[WRITTEN BY TRUST & WILL PARTNER RIANKA R. DORSAINVIL - CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER]
As a millennial, the last thing that comes to mind is creating a Will. There are so many other balancing acts we have in these pivotal years of adulthood: paying off debt, becoming new parents, saving for retirement, and the many other pulls that life has to offer. However, creating and maintaining Estate Planning documents are not just important, they are a critical stepping stone for future growth. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, I guide clients on the Estate Planning documents they need during major events like graduating college, entering into marriage or a committed partnership, or expanding their family (fur parents, included!).
Cost is a barrier, that’s true, and I’m so glad that Trust & Will has made it more accessible for us to approach these decision points with one less concern. It’s part of the reason I’m so excited to join the team as a resident financial planner.
There are so many areas I want to dive in with you, and I’m looking forward to doing so over the next year. To begin, let’s start with the basics: overcoming the mental hurdles of creating a Will.
There are three main things that have always stopped me from beginning this process: 1) it sounds morbid, 2) it seems excessive, and 3) there are too many decisions to make… who has the time?
And I suspect many millennials are facing the same issues as me.
But I know that creating a Will is a really significant measure of adulthood, and one that makes many future life decisions much easier.
Ready to dive in and conquer these fears together? Let’s go.
FEAR #1: Creating a Will makes me think of death.
Ok, I hear you loud and clear. Few of us want to consider the inevitable, that our time on Earth has an expiration date, and certainly these Estate Planning documents are good at stoking those fears.
We need to reframe the situation. Instead of planning for death, we should consider Wills as living, breathing tools that we’ll need to keep updated through all stages of life.
In that sense, they’re akin to the yearly planners that we buy to chart our hopes and goals. It’s smart to write down what we ultimately want out of life. A Will helps make sure that our goals are met when we can no longer speak for ourselves. And we can always update them! Check.
FEAR #2: I’m not wealthy, so why would I need a Will?
Do you own anything of value... like a home, car, or perhaps keepsake jewelry or family heirlooms? Are you a parent or guardian? If you possess anything of value or if anyone is dependent on you, you need a Will.
Consider it a trusted friend...a Will officially conveys your knowledge and wishes onto your family and friends. It speaks when you cannot, and in that sense it is priceless. The probate process kicks this transition into gear by authenticating the Will and testament, paying final bills and levies, and then distributing the balance to named beneficiaries. Be sure that you have a plan so they’re not faced with additional shocks after you’re gone.
FEAR #3: I’ve got decision fatigue...and regular fatigue, too!
What to watch on tv … what to make for dinner… in this day and age, there are almost too many choices to make to keep one's sanity. And, there’s not enough time to do everything.
Although creating a Will is a big decision, which should not be made lightly, we need to start somewhere and with baby steps. Trust & Will is there to help you plan for your future and create a lasting legacy. Reach out today to get started!
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