Benjamin Franklin
Explore estate planning wisdom inspired by Benjamin Franklin. Learn how trusts and wills help families protect what they've built for generations.
What did Benjamin Franklin's estate plan actually look like?
Benjamin Franklin left one of history's most creative estate plans — his will included a 200-year charitable trust that grew from a small gift into millions of dollars for Boston and Philadelphia. He understood that thoughtful planning could create impact far beyond his lifetime. His estate also famously included specific bequests, like leaving his son-in-law his books and his daughter his household goods, showing how detailed personal property distribution works in practice. Franklin's plan is a reminder that estate planning is not just about avoiding taxes — it's about deciding exactly where your legacy goes.
