Thomas Edison was both hearing impaired and fidgety. He only lasted three months in school where his teachers said he was “too stupid to learn anything.” He was eventually homeschooled by his mom. In talking about his invention of the light bulb, he said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that do not work.” Some may have looked at his earlier life and thought, “What a failure.” But no one in his or her right mind could ever call Edison a failure today—not even close.
So, what is real failure? Some would say it’s not achieving your wildest dreams. Others might say it’s to die never have really loved. While it is different things to different people, one definition of failure for the affluent could be “the involuntary loss of control of assets.”
You’ve worked your whole life for the success you now enjoy; and yet, odds are your wealth will NOT endure past your grandchildren’s generation—and ultimately, your estate will be a “failure” in this sense.
First, there are taxes and fees upon your death that few people even know exist; and secondly (and more disturbing), the cost of improper planning is exponentially devastating, as it can lead to the breakdown of your family and a diminished legacy.
Getting different results requires a different approach to wealth planning. Talk to an expert today who can show you how to count the costs and beat the odds so that can live the rest of your days knowing your legacy will remain intact for generations to come.
Wealth is more than money. Don’t just plan for your future, live it right now. Pass it on and share the insights like this that you find valuable.
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– Bill Gates