Last updated on August 4th, 2025 at 09:39 am
August is Make-A-Will Month, a gentle yearly reminder to take care of something that truly matters. If you’ve been putting this off, you’re in good company. Did you know that 68% of Americans don’t have a will? That means two out of three people haven’t taken this important step yet. You’re definitely not alone in thinking “I’ll get to that someday.”
Making a will can feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. But here’s how we like to think about it: creating a will isn’t about endings—it’s about caring for the people and causes you love, and ensuring your values continue to make a difference long after you’re gone. It’s simply a plan you can build and shape over time, just like tending a garden or maintaining your home.
Why Make a Will? It’s About the People You Care About
It protects the people you love most. If you have children under 18, your will allows you to choose someone you know and trust to care for them. Without this guidance, that decision gets made by others who may not understand your family the way you do.
Your wishes get honored. A will ensures your assets—everything you own—go exactly where you want them to go. Whether it’s your home, your savings, or that special piece of jewelry, you get to decide who receives what. Without a will, state laws decide who receives what, and that might not align with what you’d have chosen.
It brings genuine peace of mind. Having a will makes things easier for your loved ones during an already difficult time. It can help prevent family conflicts and confusion when people are grieving and need clarity most. And it gives your loved ones one less thing to worry about.
How to Make a Will
You don’t need to hire an expensive attorney right away. Simple, free tools like FreeWill.com can help you create a basic will that covers the essentials. It’s a great place to get started, and you can always update your will as your life changes.
Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
Make a list of what you own. Your home, bank accounts, investments, and meaningful personal items. Don’t forget to note any debts too. This gives you a clear picture of your estate.
Think about your beneficiaries. Who do you want to inherit your assets? This could include family members, friends, or organizations that matter to you. If you have minor children, consider who you’d trust to care for them, their guardian. This is perhaps the most important decision you’ll make in your will.
Choose an executor. Someone reliable and trustworthy who can manage your estate and carry out your wishes.
While simple online tools work well for many situations, you might want professional help if you have complex family dynamics, significant assets, or own a business. In these cases, working with an attorney can provide valuable peace of mind.
“No one lives forever, but there are still ways to make a positive impact on the world long after you’re gone.”
Leave a Lasting Impact with a Legacy Gift
While you’re thinking about your plan consider this: no one lives forever, but we can create something meaningful for tomorrow, a legacy.
Legacy giving—supporting causes you care about through your will—is one of the most powerful ways to make a positive impact long after you’re gone.
It’s simpler than you might think. You can designate a percentage of your estate or a specific amount to organizations that have shaped your life or align with your values. Maybe it’s a local nonprofit that’s helped your family, or a cause that’s always been close to your heart.
Every gift makes a difference, regardless of size. What matters is the intention behind it and your desire to support what you believe in.
The beauty of legacy giving is that it costs nothing today but creates something meaningful for the future. And, you can always update your will as your life changes. Nothing has to be permanent.
Take the First Step: Make a Will This Month
Your future, your choices. Whether you’re 30, 60, or 90, it’s never too early or too late to create your will. Make-A-Will Month is the perfect time to think about what you want to create for the next generation.
Making a will is one of the most caring things you can do for the people and causes you love. Creating a will isn’t about endings, it’s a continuation. You have the power to shape what comes next. Your plan reflects your life, your values, and your hopes for the future.
Ready to get started? Visit FreeWill.com to begin creating your will today.
As you reflect on what matters most in your planning, you’re welcome to reach out if you’d like to explore including Age Well in your legacy. With Legacy Giving, a gift in your will can help ensure the work we do in supporting Vermonters to age with dignity, independence, and confidence, now and for generations to come.
For more information, contact Lo Wolf, Director of Major Giving, at (802) 662-5207 or [email protected].
