Charlotte Lockhart - Top tips for being able to leave a legacy for future generations

When 38% of New Zealanders do not have their own Will, it's not hard to see how the very thought of leaving a legacy may not even have occurred to many people. When all is said and done, however, you are never too young to leave a legacy. Here are five tips on how you can leave a legacy, regardless of age or financial status:

Donate to a charity

The Perpetual Guardian Foundation is a charitable entity that was designed to make giving accessible for everyone. This allows you to contribute to an existing sub-Fund, such as the Environmental Fund, focussed on local environmental and conservation projects, or create your own sub-fund.

Is there a cause you feel passionate about? Whether it's health, education or the environment, every bit makes a difference. Volunteering for a worthy cause, or even donating a tree counts towards your legacy.

Leave an ethical Will

If you are 18 years or over and a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand, and you have $15,000 or more in assets (in any asset classes, including KiwiSaver or other savings vehicles), you need a Will.

Added to that, why not consider writing a letter, or making a voice recording or video for family friends, as a way to pass on how you much you love them and how much you're thinking of them, as well as some of your values, philosophies and the lessons you've learned.

If you're young and likely to live for another 80 years, think of the ethical Will as a legacy to your older self – one that you'll revisit and reflect upon in ten or twenty years.

Become a mentor for others

Becoming a mentor is not only for people with years of worldly or business experience – although if you are, there are so many people out there who could benefit from your life experience.

Even if you are 20-years-old, you've been through your teen years – some of the most difficult times for people to endure – and you will have something of value and worth offering to those younger than you. Look for mentoring opportunities!