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6 wealth myths and the legacy dragons

Where there’s a will, there are relatives. Nonprofits that benefit from a legacy can find themselves in the uncomfortable position of competing with heirs regarding the terms of a bequest.

Even when there is no fight over the money, a nonprofit leader might wind up serving as an unofficial, and unpaid, advisor to an heir about the disposition of a will.

In their book “The Legacy Conversation” Carolyn J. Friend and James M. Weiner wrote that the handling of a will can produce the “dragons” of jealousy, envy, greed and power struggles.

    Further, anyone dealing with a legacy might have to deal with six myths, what the authors call the three wealth myths and the three money myths. The wealth myths:

  • Wealth is the solution. The expression “Money doesn’t buy happiness” is a familiar one, but few believe it.
  • Wealth taunts the dragon. There is a difference between thoughtful planning and an unhealthy preoccupation with every potential hazard.
  • Too much wealth is the problem. The problem isn’t what people have; it’s what they do with it.
    The money myths:

  • There is a pot of gold to be found. This myth threatens to overshadow the accomplishments of people who work hard but don’t receive awards and prizes.
  • One must suffer to achieve. The opposite of the pot of gold, the bootstrap theory can twist thoughtful, wise effort into something never-ending.
  • “The Good Life.” It can be achieved, but there is no place with no troubles.