How are we into the first week of September already?

I hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend and soaked up every morsel of August sunshine. My family celebrated with our annual end of summer party, lovingly dubbed "Sunday Funday" - a day of swimming, volleyball matches, eating too much, bonfires, outdoor movie night, inflatable obstacle course and epic Jedi lightsaber battle.

When my parents started this gathering years ago, it was a lowkey baseball or football game to distract us from the new school year that hung darkly over our heads. It has since evolved into a large family gathering, with kids, spouses, grandkids and extended family and friends. Everyone contributes what they can and looks forward to it all summer. The purpose was never an over-the-top party but to celebrate what really matters - family and relationships that last longer than fleeting summer nights.

That's the funny thing about legacy. It evolves as an extension of where our values and intentions meet action. Small actions reap eternal rewards and ultimately shape how you will be remembered.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~Matthew 6:21

Legacy is more than money

Many of us think of leaving an inheritance of physical wealth, but leaving money alone may be leaving your descendants in a worse position. Money without direction will surely be squandered in one generation.

What will your legacy to be?

You can preach about your values until the cows come home, but actions speak louder than words.

Perhaps you want to break free from a legacy of poverty, abuse, alcoholism or addiction. You can break the chain! Focus on the values you want to instill in the next generation and take action.

Are your values reflected in the way you...

• Spend your money?

• Spend your time?

• Interact with others?

• Speak about others?

• Give your attention?

• React to hardships?

• Show up online?

Turn intention into action

Financial legacy is an extension of our values and beliefs. If we believe debt is akin to slavery, why are many of us living under a mountain of debt?

Many of us think debt is inevitable, but not all debt is created equal. There is a better way! Borrowing against an asset you own, and using the funds to purchase more assets? Now that's a game changer that puts your money to work in more than one place at a time.