I know this isn’t a pleasant topic but it’s so important! None of us are guaranteed a tomorrow and dying without a will puts an unnecessary strain on your family. It is not ok when you get sick, or when you die, to leave financial chaos behind you for everyone else to clean up. It will be hard enough for those around you to bear the grief of your terrible illness or death; imagine, for a minute, their pain. Please don’t also force them to have to deal with all the matters you could have taken care of while you were alive and healthy.
As an added bonus, by taking care of this unpleasant yet very important matter, I promise you will also gain peace of mind for yourself, knowing that your heart and mind are free from worry about the what-if’s in life because you have planned and prepared for it.
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A 2017 survey found that nearly 6 in 10 Americans don’t have a will.. That’s crazy!
What is a will?
A will is simply a piece of paper that states who you want to get what when you die. But, it’s also a legal document, which is where the trouble can begin. When you’re dealing with a will, you’re dealing with the courts.
Why making a Will is Important
A will states what YOUR wishes are. Do you have children? Who do you want to care for them if something happens to you? Are you remarried? Do you want your current spouse to be taken care of? Or, conversely, do you want to make sure the new spouse does not get your children’s inheritance? Each state has its own laws when it comes to settling the affairs of someone without a will. If you don’t have one, a judge will appoint an administrator. Usually, they appoint the spouse and then the children to serve as a personal representative, but is that something you really want to leave to chance?
I recently had lunch with a friend who just lost her dad. She had just found out that he died intestate. Intestate means dying without a will. She was overwhelmed by the thought of having to figure out how to sell his house and guess as to how he would want his remaining assets to be distributed. So, while grieving, she also has to deal with the mess he left behind.
Making a Will Online
Hopefully, I have motivated you to draft a will. But, maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed with the idea of long and expensive lawyer visits. Good news! If you are looking to make a simple will to take care of basic things like your property, children, investments and personal items, then you can do it online.
A very easy and cost effective way to go about making a will is to utilize a legal forms company. This website will walk you through and help you answer all the situations specific to your wants and needs.
IMPORTANT: Choose the correct state that you are living in and follow the rules when it comes to having your will signed and dated by appropriate witnesses! Failing to do this can invalidate your will!
Let’s get it done!
You’ve got this! A will is the last gift you’ll leave your family and loved ones. Your loved ones depend on you to make a will. Don’t be one of the 6 in 10 that don’t have a will. Click on the link here and get it done today. And, if you have questions or concerns, you can always comment on this blog or email me: moneysmartjackson@gmail.com.
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