Questions to ask yourself (and your partner) before making a will
Making a will can be difficult and not something everyone really wants to think about.
Here’s a few questions to prepare you and it’s perfectly fine if you need to take a few days to think things over. If you have a partner, schedule some time together to go over the questions together. Discuss it at your money date!
Grab a notebook or online journal and here we go…
1. What do you feel a will can help you with?
2. If you have any children, who will become their guardians? What are your wishes for your children? You could also state this on a separate document, just make sure it is signed by you and your partner.
3. Would you like your estate or assets to be passed down to? Your partner or your children?
4. Who are your immediate beneficiaries?
5. If your beneficiaries are children, at what age would you like them to collect their inheritance?
6. If you have any pets, who will become their guardians?
7. Do you intend on leaving a pet trust to the guardian? If so, how much?
8. Are there any specific items you would like to gift to any particular person?
9. Would you like to make a donation to a charity?
KEEP GOING…
10. Who will be the executor of your will? This person acts on your behalf once you’ve passed.
11. Who would be a secondary executor?
12. What type of ceremony would you wish for yourself?
13. Would you like to be buried or cremated or another alternative?
14. Who will be given power of attorney? This person acts on your behalf if you are still alive but unable to make any decisions.
15. Who do you choose to be your healthcare agent? This person directs your healthcare wishes.
ALMOST DONE…
16. What is your medical plan preference? For example, do you want life-prolonging treatments or procedures?
17. Who will you want to have access to all your social media and what would you like them to do with it?
18. Who will have all your passwords to online accounts?
Phew, serious stuff! 😮💨
If getting a will done is next on your agenda, I recommend setting a date and GET IT DONE! Imagine the relief you’ll feel once this is completed. Be sure to check in on your will every year or if a major event occurs for you ( such as having a baby, buying a rental property or winning that lottery! )
Good luck and just do it.
💛