When it comes to writing your will, it’s easy to remember the big stuff, like the house or the bank account. But those little details usually slip through the cracks and end up making a world of difference for the people we leave behind. Today, we’re looking at 20 things you really shouldn’t leave out of your will.
Pampering Pets
Around 66% of us have pets, and we all know they’re part of the family. Just like any family member, they need to be taken care of if something happens to you. In your will, make it clear who’s going to spoil them just like you do. After all, you don’t want to leave them getting belly rubs and treats from just any old person, do you?
Letters From Beyond
Giving your loved ones a personal note from you after you’ve gone is like giving a hug from beyond the grave. Put these letters in your will and share those final words with them, or just tell them all over again how much you love them. It’ll give your will even more of a personal touch that means the world.
Family Treasures
That old watch from Grandpa or the china set from your wedding might not mean much to everyone, but they sure do to your family. Make it clear who gets what in your will to keep things sweet and simple. This way, you can avoid any family drama over who’ll get the teapot or antique dollhouse.
Helping Others
If there’s a cause that’s close to your heart, why not leave a little something to keep the good feelings going? In your will, you should mention any donations you want to make so you can help people in need, even when you’re not there with them. Better yet, you could even try setting up a fund to continue this support for years to come.
Funeral Plans
There’s no denying that planning a funeral is hard on people, so you should try to make things a little easier by putting your ideas in your will. It doesn’t matter if it’s just the music or the flowers because every little helps and stops your family from guessing what you want. You don’t want to leave them paying for it all themselves, as, on average, it costs around $8,300.
Deciding a Guardian
If you have any young kids, naming a guardian in your will is pretty important because you’ll be able to make sure they’re looked after by something you trust in a way that you approve of. No matter what, you’ll know they’ll be in good hands. Just make sure you tell this person or couple beforehand, as you don’t want to leave them with any surprises.
Unfinished Business
Any business owners should make sure to mention what they want people to do with it in their will. This way, your hard work pays off just like you planned, and things are a little less stressful for your loved ones. Give them some guidance on who to contact and specific details about how they should run the business.
Your Entire Collection
No matter what kind of collection you own, you should make sure your will tells people what to do with it after your pass. Write down who gets what vinyl records from your collection or if you want your stamps donated or sold. After all, this is your hobby, and you should decide what happens to its future.
Online Life
Got a Facebook account? What about your online shopping points or Instagram profile? Make sure you mention all your digital stuff in your will so your loved ones can close them. They’ll also be able to hold onto your photos or anything you’ve left online, as your digital presence is just as important as your physical one.
Important Passwords
Speaking of being online, you’ve got plenty of important stuff hidden behind your passwords, so make a plan in your will for someone trustworthy to get access to them. This includes your digital files and any social media accounts. You don’t want to lock out the most important people in your life when they need to get in.
Loans and Debts
So many people make the mistake of not being clear about any money they owe or are owed, including personal loans and business deals. This creates a massive headache for your loved ones and, in the case of 73% of Americans, means they’ve got to pay it off. In your will, be clear about any transactions so they can settle things fairly and quickly.
Helping the Younger Ones
If you’re thinking about your kids’ or grandkids’ education, you could set something up to help them pay those high tuition fees. It’s a great way to invest in their future and show them how much you believe in their dreams, even when you’re not there. Try setting up a specific educational trust or savings account to help with their schooling needs.
In Storage
Research shows that around 38% of Americans use self-storage facilities, and if you’re one of them, don’t forget about the stuff you might have stashed away. Make it clear in your will where it is and what’s inside, even if it’s something simple like old family photos. You don’t want your loved ones to overlook any valuable or sentinel items.
Financial Assets
You might’ve remembered your physical cash in your will, but what about the digital kind? You should include investments you have in your will, whether it’s stocks or bonds, because it makes the financial stuff a lot easier. You could also speak to a financial advisor or broker for that extra guidance.
Works of Art
Have you ever painted a beautiful picture or written some poems that were never published? No matter what you’ve created, you might want to include them in your will. They’re part of you, and they deserve a good home, so decide who gets each of these pieces. You never know, they might even become priceless family heirlooms.
Timeshares and Vacation Homes
Data shows there are roughly 1,5414 timeshares in America right now, but there’s nothing more painful than dealing with them and vacation homes after someone has passed. You have to be pretty explicit about who gets to take them over so everyone can keep enjoying them without any fuss. Your loved ones deserve a bit of a break, don’t they?
Medical History
It might sound silly since you’ve already passed, but you should include a note about your health history in your will. Why? It could be a lifesaver for your children or grandchildren because it’ll let them know about any hereditary conditions or health risks. This way, they can make their own health choices and manage their health more effectively.
Safety Deposit
Make sure your safety deposit box doesn’t get lost in the shuffle by writing down where it is and what’s in there. It’ll let your family know about the box so they can handle what’s inside it, whether that’s some important items or just some documents. You need to keep those valuables in the right hands.
Membership Details
If you’re part of a club with some nice perks, make sure your will tells people what to do with your membership. After all, there could be someone you’d love to pass it on to who’d appreciate it just as much as you do. Letting people know what’s going on will keep the good times going for someone special, which is the ultimate gift from beyond.
Personal Property
Lastly, don’t forget about all that physical stuff you have. While it might not be worth much on eBay, it could mean a lot to your family, like your favorite fishing rod or that cool lamp in your office. Make it clear in your will who you’d like to inherit so someone’s treasuring each part of your story.
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