When we think about what we leave for our family, the best things are not the things that cost a lot of money. The best gifts are our stories, our memories, and our love.

Your family photos, the story of your life, and your special things link your family together. Taking time to sort these things out is a wonderful gift. It shows your family who you were, not just what you had. This guide will help you save your memories and share your story.

Your Family Photos: Pictures of Your Life

Your photos are like a picture storybook of your family. They show happy times and the people you love. When you sort them out, you help your family in the future know who everyone was.

Think about:

• Special days: Like weddings, birthdays, and holidays.

• The people: Who is in the photo?

• The story: A little note on the back of a photo can tell a great story.

Your Life Story: The Real You

Your life is special. You have learned a lot and have great stories to tell. Sharing your story is a gift that is worth so much. It helps your family know you better and learn from your life.

What can you share?

• Memories: Your childhood, your parents, your job, things you loved to do.

• What you learned: What did you learn about life and being strong?

• Your hopes: What are your hopes for your family in the future?

DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE: MY LIFE STORY & MEMORIES

Your Special Things (Heirlooms)

Some things are special because of the memories they hold, not because they cost money. A wedding ring, a watch from your grandpa, or a book of family recipes are real things that connect us to our past. Choosing who gets these special things makes sure they go to someone who knows their story.

Think about:

• The story: Why is this thing special to you?

• Who should get it? Who in your family has a special link to that item or memory?
  

DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE: MY SPECIAL HEIRLOOMS - A LETTER OF WISHES

How to Save Your Memories

Here are some simple steps to help you sort your photos, tell your story, and plan for your special things.

Step 1: Sort Your Photos

• Do a little at a time. You don't have to do it all at once. Just sort one box or one folder for an hour each week.

• Write on the back. Use a soft pencil to write names and dates on the back of photos. For photos on a computer, give them names that are easy to find.

• Make a "Best Of" group. Choose the most special photos to share.

• Put old photos on the computer. Scanning old photos keeps them safe and makes them easy to share.

Step 2: Tell Your Story

You don't need to be a great writer. Just write from your heart.

• Write a letter. A letter to your family is a lovely gift they can keep forever.

• Make a memory book. Use a simple notebook. You can put in photos and write the stories that go with them.

• Record your voice. Ask a family member to record you while you talk about your life. Hearing your voice tell your story is a very special gift.

Step 3: Plan for Your Special Things

Your Will is for your money and property. For things that have special memories, you can write a Letter of Wishes.

• Make a list. Write down your special items and who you would like to have them.

• Tell the story. Next to each item, write a little note about why it is special to you. This makes it a real gift of memory.

• Talk to your family. If you can, talk about these things so everyone understands your wishes.
  

DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE: LEGACY PLAN REGISTER

Important Note: This is a Guide, Not a Legal Paper

This is very important. Your stories, photo notes, and your Letter of Wishes are a personal guide. They are not your legal Will.

Your Will is the legal paper that tells your Executor what to do with your money and property. These other papers help your Executor and family understand the meaning of your things and follow your wishes with love.

Last Step: Keep It All Safe

Store your story, your photo notes, and your Letter of Wishes in a safe place with your Will. Most importantly, tell your Executor and your close family that these papers are there and where to find them.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. The information is provided "as is," without any guarantee of its accuracy or completeness.

Any action you take based on the contents of this guide is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage resulting from its use. Please consult a qualified professional to address your individual circumstances.