“…to have and to hold from this day forward…to love and to cherish, till death do us part…” – excerpt from the Book of Common Prayer

This quotation is taken from the rites for the celebration and blessing of a marriage ceremony. Although the words herald the official union between a man and woman, in some ways they also speak to the relationship that we may have with our money.

For some people the acquisition of money is a passionate pursuit. Once it has been attained, their wealth is paraded like a beautiful trophy wife. Their possessions are held very close to their hearts, and this love affair lasts throughout their lives. Unfortunately this wedded bliss is only for a time, as in death they must part ways with their money.

The reality is whether we have lots of money or very little, whether we hoard money or pass it on charitably, death will come to take it away from us all. While we may physically leave this earth, our wealth usually remains behind, and it makes sense to make proper arrangements to distribute it when we are gone. Continue reading Till Death Do Us Part →