August is Make-A-Will Month, and I’m reaching out with a reminder that may benefit younger family members or friends in your life.
I’ve found that some younger Americans assume wills are for older adults with sizable estates. But the truth is that adults of all ages and income levels should have a will.
Here’s why it matters, even if you’re younger and just getting started:
- You get to decide what happens to your stuff - Even if you don’t own a house or have major investments, a will ensures that whatever you do have — like your car, bank accounts, digital assets, or pets — goes to the right people.
- You can name a guardian for your children - If you’re a parent, having a will is especially critical. A will is how you legally name who you want to take care of your kids if something unexpected happens.
- You can make medical and legal choices clear - Some wills include a living will or health care directives, which let you outline what you’d want if you couldn’t speak for yourself. That peace of mind isn’t age-dependent.
- You make things easier for loved ones - Having a will in place prevents confusion, legal delays, and stress for the people you care about most.
Creating a will is about being prepared and taking care of the people (and things) that matter to you. With that said, if you have any family members who don’t yet have a will, I encourage you to share this information with them. And as always, reach out if we can be of help with any estate planning questions or needs.
