Why consider creating a will
When I first interviewed Ivy, she laughed when I asked if she had a will. “I don’t even have a real dining table,” she said. “Why would I have a will?” That moment of humor reflected something real. Like many millennials in their thirties, Ivy had just scratched the surface of financial planning and hadn’t thought seriously about estate planning. She didn’t consider herself wealthy. She didn’t own a home. She was unmarried, child-free, and healthy. The idea of drafting a will felt unnecessary. It seemed almost like pretending to be someone much older than she was.
But over several years, through conversations with friends, family, and even her therapist, Ivy’s view changed. Slowly, and sometimes uncomfortably, she began to understand that a will isn’t just about death. It’s about clarity, control, and care. And eventually, she realized that making one might be one of the most thoughtful things she could do for the people she loves.
Make a will: Don’t leave your family guessing
Ivy’s journey began quietly, as these things often do. Ivy’s college friend Nora went through a chaotic period after her brother passed away unexpectedly at 38. He didn’t have a will. He also didn’t have much; just a used car, a small savings account, and some personal belongings. But the lack of direction created tension among family members. Who should handle the funeral expenses? What happens to his dog? Who has the legal authority to access his bank accounts? Nora was left to sort it all out, and Ivy remembered how drained and overwhelmed she looked the last time they met for coffee. “It’s not even about money,” Nora said. “It’s about having no idea what he would have wanted.”
That conversation stayed with Ivy. She didn’t act on it right away, but it planted a seed. A few months later, Ivy jotted “make a will” in the notes app on her phone. It sat there for almost a year.
A sense of emergency: Setting up a will after a triggering event
The next nudge came from her older cousin Matt. After a minor but scary bike accident sent him to the ER, he decided to get his affairs in order. Matt was a new dad, and while he made jokes about how “boring” the process was, he also emphasized how good it felt to check it off his list finally. “It’s like insurance,” he told her during a family dinner. “You hope no one ever needs it, but you’ll sleep better knowing it’s done.”
That night, Ivy went home and googled “do I need a will if I don’t have kids.” She was surprised to find that the answer was often yes. Wills are not just about parenting decisions or splitting up assets. They cover things like naming someone to manage your digital accounts, outlining who should get sentimental items, and even specifying your end-of-life wishes. That last part made Ivy pause. She had opinions about her medical care, about organ donation, and even about cremation. But no one would know any of that unless she wrote it down.
Compare Online Will Makers
How to Make a Will, Even If You Think You Don’t Need One
Ivy’s first instinct was to hire a lawyer, but after doing more research, she realized there were other accessible options. Online will platforms have become more popular, especially for people with relatively simple estates. Some of them even offer free wills, which sounded appealing to Ivy until she read the fine print.
While free wills can be a good starting point, many don’t offer state-specific language or include clauses that might protect against disputes. Ivy eventually chose a mid-range paid service that let her create a custom will with guided prompts. The platform walked her through decisions about who should receive her belongings, who should manage her estate, and who she would trust as a healthcare proxy. It wasn’t as overwhelming as she expected. She finished the entire thing in one weekend.
She printed it, had it signed by two witnesses, and stored a copy in her file cabinet. She also emailed a digital version to her sister, just in case. The entire process cost her less than $100, and she felt a surprising amount of relief when it was done.
Risk factors to consider when making a will
While Ivy found the process empowering, she also learned that making a will involves real responsibility. If the document isn’t signed correctly or doesn’t meet the legal standards in your state, it might not hold up in probate court. Ivy triple-checked her state’s requirements and made sure her witnesses were not named in the will.
She also considered updating the document annually. Life changes, like marriage, having children, buying property, or inheriting assets, can all impact what your will needs to say. Ivy set a calendar reminder for the following year to review her documents.
One unexpected consideration was her digital life. Ivy had accounts with photos, savings apps, and even a small gold IRA. She added a simple note outlining where to find her login information and who should have access, just in case. It wasn’t morbid. It was practical.
Final thoughts: When to make a will
Ivy didn’t make a will because she expected something to happen. She made one because she loves the people in her life and doesn’t want to leave them with uncertainty. “It’s not about me,” she said. “It’s about making things easier for the people who’ll be here after me.”
For many millennials, the idea of estate planning still feels far away. But as Ivy’s story shows, making a will is not about wealth, age, or life stage. It is about care. It is about having the courage to plan for things we often avoid thinking about, and about giving the people we love one less thing to worry about when the time comes.
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer the questions that matter most when it comes to making a will.
Yes. A will covers more than property or guardianship. It allows you to name someone to manage your affairs, distribute personal items, and make decisions about your medical care or digital assets.
Free wills can be helpful for simple situations, but often lack the legal language required in certain states. They may also miss essential clauses. If you choose a free service, make sure it includes state-specific guidance and allows for updates.
Your will must be signed in front of witnesses who are not beneficiaries. Some states also require notarization. Using an online service, like Quicken WillMaker, will also help ensure that your will is binding in your state. Always check your state’s laws to ensure your will is valid.
Yes. You can amend your will through a legal document called a codicil or by creating a new will. It’s a good idea to revisit your will annually or after significant life events.
