3 reasons to make a will this Make-A-Will Month

 August is National Make-A-Will Month. For many busy Americans, this yearly reminder is just the motivation they need to finally sit down and create their last will and testament. And once they do, many find the process isn’t as long or tedious as they anticipated. A will protects your loved ones, gives you peace of mind, and helps you leave a lasting legacy for the people and causes you love.

Do you still need to make your will? Whether you’ve been too busy or simply don’t know how, here are three great reasons that will motivate you to write your will this August.

1. It’s an important legal document that everyone should have.

All adults should have a will — it’s a powerful document that lets you distribute your property and protect your loved ones after you pass away. And when you take this important step during Make-A-Will Month, you’re in good company: Last August, more than 47,000 people made their will using FreeWill’s online free will software, and combined they left $597 million to charity!

Over 1.5 million people have made their estate plans using FreeWill, and that number is growing every day. If you haven’t gotten around to writing or updating your will — for whatever reason — now is a great time to join the movement.

2. It provides peace of mind to you and your family.

Wills aren’t just for the rich and famous. They make life (and death) easier for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Consider your belongings: you may not think you own a lot, but you likely have more property than you realize. Between your home, vehicles, furniture, clothing, books, and sentimental items, there can be quite a few things to account for. If you don’t have a will, your loved ones will be tasked with finding a home for all of this property when you pass on.

Creating a will prevents family conflict, eliminates confusion, and ensures your assets go to the people you choose. It also gives your family guidance and reassurance that they can fulfill your wishes during what is likely a very difficult time for them.

With a will, you can also plan ahead for those who are in your care — for example, you can name a legal guardian for your minor children and choose a caretaker for your pets.

The logistical benefits of having a will are important. But above all else, having a will creates peace of mind for you and the people you love.

3. It lets you create a legacy that lasts beyond your lifetime.

None of us live forever. But there are ways to continue making a positive impact on this world long after you leave it. One way is to donate to a charity in your will.

There are many different ways you can use your will to benefit a charity — you can give cash, stock, real estate, and more. Leaving a gift for a nonprofit in your will costs you nothing during your lifetime, but will ensure that you can make a positive impact on causes close to your heart for years to come.

One in six will-makers on FreeWill leave a gift for a charity. Our tool makes it easy to select your favorite charities and causes with just a few clicks.

Already have a will?

Congratulations — you’ve taken an important first step! Now that you have a will, it’s important to keep it updated. Estate attorneys recommend reviewing your will every three to five years, or whenever you have a big life event (like getting married, moving states, or having a child).

This month, take 15 minutes to review your will and make sure it’s up to date with your current preferences. Your life and relationships change over time — it’s important that your will reflects those changes, too.

You may also want to take a few extra minutes to make sure you’ve named beneficiaries for your non-probate assets, like your life insurance policies or retirement accounts. You can name a charity as a beneficiary of these assets as another great way to leave a lasting impact.

It’s easy and free to make a will during Make-A-Will Month

We’ve busted the myth that writing a will is expensive and time-consuming. In fact, with today’s technology, it’s become easier than ever to access high-quality, legally binding will forms online, without the cost and time associated with hiring a lawyer.

There are several low-cost or free options on the market that will help you quickly and accurately write your will. If you join the 1.5  million+ people that have created their estate plan on FreeWill, you can complete your free, legally binding will in less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite TV show.

FreeWill’s easy-to-use documents are legally binding in all 50 states, customized to you, and come with thousands of 5-star reviews. It’s also completely free to use and can take as little as 20 minutes to complete.

Making a will is the best way to protect your loved ones and support the people and causes you love most. Get started today.

Frequently asked questions

What is Make-A-Will Month?

National Make-A-Will Month takes place every August. It's an annual reminder for Americans to create or update their wills, and FreeWill has participated in Make-A-Will Month since 2019.

What happens if I die without a will?

Dying without a will means a local court decides how your property is distributed, based on your state's default inheritance laws, rather than according to your own wishes. If you have minor children, dying without a will also means the court — not you — chooses their guardian.

How long does it take to make a will?

Making a will with FreeWill's online will-maker takes as little as 20 minutes. The tool walks you through your assets, beneficiaries, and guardians, then generates state-specific instructions for signing your will.

Is it really free to make a will with FreeWill?

Making a will with FreeWill is completely free, with no credit card required and no hidden fees. FreeWill's tools are supported by nonprofit partners rather than by charging will-makers directly.

Do I need a lawyer to make a will?

Most people with a simple estate can make a will without a lawyer using an online tool like FreeWill. Hiring an attorney is a good idea if you have a complex estate, own a business, or are navigating a complicated family situation.

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