There are three main kinds of legacy gift – a share of your estate, a cash amount, or a specific item. A share of your estate to be paid after any debts, funeral costs and cash gifts are paid (also known as a residuary legacy) A cash sum which can be index-linked to safeguard its future value (also known as a pecuniary legacy) A particular item to be used or sold by the beneficiary (also known as a specific legacy) If you are worried about providing for your family but don’t want to turn your back on your favourite causes, ask your adviser about a “reversionary legacy”, which allows you to leave assets to a named individual for their lifetime while deciding who should benefit after they have passed away.