I’m 27 and I’ve Already Written My Will – Here’s Why
BBC News shares a story about Erin Atkinson, a 27-year-old who has already drafted her will, exploring the reasons behind her decision.
Why Write a Will at 27?
At first, Erin felt it was surreal to consider writing a will, as it’s often associated with older individuals. However, she recognized the importance and benefits of having her wishes documented.
What She’s Decided
- Car: Erin’s £7,000 car will be passed on to her sister.
- Necklace: A gold necklace given to her by her partner will be returned to him.
- Charity: She plans to donate a portion of her money to an endometriosis charity, a cause close to her heart.
Debunking Misconceptions
Sophia Maslin, founder of Morby (an app for creating online wills), highlights a common misconception: the belief that one needs substantial assets to have a will. She argues that even with savings, investments, pensions, social media accounts, pets, or funeral wishes, it’s essential to consider these as part of your estate.
Erin’s Inspiration
Erin’s decision was influenced by her friend’s homeownership and Sophia Maslin’s TikTok videos sharing her cousin’s story of dying without a will, which led to complicated family dynamics. She also realized she had more financial assets than she thought, like premium bonds, through the will-writing process.
Practical Benefits
Eleanor Hodgson, a solicitor, emphasizes that having a will isn’t just about assets; it helps appoint someone to manage your bank accounts and debts. She adds that the challenges of not having a will can be hard to fathom until a critical time arises.
Encouraging Young People
Sophia Maslin encourages young people to consider making wills, despite their age or perceived asset value, to ensure their wishes are respected and to avoid potential complications for their families in the future.
