Make A Will Month 2025
Three reasons to make a will during August — National Make-A-Will Month.
- Peace of Mind. Wills are not only for the rich and famous. Everyone should have a will. Besides, you’re probably more wealthy than you think when you consider your home, auto, furniture, retirement accounts, hobbies, and other personal belongings.
A will is a necessary way to protect what’s important to you and it makes life, and, yes, death easier for everyone. Even if you plan to live to the age of 110, you probably still want to look after the family, friends, and organizations that matter to you.
Creating a will makes your intentions clear, thus preventing family squabbles, and ensuring that your ‘stuff’ goes where you want it to go. At a difficult time, your family can rely on your guidance to fulfill your wishes. - An Important Legal Document. Having a will lets you distribute your property and protect your loved ones, including your pets. If you do not have a will when you pass away, the state will make those decisions for you according to state laws and it’s probably not the same way you would have.
- Create your Legacy. As much as we don’t want to think about it, none of us lives forever. Yet, most of us want to know that our lives made a difference – to our family and our friends, and to our community.
Through your will, you can leave a positive impact long after your lifetime. In addition to your loved ones, you can use your will to benefit charity(ies), plus, there may be tax benefits to your estate. You can use cash, stock, real estate, or retirement accounts, for example. The nonprofit(s) who benefit will ensure your gift is used as intended.
Including a nonprofit organization in your will gives you complete access to them during your lifetime and will ensure you make a positive impact on causes and organizations close to your heart for years to come.
By writing (or updating) your will, you will be secure in the knowledge that you have planned for their futures as best you can and that your legacy is preserved in the way you envision. During a difficult time, it helps to reduce the stress and anxiety of your loved ones, to provide a roadmap for your personal affairs, to clarify your wishes, potentially, reducing family conflict, to alleviate time and cost to your family in respecting your wishes, and to give yourself peace of mind.
You’re busy and life is unpredictable. Be kind to your family by taking this opportunity during Make a Will Month to update or create your will.
In addition to talking with your family and legal advisors, you can find information on our Ways to Give page.