5 reasons why young people should write a Will
Life admin is a necessary part of being an independent adult. As well as studying, working, doing your taxes, creating a budget, buying groceries, and housekeeping – you may want to consider writing a Will.
A Will is a legal document where you can clearly outline your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets if you were to pass away unexpectedly. Without a Will, your loved ones may not know how to distribute your belongings, and may end up spending a lot of time and money settling your affairs, while trying to cope with your loss.
While it may seem like Will-writing is something that only older people need to worry about, especially the elderly, the truth of the matter is that you might want to get your Will sorted out sooner, rather than later.
If you're young and healthy, writing a Will is probably the last thing on your mind. You might think it will be many years before you need one – and you're probably right, but here are 5 reasons why you may want to consider writing your Will.
In a hurry?
Click on the link below to go directly to the reason you’re most interested in:
- A Will makes you feel in control
- Decide who will care for your children or pets in your Will
- Leave your prized possessions to the right people in your Will
- Distribute your inheritance in your Will
- Leave a gift to charity in your Will
1. A Will makes you feel in control
Getting into good habits from a young age eases the burden of having to make difficult decisions later in life. It is also a great way to feel more in control of your finances, your future, and your life in general.
You can also include specific details of your wishes in your Will. For instance, if you are unable to make decisions towards the end of your life, your Will can clarify your wishes to your loved ones so they aren’t left to make a difficult decision that others in your family may not agree with.
If you know what you want, a Will would be a guaranteed way to ensure your wishes are respected. However, once you have a Will prepared, it doesn’t mean you can’t have something changed.
By leaving a gift in your will, you’ll help us treat patients, train eye health workers, equip clinics, and move closer to ending avoidable blindness.
Photo credit: The Fred Hollows Foundation
2. Decide who will care for your children or pets in your Will
If you own an animal, it’s probably really important to you that they are well-looked after. Maybe there’s someone in your circle of family and friends your pet is really attached to. You could talk to them about taking in your pet, if the need arises. You can also have second and third back-ups ready to be on the safe side.
3. Leave your prized possessions to the right people in your Will
A Will is a great way to take inventory of things that you hold dear and consider their care once you are no longer able to take care of them or enjoy them.
4. Distribute your inheritance in your Will
By clearly outlining how you want your inheritance dispersed, you can save your loved ones a long and strenuous legal proceeding, and make it easy for your inheritance to be made available to the right parties as per your wishes.
Your gift in Will can restore sight and change lives – helping people see the world again after simple surgery.
Photo credit: The Fred Hollows Foundation
5. Leave a gift to charity in your Will
Writing down a list of charities in your Will that you would like to give a donation to is a great way to ensure worthy causes close to your heart are supported in your memory. This may include charities like The Fred Hollows Foundation. Like Fred, your legacy will live on, helping to end avoidable blindness. As little as 1% of your estate can create a future we all want to see.
We would love to hear from you. For a confidential chat, contact Nadia Aden, Relationship Manager, Planned Giving at [email protected] or 1800 325 352.
Related articles
5 reasons why our donors trust us
5 things to consider when writing a Will
How you can give back to those with avoidable blindness