As the New Year begins, we often reflect on improving our lives, health, and relationships. While resolutions like exercising more or eating better are common, one resolution should stand above the others. CREATING A WILL.
Why? Because a will is a powerful, lasting act of love and responsibility. It provides clarity for your loved ones, ensures your wishes are honored, and secures your legacy. We have all heard horror stories of a family member who has left behind a mess of papers, property, and wishes that took years to unravel.
If you’ve been putting it off, this New Year is the perfect time to prioritize – because you never know when you will get your angel wings.
Why a Will is a Must
At this stage of our lives (yes, you T60 person) planning ahead becomes essential—not just for you but for your family and loved ones. We must face facts, we are in dog years. That means our runway of life is getting shorter!
Without a will, the legal system decides how your assets are distributed. This process can lead to:
- Unintended Consequences: Your assets may not go to the people you intended.
- Family Disputes: Confusion and disagreements among loved ones are common when no clear instructions are in place.
- Stress and Delays: Settling an estate without a will can take years and cost more in legal fees.
A will gives you control. It ensures your wishes are followed and removes unnecessary burdens from those you care about most. If you care about others, this is the most caring thing you can do.
The Benefits of Creating a Will
A will gives you control. It ensures your wishes are followed and removes unnecessary burdens from those you care about most. If you care about others, this is the most caring thing you can do.
Drafting a will isn’t about dwelling on the end of life—it’s about embracing the power you have to help shape the future for your loved ones. As Dr. Rangan Chatterjee reminds us in The 4 Pillar Plan, small proactive steps toward health and organization can lead to long-lasting peace of mind. The same applies to financial and estate planning. You’re taking a step toward clarity, simplicity, empowerment, and peace of mind.
Procrastination is easy, but the rewards of creating a will are profound, and others will appreciate the gift of order you provided.
Peace of Mind for You and Your Loved Ones
Having a will means you can relax knowing your affairs are in order. Your family won’t have to guess what you wanted or face unnecessary complications.
Protect the People You Love
- Name beneficiaries for your assets, ensuring they go exactly where you want.
- Set up trusts for grandchildren or loved ones with special needs. Even better, give them the items or money before you are gone. In the book Die With Zero, Bill Perkins talks about why you and the person who is receiving your gift should benefit and enjoy that gift NOW.
- Avoid family disputes by clearly outlining your intentions. Our family used to say “Money is thicker than blood”, meaning when there is money involved, there is bound to be dispute.
Secure Your Legacy
A will is about more than money—it’s about preserving your life’s work and values. It allows you to:
- Pass down heirlooms, sentimental items, and cherished family traditions. Again, do it now. You may find that most children and grandchildren are not interested in the beautiful china, silver, or other items you think are prizeworthy. Look now for where they can go and don’t leave it to someone else to dispense of those items in a way that would make you cry.
- Support causes or charities close to your heart. A good example is the hundreds of ceramic cats my mother-in-law had collected over the years. We chose the ones we liked and donated the remaining cats to a cat sanctuary. They were thrilled by the gift!
Simplify the Future, by Making Your Plan NOW
- Minimize estate taxes, preserving more for your loved ones.
- Streamline the probate process, saving your family time, money and stress.
- Avoid unnecessary legal complications or expenses.
Make it Happen: Starting Your Will THIS YEAR
Taking the first step is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to make this resolution a reality:
1. Organize Your Assets
- List out your accounts, properties, insurance policies, and investments.
- Include sentimental items or heirlooms you want to pass on or donate.
2. Choose the Support that is Right for YOU. My links at the end may give you some more ideas.
- Estate Planning Attorney: Ideal for personalized, professional guidance.
- Online Platforms: Great for straightforward wills and cost-effective solutions.
- DIY Approach: An option, but ensure you follow state-specific laws.
3. Make Key Decisions
- Name an Executor: Someone you trust to manage your estate. Know what you can do in your state. Can it be two people or just one?
- List Beneficiaries: Decide who receives what—and don’t forget sentimental items (again, give them away NOW).
- Plan for Guardianship: If you care for minors or dependents, specify who will look after them. Don’t forget your pets! Who would love them as much as you do? You may have a pet that lives a long time such as a parrot or tortoise – where will they go? Perhaps your pet is senior. Will the new guardian be willing to pay for vet care? Put away money for that and other special items that may be needed (medication, food, etc.)
4. Check Out Senior Resources in Your Area or Online
Check with your local senior center or Department of Aging for free or low-cost legal aid. Many organizations offer workshops or legal assistance tailored to seniors.
Why This Resolution Matters More Than Ever
The New Year is a time for fresh starts and meaningful change. While many resolutions focus on immediate goals, creating a will has lasting benefits that extend far beyond 2025. Don’t you want to take control of your future, ensure your wishes are known, protect your loved ones, and leave a legacy that reflects you and your life’s values?
I don’t mean to be a Debbie Downer, but rather provide a reason to embrace the New Year and the opportunity to provide clarity to those you hold dear.
Make 2025 the year you fulfill this important resolution. Take the first step today by gathering your documents, outlining your wishes, and reaching out for guidance. The process is simpler than you might think. As they say at Nike, “just do it.”
Resources
If you want to read more about wills, advanced directives, etc. Here are a few blog post from the past.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
