b'L A I C N A N I F We Are TheirAmbassadorsHANNAH WHATLEY: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER & ACCREDITED INVESTMENT FIDUCIARY Hannah graduated from Furman University and studied in Southern Africa. She serves on the boards of the Historic Tennessee Theatre and Family Promise of Knoxville.We ask clients this question during our first meeting together. Its not a question you expect to hear in a financial planners office, but its one of the most critical questions we ask. We aim to help you align How do youyour use of capital with what you value most. How could we do this critical work without understanding want to beyour values and your concept of legacy?remembered? The word legacy stems from the Latin verb legare, meaning to appoint by a last will or to send as an ambassador. This root meaning resonates with every answer Ive heard to the question, How do you want to be remembered?I have never heard for fame, wealth, or power. What I haveWhen my dad tells me the type of every tree in sight, he heard is,as someone who was always there for others, a goodpasses on the legacy of my grandfather Steve, a forestry major spouse, parent, child, or friend, someone who has impactedwho seems to know everything about trees. My grandmother the people around me for the better. Perhaps the trueKaren, who taught me to make chicken and dumplings, learned legacy lies in the people we leave behind, just as we are thefrom my great-grandmother Betty. To this day, I cant eat ambassadors for those who came before us. chicken and dumplings, banana pudding, or biscuits without remembering her.When my dad jokes about taking a tower of Thanksgiving leftovers all for himself, he carries on the legacy of my great- HOW DO WE HONOR THEM?grandmother Margorie, who was notorious for the same. My mom lives her great-great-grandmother Maggies legacy ofFirst, by stopping to remember them. To notice them in those generosity when she uses the same serving bowl that Maggiearound and within us. To pay forward their lessons, jokes, filled with food for Depression-era railroad workers. values, and recipes.When my husband shows grit and gratitude in his work and life,Its not about reducing the word legacy to a mere financial he carries on the legacy of his great-grandfather Reynaldo, whoinheritance. Their sacrifices carry a weight far greater than just spoke of his adopted country, America, with reverence. Myensuring financial security. While financial planning is critical sister, who lives with an inherent sense of adventure, takes thework, honoring those who came before us goes beyond a time to maintain friendships from every stage of life, like oursimple financial to-do list.great-uncle Michael, who has dear friends worldwide.12'