The Intentional Legacy

by David McAlvany

Will your children value their legacy? The history of the world is the story of great financial, cultural and ethical legacies built in one generation, only to be squandered by second and third generations who were unwilling and unprepared for the roles and responsibilities that accompany them. It is a problem that troubles wealth managers, social theorists, and, of course, parents. Solving the problem requires intentionality--the process of careful thought and preparation concerning the most critical details that will shape your family and its future. To be intentional is to decide that you will be self-conscious about the way you live your life and shape the legacy you hope to bequeath to the next generations. In The Intentional Legacy, David McAlvany brings a fresh perspective to this old subject. Drawing from more than fifty years of experience in a multigenerational wealth management firm, as well as his own personal failures and successes, David presents a strategy for reverse engineering your life. Most importantly, he presents an redemptive ethic for family prosperity based on love, forgiveness, and non-contingent relationships.

232 pages, Hardcover

Published February 7, 2017

Reviews

[Tom Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an OUTSTANDING book. I’m buying ten copies for friends.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I think this book could have been cut in half or filled with more practical and actionable tips, I still enjoyed the overarching message of intentionality and creating a family identity. It struck a chord for multiple reasons, some deeply personal. I recommend it to Christian parents seeking to raise children in the faith and pass along more than a financial legacy, but a legacy of grace, forgiveness, and identity.

[Amy Brandenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Legacy is a defining issue in the life of every man and woman. Legacy is inescapable. The question is not if you will leave one, but what legacy will you leave? What are you creating today to leave for tomorrow?”

This approach to legacy planning may not be for everyone, but I have found it to be the first book that is very actionable and in alignment with our holistic view on life, our faith, and our values. I’ve enjoyed listing to McAlvany’s economic podcasts for the last 2 years and wanted to dive into this book. Looking forward to spending more time on this.

[Philip Clemens · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to be remembered - you MUST BE INTENTIONAL!

Life is short. Hope is not a plan. You will leave a legacy. Will you intentionally do it? This book is a primer on how to do it right. The author shares his victories as well as his warts and gives practical advice on how to do it right.

[Dennis Wales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler alert. The title sums it up- we must be intentional about the legacy we will leave, and understand that it is so much more than money or assets. It is who we are and what we believe.
Read this book. Read it twice.

[Dr Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! A must read for all parents. Thank you Robert Goodin for giving me this awesome book.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very solid book. Love the long term focus of the author. Surprised it was not as much about family as I thought it was going to be. Which in my case I appreciated.

[Michael Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great nuggets of wisdom that create a framework for how to be intentional in passing on a legacy.

[Brian Kettering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every father needs to read this book. Nothing short of game-changing.

[Camden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I read this before I was married with kids so I could have started being intentional earlier!
I think the writing could be more concise, but overall good read!

[Christian]

"Legacy is inescapable. The question is not if you will leave one, but what legacy will you leave?"

This whole book is about preparing for things that will probably or certainly happen. A good reminder to take some time to think about them - and to trust God to take care of the ones you can't prepare for.