmed. Charli is your proactive guide who simplifies every step—from setting up your vault and inviting family members to sending smart content requests and helping you articulate your stories. She doesn't just help you write; she helps you build, ensuring your entire legacy is preserved efficiently and authentically.

Your All-in-One Legacy Solution

• Preserve a Rich, Living History: Build a first-person narrative with video messages, audio recordings, legacy letters, and recipes—a digital heirloom where your wisdom and memories are kept safe and searchable.
• Co-Create in Family Rooms: Spark conversations and gather memories together in shared, collaborative spaces. It’s a living scrapbook that grows with every contribution from your family.
• Simplify Every Step with Charli, Your AI Legacy Preservation Assistant: From onboarding and inviting family to sending content requests and articulating your stories, Charli provides proactive guidance throughout your entire legacy-building journey—ensuring nothing is forgotten while keeping the process effortless.
• Honour Your Care Wishes: Complete your legally valid Digital Advance Care Directive with our intuitive tool. Grant loved ones and clinicians instant, secure access, ending frantic document searches for good.
• Grant Emergency Access in Seconds: Share or print your unique QR Emergency Access Card. A single scan gives first responders immediate access to your directives, enabling faster, better-aligned care when every second counts.
• Safeguard Every Essential Document: Consolidate your will, power of attorney, superannuation details, and more in one bank-grade encrypted vault. Your family will always find what they need, securely.

How to Secure Your Legacy in Minutes

1. Start Your Free Vault: Claim your personal, secure space in under a minute. No cost, no commitment.
2. Add Your People & Open Rooms: Invite family to shared Rooms to begin co-creating your story and sending content requests.
3. Build Your Legacy: Use your built-in AI assistant to help capture memories and refine your messages. Upload documents and record your care wishes. Your voice, preserved forever.

Why Thousands Are Choosing Evaheld

By starting your free Evaheld Legacy Vault, you gain:

• A Living Time Capsule — preserve your family’s identity, values, and care choices in one lasting digital home.
• With Charli, Your AI Assistant, Preserving Your Story is Effortless
• Ease & Organisation — everything important, easily shared and always up to date.
• Peace of Mind for All Generations — loved ones know exactly what you wish, and where to find it.
• Free to Begin, Forever to Keep — create your vault now and secure lifetime access

Watch our Cofounder's Story to learn why we’re so passionate about Legacy Preservation and Advance Care Planning

The Best 3 Resources to Get Started

• Create Your Legacy Statement in 10 Minutes Flat
  
• Legacy Letters for Grandchildren
  
• Learn how to preserve your family legacy today—simple steps, meaningful impact, lasting connection.

Start Your Vault — It’s Free and Forever Yours

Building your Evaheld Legacy Vault takes minutes — and protects your stories, care plans, and family legacy for generations. Give your loved ones the greatest gift of all: peace of mind that never expires.

Create your free Evaheld Legacy Vault today — safeguard your memories, protect your wishes, and keep your story alive forever.

Our Promise: No One Left Behind

Evaheld’s “Connection Is All We Have” Hardship Policy ensures that financial barriers never silence a story. If you or someone you love needs assistance, we’ll help you secure your vault — because every life, every voice, and every legacy deserves to be remembered, honoured, and preserved.