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 I can be of help with any estate planning questions or needs.