August: National Make-A-Will Month Awareness

August marks National Make-A-Will Month—a timely opportunity to spotlight an often-overlooked yet critical topic. Many people, especially younger adults, may believe that wills are only for the elderly or wealthy. This is a common misconception. The truth is, creating a will is a proactive and caring decision, regardless of age or income level.

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. Imagine a young professional with a growing collection of valuable digital assets, knowing that a will can direct these to loved ones as easily as physical assets.

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. Picture the peace of mind knowing your chosen guardian will step in, as opposed to leaving such an important decision up to a court.

You 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. Consider a scenario where a sudden illness would require someone else to make decisions that align with your values and wishes.

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. The idea of sparing your loved ones unnecessary legal headaches at a difficult time is a compelling reason to take action.

Creating a will is a responsible and compassionate step that helps protect loved ones and gives you control over your wishes. Use this month as motivation to either create a will or encourage younger family members and friends to do so. Peace of mind is not something reserved for later in life—it's a gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones now.