Why Make-A-Will Month Matters (And How to Finally Get Yours Done)

August is National Make-A-Will Month, and it’s one of the best times all year to stop procrastinating and finally get your estate plan in place. Most people intend to make a will—but never actually do it. Right now, only about 32% of Americans have a will, a decline from prior years, even though most agree it’s important. That gap means too many families are left unprepared if the unexpected happens.

This post will explain why making a will matters, what’s holding people back, and give you a straightforward, step-by-step way to finally get it done—all starting with a free, easy-to-use Estate Planning Starter Checklist.

Why It Matters

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly. It’s about making sure your wishes are known, your loved ones are protected, and unnecessary delays, costs, and confusion are avoided.

Without a will, state law decides who inherits your property, and courts may appoint guardians for minor children—decisions you could have made yourself. Kiplinger
Probate can be costly and emotionally draining. Many people vastly underestimate the time and money it takes; probate expenses often run 3–7% of the estate’s value, and the process can take months or longer. Trust & Will PR Newswire

Only 32% of Americans have a will -do you?

Even when people know estate planning matters, they don’t act: there’s a disconnect between awareness and follow-through, and common myths (like “I don’t have enough to worry about” or “I’m too young”) keep good intentions from becoming action. Caring Financial Sense

August’s spotlight—Make-A-Will Month—is a reminder that this is the month to stop saying “someday” and start doing. LawLion www.heart.org

What’s Holding People Back (And Why It’s Easier Than You Think)

Here are the top reasons people delay, and the reality:

“It’s too complicated.”
Estate planning can be simplified by starting with the right information. That’s what the free checklist helps you do.
“I don’t have enough assets.”
Estate planning isn’t just about money—it’s about naming guardians, deciding who manages things if you’re incapacitated, and avoiding family conflict later. Vanilla
“I don’t have time or money.”
A basic will or trust can often be completed quickly and affordably—especially when you use a guided solution that walks you through it step by step. LawLion

Probate can consume 3–7% of your estate

How to Finally Get Your Will Done (Step-by-Step)

Download the free Estate Planning Starter Checklist.
It helps you gather everything you need before you begin—name beneficiaries, guardians, assets, and more.
Work through the checklist.
Fill in the key details so you’re not guessing later. This makes creating the will/trust faster and more accurate.
Choose your document solution.
Use the resource I recommend to create your will or trust easily online—no lawyer required for simple plans.
Review basics (guardian, executor, beneficiaries).
Decide whom you trust to carry out your wishes and care for dependents.
Finalize and save.
Complete the document, sign it according to the instructions (some states require witnesses/notarization), and store it where your trusted person can find it.
Tell someone.
Let at least one person know where the documents are and who you’ve appointed.

Q: Do I need a lawyer?

A: For straightforward wills and trusts, online guided solutions can be sufficient and much more affordable. Complex estates might benefit from a professional, but this checklist and recommended resource get most people started correctly

Q: How long does this take?

A: Gathering your information with the checklist takes 10–45 minutes. Completing the actual will/trust can often be done in a single session.

Q: What if I change my mind later?

A: Many documents (like a revocable will or trust) can be updated—just revisit and revise as life changes.

Ready to Get Started?

Make-A-Will Month is happening now—don’t let another year go by with uncertainty.
👉 Download your free Estate Planning Starter Checklist
👉 Create your will or trust here – Fast. Affordable. Peace of Mind.

If you have questions, reply to this post or send me a message -I’m happy to help you take the next step.

Warmly,

DISCLOSURES:

Precision Notary and its employees are not attorneys licensed to practice law in this state. We are not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities.

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