“This cause is very close to my heart as my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and battled it for six years before passing. While we had known about her diagnosis for some time, it truly hit me emotionally on the day of my confirmation when she spent the entire day with my family and by the end, had forgotten why she was there. I was 14 years old, and when she hugged me goodbye, she wished me a happy birthday. It was a small moment, but it was the first time I truly felt the weight of her condition and how it was changing her. Watching her struggle and seeing the changes in her behavior was incredibly hard, but it also highlighted the importance of family. It brought my family together more often to visit her and spend time together, which I will cherish forever.”

~Sarah Micek

Experience Team Manager, Cornerstone Financial Solutions

Branch Associate, RJFS

Capturing Family Memories

If you’ve ever flipped through old photos or watched grainy home videos, you know the bittersweet feeling of wanting to freeze time—to hold on to those precious moments, relive them, and share them with future generations. Some of the most valuable aspects of a family’s legacy are intangible—traditions, shared values, and family history. Preserving those memories is an investment in what matters most.

From celebrating special events to capturing the beauty of everyday life, there are more tools than ever to help you create lasting keepsakes. The key is finding an approach that works for you and helps keep those connections alive for years to come. To help you get started, here are some ideas to preserve your cherished memories:

1. Turn Photos Into Stories: Photo Books

A picture says a thousand words, but a photo book tells the whole story. Services like Shutterfly, Mixbook, or Chatbooks make it easy to create albums to showcase your favorite photos and add captions, dates, and personal notes. Imagine your children flipping through a beautifully crafted book, laughing over silly moments, or admiring milestone memories.

2. Speak from the Heart: Digital Journals & Story Apps

For those who love storytelling, digital journals are a fantastic option. Apps like Day One allow you to pair photos and even video snippets with your written reflections. These digital entries can be shared across devices and stored in the cloud, making them easily accessible for future generations. Story apps like StoryWorth prompt family members with questions and compile answers into a book, perfect for capturing family history in a simple, engaging way. One day, your family might say, “I never knew this!” as they discover a part of your history.

3. Hold a Piece of the Past: Memory Boxes

There’s something magical about holding something tangible in your hands that brings stories to life. A memory box filled with mementos like ticket stubs, postcards, handwritten letters, or tiny artwork is like  a time capsule. Companies like Savor offer beautifully designed, curated keepsake boxes to store these items beautifully and evolve over the years.

4. Make the Everyday Extraordinary: Video Diaries

Whether you’re filming a quick chat over breakfast, capturing laughter during a family game night, or recording an interview with a parent, tools like WeVideo and iMovie make it easy to edit and store these snippets.

5. Create a Digital Family Hub

For tech-savvy families, a family website offers a modern way to stay connected no matter where life takes you. Platforms like Wix and Squarespace allow everyone to contribute photos, blog entries, and even family timelines. It’s a fun way to preserve memories and keep a family archive.

By taking small steps to preserve your memories, you’re creating more than just keepsakes. You’re building a foundation of love and connection for future generations. Let’s make those memories last.

Your Next Step:

Ready to begin your legacy project? Start small. Choose one idea and take the first step.  Whether you create a photo book, a memory box, or a short video, each action is a building block. And remember that even the most advanced tools are only as powerful as the people who use them – preserving your family’s memories starts with your heart.

If you’re unsure where to begin, we’re here to help you take the first step. Because at Cornerstone, we believe every great plan builds on what matters most – your family’s unique story.

Not a Cornerstone Client?

We can help you build a plan and define the legacy you’d like to pass on to future generations.

Call 605-357-8553 or email cfsteam@mycfsgroup.com today to schedule an appointment with one of our Wealth Managers.

CSP #684296 Exp 1.9.26

Raymond James is not affiliated with the above-mentioned digital services providers. This content was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence.