Will You... or Won't You??
A Myth-Busting Quiz for Make-A-Will Month
August is Make-A-Will Month, and we're putting some common misconceptions on trial!
For many of us, making a will stays on the "I'll get to it someday" list. Why? Because there are plenty of myths about who needs a will and what having one actually means. The truth is, a will isn't just about what happens after you're gone; it's about protecting the people you love, expressing your values, and ensuring your wishes are known.
Think you know the facts? Check True or False before peeking at the answers!
1. A will is basically a document that says, "I'm about to die."
Answer: X False!
A will isn't a prediction; it's a plan. Writing one is a lot like buying insurance or wearing a seatbelt. You're hoping you won't need it anytime soon, but you'll be glad it's there.
2. Wills are only for people over 70.
Answer: X False!
If you're an adult, a will is worth considering. Life changes like marriage, children, buying a home, retirement, don't wait until you're "old." A will is simply a way to make sure your wishes are known, no matter what stage of life you're in.
3. You need to be wealthy to have a will.
Answer: X False!
A will isn't about how much you own—it's about deciding who receives what matters to you. Whether you own a home, have savings, treasured keepsakes, or simply want to make your wishes known, a will allows you to decide.
4. If I don't have a will, everything automatically goes exactly where I'd want it to.
Answer: X False!
Without a will, state law determines how your estate is distributed. Those rules may not reflect your personal wishes, your family circumstances, or the people and causes that are important to you.
5. Once I write a will, it's set in stone forever.
Answer: X False!
Thankfully, it's not a tattoo! Your will can, and should, be updated as your life changes. Marriage, grandchildren, a new home, retirement, or changing priorities are all good reasons to review it.
6. A will can help make life easier for the people I care about.
Answer: YES True!
One of the greatest gifts a will can provide is clarity. It can reduce stress, minimize uncertainty, and help loved ones carry out your wishes with confidence.
7. If I include a charitable gift in my will, my family will receive less, and the gift has to be a large one to matter.
Answer: X False!
Most people who include a charitable gift in their will first make sure their loved ones are taken care of. Then, they choose a gift that feels right for them, whether that's a percentage of their estate, a specific dollar amount, or even the remainder of their estate after other gifts have been distributed. There is no "right" amount. Even a modest gift can make a meaningful difference.
Read below to learn more and take the next step!
