What should I include in a financial legacy letter to my children?

A legacy letter is where money becomes meaning. It's not a will—it's a conversation. I'd start with your origin story: where did your money come from? What did it cost you? What did you learn? Then move to your values: what do you believe money should do? Fund security? Enable generosity? Create opportunity? Be specific. "Don't be greedy" is vague. "I've always prioritized financial independence because I never wanted to ask for help" is real. Address potential conflicts directly—if you're leaving unequal amounts, explain why. Money fights usually aren't about the money; they're about feeling unheard. Include your wishes but not commands. "I hope you'll consider giving 10% to causes you believe in" lands differently than "You must donate." Finally, tell them what you're proud of—not about accumulating wealth, but about how you lived. That's what actually shapes legacy. End with permission: permission to do differently than you did, if it fits their values better.