Legacy of laughs, not cash

Most people in the world would rather leave their heirs their perspective on life and sense of humor than money or property, a survey says.

Less than 10 percent of 21,000 people in 21 countries surveyed said they want to pass on money while 60 percent want their legacy to be their outlook on life. The preference for passing on human values rather than material goods held good in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

However, the survey for HSBC bank also highlights the possible reason why few people among the world's older generations plan to leave a cash legacy: Only a small proportion of people are prepared financially for later life.

(China Daily 05/14/2008 page11)