Frequently Asked Questions

What is a personal history, and how is it done? Personal histories capture the story of your life in audio, book, or video format. We compile your life story through conducting a series of fun, relaxed interviews in your home or location of choice. 

Usually, we will begin by talking about your ancestry, memories of your parents and grandparents, your childhood, and school days. Then, we will move on to mid-life subjects such as marriage, children, work, and beyond. The last section of the interview is reserved for you to share reflections on your life and the world, words of wisdom, and hopes for the future.

Why should I record my life story? When you record your life story, you are giving your loved ones much more than could be found in a traditional inheritance. You are passing along your life legacy --- your memories, lessons, and values. 

A recent survey* conducted by a life insurance company found that "non-financial leave-behinds," such as morals and life lessons, are 10 times more important to baby boomers and their parents than the material goods typically included in a will.

But life is busy these days, and so the memories and life lessons that we value often are not being conveyed to our loved ones. Whether it's because we don't have the time or we don't know how to ask the right questions, we're missing out on an invaluable opportunity to transfer our legacy to our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Why would I schedule a life-story interview for my loved one?
Not only will you and your children gain valuable insights into the life and heart of your family member, but the process of sharing and recording a life story is often an emotionally healing experience for the person being interviewed, bringing participants a renewed energy, sense of optimism, and interest in life. 

Many people begin to share stories with loved ones that they haven't talked about in years, and they'll often begin digging through boxes of old photos and pulling out letters from long-forgotten scrapbooks. 

Why? Because interviewees are given the gift of being walked through the story of their life, pulling together all of the people, places, and events that shaped them and brought them to where they are today. They are able to see that their life has had meaning -- and they can celebrate having overcome difficulties and arriving at their current stage in life with a broadened perspective.

* See The Allianz American Legacies Study.