This is the last edition of The Legatus Times for 2022. As unreal as it may feel, another year is rushing to its end. Before we embrace the upcoming festive season with all its familiar festivities, we would like to bring the following to your attention:
 
Legatus Trust’s offices will close for the festive season at 12h00 on Thursday, 15 December 2022 and will re-open at 08h00 on Wednesday, 04 January 2023.
 
This is that time of year when people begin to anxiously look forward to winding down and relaxing, possibly a vacation somewhere, soaking up the sun, lots of laughter. A well-deserved resting period and overall happy times with loved ones, family and friends.
 
In the remaining few weeks left before the start of all the festivities, it is an excellent opportunity to ensure that your clients’ Wills are up to date. A Will is especially important if a person has loved ones who are dependent on their income, support and care.
 
During 2022, various surveys have been conducted to determine how many people in South Africa have Wills. According to the Master of the High Court and research conducted by Sanlam, less than 15% of South Africa’s working class has Wills in place. Other studies have also been conducted and vary somewhat in their findings because of different demographics, however, all of the research concurs that we are dealing with a shockingly low figure.
 
We remind you that a Will is a useful introductory tool to an appointment with a client. A Will not only markets other important services, but it also forms an integral part of a well-prepared estate plan.
 
RETURN SIGNED WILLS TIMEOUSLY FOR SAFEKEEPING
Please return all signed Wills well in advance before our offices close for the festive season on 15 December. This will ensure that our admin can be finalised before closing.
 
SUBMIT NEW APPLICATIONS/AMENDMENT REQUESTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Similarly, we appeal to you to please submit your new and amended Will applications as soon as possible. We will not be able to process last-minute applications before our offices close on 15 December. Last-minute applications will thus have to processed only when our offices open in January 2023.
 
To avoid disappointment, please ensure that you submit signed Wills and applications a week before the closure of our offices. We would like to kick off the new year on a high note and would appreciate your co-operation in this regard!
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TIME FOR REFLECTION
 
With the end of 2022 fast approaching, it is an opportune time to reflect on the past year. When we ponder upon time, it usually is in the sense that time flies. The concept of time remains an enigma, but time can also be our friend. It gives us perspective in challenging times to realise that such times will pass too, just like everything else passes. Time gives us patience to endure tough times, knowing that seasons always change. In time, we also acquire wisdom to know when to let go of something and when to embrace it. So even when we sometimes lack time, it is always reassuring to know that circumstances will eventually change, and things mostly have a way of working itself out anyway.
 
Even though everyday life has returned to a kind of normal in recent months, there was no lack of unexpected surprises and challenges during the past year, but then we also know thát is what life is all about. Every day is unchartered territory with its own successes and failures, the good and the bad. It just emphasizes that we are supposed to take one day at a time. A wise man once said: Live as if you will die today, but plan as if you will live forever. None of us are guaranteed a tomorrow, thus we must make the best of what we have, in the moment, in the day that is still granted to us.
 

THANK YOU!

 
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every intermediary for your continued support of Legatus Trust and for promoting our services during 2022. We appreciate you and your support and will continue to strive to always deliver excellent service, despite all the obstacles encountered along the way. We look forward to continuing on this journey with you in the new year. May you return refreshed and rejuvenated after a well-deserved time with your loved ones.
 
We also wish you the best of luck with the last stretch of 2022! If the the hustle and bustle start to feel overwhelming, remember that quality time with loved ones, family and friends is around the corner. If you are lucky enough to be going away on holiday, try to take the time to enjoy the scenery along the way as well. We are always in such a rush to get to our destination that we sometime lose sight of the fact that the journey is also part of the vacation experience.
 
A great many people spend a significant time on planning the transfer of financial wealth. But life isn’t just about passing on a financial legacy. It is so much more than that. A legacy extends to establishing a family identity and values that will guide the next generations. Without this guidance, the next generations may be found wanting. We hope that this festive season affords you the opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones while establishing a lasting legacy.
 
 
LEGATUS TRUST PERSONNEL
 
To all Legatus Trust personnel: Thank you for your hard work and dedication throughout the year. It was a year which demanded a lot from everyone with numerous hurdles to overcome, but you put your shoulder to the wheel, and we commend you for that.
 
Thank you for your commitment through challeging times and for staying positive and dedicated to our company. We know that the company will go from strength to strength, with renewed focus on providing excellent service.
 
May you enjoy a blessed and relaxing time with your loved ones, family and friends during the festive season. We look forward to welcoming you back, refreshed in 2023, ready to take on all of the challenges that it will most certainly throw at us, head-on!