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The articles · By Doug Leyland · May 1, 2024 · Updated July 30, 2026

Where Lifetime Meets Legacy

In the beautiful Gulf of Alaska, a remarkable natural event occurs where the sediment-rich waters from glacial rivers meet the open ocean. Known as “the place where two oceans meet,” this site visually exemplifies how distinct entities interact yet resist blending. Much like these merging waters, family wealth comprises two distinct realms: the lifetime pool and the legacy pool. 

The lifetime pool of wealth ensures that day-to-day expenses and future retirement needs are met. The legacy pool, however, represents surplus wealth that will be transferred to the next generations and is also available to support your philanthropic passions. Identifying the value of these pools requires diligent calculation using expert financial planning tools to develop forecasts.

LifetimeLegacy
TodayLifestyleCharity & Values
TomorrowRetirementInheritance & Bequest
Source: Ross Levin, “The Why of Wealth Management,” in the Investment Think Tank, 2004

Investment strategies diverge significantly between these pools. The lifetime pool demands stable, liquid investments to maintain living standards, whereas the legacy pool can pursue longer term and less liquid strategies.

Investment CharacteristicLifetime PoolLegacy Pool
Investment termShort/MedLong
Liquidity needHighLow
Risk toleranceLow/MedMed/High
Income needMed/HighLow
Growth needLow/MedHigh

For example, integrating permanent life insurance into the legacy strategy can provide a tax-efficient method to enhance wealth transfer to future generations and facilitate philanthropic endeavours.

Lifetime

Cash (~5%)Fixed Income (~20%)Equity (~50%)Alternatives (~25%)
  • Cash
  • Fixed Income
  • Equity
  • Alternatives

Legacy

Equity (~40%)Alternatives (~35%)Permanent Life Insurance (~25%)
  • Equity
  • Alternatives
  • Permanent Life Insurance

Combined

Cash (~3%)Fixed Income (~13%)Equity (~46%)Alternatives (~25%)Permanent Life Insurance (~13%)
  • Cash
  • Fixed Income
  • Equity
  • Alternatives
  • Permanent Life Insurance
Illustrative asset mixes for the lifetime, legacy and combined pools. Hover or tap a segment for details.

No single strategy fits all, reflecting the unique circumstances and values of each family that we partner with in providing customized wealth management plans. Our personalized approach not only preserves but increases financial legacies and philanthropic goals.

We care about helping you achieve peace of mind and ensuring your wealth fulfills its potential across generations.

Want to learn more? I can be reached anytime at 905-331-2885 or at doug@leylandmatters.ca.

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