I want to be clear here: It does not matter what you say in your

Listen closely, O children of wisdom, to the words of Suze Orman, whose counsel brings clarity to the often murky waters of financial planning: "I want to be clear here: It does not matter what you say in your will or trust; the beneficiary document attached to your IRA accounts and your life insurance policy overrides what you say elsewhere. If you want to change the beneficiary, you must change the beneficiary document." In this statement, Orman reminds us of a vital truth—intention alone is not enough when it comes to matters of legacy and inheritance. The true weight of our decisions, particularly those concerning who will inherit our wealth, lies not in words spoken or written, but in the documents that specifically name those who will receive what we leave behind. It is a truth that speaks not only to financial planning but to the very foundation of how we engage with the world after we have passed.

In the ancient world, the Greeks, with their rich understanding of legacies, placed great importance on the written word. Solon, the wise Athenian statesman, crafted laws that established clear principles of inheritance to ensure that the will of the deceased was carried out without ambiguity. He understood that inheritance was not simply a matter of desire but of order and clarity. Solon’s wisdom still rings true today—just as the Greeks recognized the importance of written documents in preserving a person’s wishes, Suze Orman emphasizes the critical role that beneficiary designations play in the management of one’s estate. Words may be spoken, but it is the written word, the legal documentation, that carries the final authority in matters of inheritance.

Consider the story of King Croesus, the wealthy ruler of Lydia, whose death brought with it a struggle for control over his vast fortune. As legend tells, Croesus' son, Atys, was tragically killed before Croesus could solidify his final wishes. The fate of the kingdom and its riches rested not only on Croesus’ intentions but on how well those intentions had been documented and secured. Though Croesus was known for his wealth, it was the clarity of his decisions and the documentation of his inheritance that would have determined the rightful heirs. In a world where power and wealth were ever-shifting, Croesus’ story serves as a reminder that one must ensure that their final wishes are not just declared but carefully documented, for only then can they withstand the tides of fortune.

Similarly, in Rome, the concept of inheritance was a central part of their legal system. The Romans crafted elaborate laws that governed the distribution of wealth and property after death. Cicero, the great orator and statesman, wrote extensively on the importance of wills and the necessity of clearly defined beneficiaries to avoid conflicts after one’s passing. Cicero himself found himself involved in legal battles over inheritance, illustrating how even the most powerful could be undone by ambiguities in their estate planning. Orman’s advice is rooted in this ancient wisdom—while a will may express one's intentions, it is the official documents that hold the true power to direct one's legacy.

The lesson embedded in Orman’s words is clear: intention and action must be aligned if we are to ensure that our wishes are honored. It is not enough to declare who should inherit our wealth in broad terms. We must make the effort to explicitly name our beneficiaries in the appropriate legal documents, such as those tied to IRA accounts, life insurance policies, and other important financial matters. Even the most carefully crafted wills or trusts can be overridden by a beneficiary designation document. This distinction serves as a reminder that life’s most important decisions, particularly those related to wealth and inheritance, must be both intentional and clear, for only then can they stand the test of time and circumstance.

This wisdom extends beyond financial planning into every aspect of our lives. Words are powerful, but they are not always enough. To build trust and create lasting change, we must ensure that our actions are aligned with our words. Whether in the context of relationships, business, or family, clarity and intentionality are vital. It is not enough to say we trust or love someone; we must show it through actions, through commitments, and through the creation of concrete plans. Just as with estate planning, we must recognize that what we leave behind—whether in wealth or wisdom—must be carefully documented and articulated in ways that ensure our intentions are fulfilled.

In your own life, take the time to align your actions with your intentions. Whether in financial matters, personal relationships, or the legacy you wish to leave, ensure that your wishes are clearly defined and carefully documented. As Orman so wisely advises, do not leave important matters to chance, for the consequences of unclear intentions can ripple far beyond our lifetime. Make the effort to solidify your desires in legal documents, and ensure that your legacy reflects the values and aspirations you hold dear. By doing so, you will leave behind a life that is not only meaningful in intention but also firm in its lasting impact.