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Most people simply do not commit to keeping their life insurance in line with the purchasing value of the dollar. Most people are happy to get a raise or make more money, but they do not discipline themselves to periodically update their life insurance programs.

This is one of those topics you do not like reading about and I would prefer not addressing. Perhaps, because it is an uncomfortable subject to think about. But, the following reasons should be considered:

As citizens of this great nation you have a right and a responsibility to be informed. Where is the country headed? Who do you think has the right approach? What are your concerns? An informed citizen can make knowledgeable, educated decisions and your vote will count.

As an American History major in college, I like to think that I have a grasp on the direction America should go. However, we each have an opinion but most people have not taken the time to become informed.

As I raised my children I attempted to share lessons about life with them. They were raised with many advantages but I tried to share with them why they should work hard and plan for their futures. I guess I attempted to share with them the lessons I learned from my younger years. I am talking more about the “School of Hard Knocks” more than my formal education. I think you know what I mean.

Recently, I had a conversation with a client who is a small business owner. A question about taking chances in this economy was brought up. I mentioned that I have been concerned with the political environment and the over regulation that will create trouble for virtually all smaller business owners.

The low interest economy will have several negative affects as we move forward in time:

Each day I continue my fight to regain and retain good health. Perhaps I am lucky because I have led a life of personal discipline.

It concerns me that most people seem unconcerned with their personal well-being until something bad happens to them. At my age, I am seeing past friends and acquaintances develop medical issues they never dreamed of and some of those issues are very serious.

We all have the ability to leave various legacies. However, few of us take the time or use the opportunity. While I have been discussing various legacies with clients for years, this article is about creating a financial legacy for those you love.

Why create a financial legacy? Many wise people believe Social Security may not be available in its present form when our children retire. Pension programs are changing and, in certain cases, even disappearing altogether. Without these two sources of income, most people will have a difficult time retiring.

We all have them, opinions, that is. When I work on estate planning I have opinions that I have developed over the past 45 years.

My first opinion has to do with the way I live my life. While I am not attempting to bestow a philosophy on anyone, that old Christian adage sums it up; treat others as you would have them treat you. In a world that seems to be making less sense each day, I’ll stick with my philosophy.

Everywhere we go technology has replaced face to face communication. Computers and portable phones have replaced verbal communication and talking with each other. Most people get their news from the “Web” or from cable TV.

For example, I was in an airport recently and as I looked around while waiting for my flight, I noticed that everyone was concentrating on the screens of their smart phones. No one was talking to the people around them. In my opinion, that is rather weird behavior.

The English Language is said to have more words than any other Western language. Unfortunately, the vocabulary of most people is limited.

Occasionally, I read where financial people have a difficult time explaining concepts to clients. Perhaps we use the wrong words. After all, words can be confusing. After 40+ years I still have a challenge explaining certain concepts to clients.

Even the person with modest wealth should consider leaving a financial legacy. Whether it is to a family heir or a worthy charitable concern, leaving a legacy is within the capability of most people.

We live in an uncertain time and people are finding financial stability later in life than their mothers and fathers. Our children face an even more uncertain future. People carry more debt earlier in their lives and they carry it longer as they find career stability later in life.