You know that sinking feeling when you can’t find the password to your own streaming account? Now imagine your family trying to locate your life insurance policy, online banking info, or pet care instructions; without you there to explain. That’s why your future self will thank you for making a will today.

August is National Make-A-Will Month, a reminder that creating a will isn’t just for the wealthy, retired, or terminally ill, it’s a gift of clarity for the people you love. For Gen X and Boomers, juggling careers, kids, and aging parents, a will is a time-saving, chaos-reducing tool that ensures your wishes are carried out exactly how you intend.

• Myth: I don’t have enough assets to bother.
  Fact: Your will covers more than money, things like guardianship for kids, digital accounts, sentimental items, and even pet care.
• Myth: Online wills are risky.
  Fact: Reputable online platforms can be secure and legally binding. Just verify state requirements and store your will safely.
• Myth: I’m too young to need one.
  Fact: Life is unpredictable. A will gives you peace of mind today; and you can update it anytime.
• Myth: My spouse automatically gets everything.
  Fact: Without a will, state law decides who gets what. That may not align with your wishes, especially for blended families or unmarried partners.
• Myth: It takes too long and costs too much.
  Fact: You can complete a basic will in under two hours, often for less than the cost of a night out.

• List all assets: bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, property.
• Choose guardians for children (and pets).
• Select beneficiaries for accounts and possessions.
• Gather passwords and key documents in one secure location.

• Appoint a healthcare proxy (medical decision-maker).
• Create a financial power of attorney (POA).
• Complete a HIPAA release so trusted people can access medical info.

• Choose your method: DIY online service (check state rules) or attorney.
• Sign in front of witnesses as required by your state.
• Store securely and share location with your executor and loved ones.

A will is like your “final instruction manual,” activated after your passing. It names guardians, outlines distributions, and designates an executor. A trust, meanwhile, can take effect while you’re alive and offers more privacy, faster asset transfer, and sometimes tax advantages. Wills are great for straightforward estates; trusts are better if you own property in multiple states, have significant assets, or want to avoid probate entirely. Many people benefit from having both.

• Digital assets: email, cloud storage, social media, crypto wallets
• Subscriptions & memberships: streaming, fitness, clubs
• Pet care instructions & vet contacts
• Student loan details & repayment plans
• Small business shares or partnership agreements
• Life insurance beneficiaries
• 401(k), IRA, and brokerage account updates
• Transfer-on-Death (TOD) / Payable-on-Death (POD) account designations
• Household “how-to” (bill payments, maintenance schedules)

A simple DIY will can cost $0–$200 and be finished in under two hours. Attorney-drafted wills range from $300–$1,000, depending on complexity. Updating beneficiary designations on accounts is free, and often bypasses probate entirely.

For family caregivers, the hardest days are often made harder by uncertainty. A will, combined with a POA and healthcare proxy, gives your loved ones a clear roadmap so they can focus on care, not court dates.

Happy Mountain Home Care supports Broward County families in planning for the future. Call 954-654-8186 for a free in-home safety assessment. Because safeguarding your home is just as important as safeguarding your future .

Q1: Do I need a lawyer to make a will?
A: Not always. Many states allow self-made wills, but an attorney can ensure it meets local laws.

Q2: What happens if I move to another state?
A: Review your will with an attorney; laws can differ. Updates are usually simple.

Q3: Where should I store my will?
A: In a fireproof safe or with your attorney. Tell your executor where to find it.

Q4: How often should I update my will?
A: After major life events: marriage, divorce, births, moves, or big purchases.

Q5: Can I include digital assets in my will?
A: Yes. List accounts, logins, and instructions for your executor.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult an attorney licensed in your state for guidance tailored to your situation.