The “uncomfortable” conversation: “WILL”

Last year, when I posted about the importance of having a will, the reaction was exactly what I expected: a mix of curiosity, hesitation, and a fair bit of silence.

As I sat down and really reflected on the comments (and the lack thereof) from that previous post, I realised something profound. The hesitation isn’t usually because people don’t care about their families. It’s because the conversation around wills and estate planning is wrapped in layers of resistance and, quite frankly, fear. We don’t like to think about our own mortality. It feels heavy. It feels like a “taboo”.

But here is the truth I want us to embrace today: Planning for the end is actually an act of love for the living.

There are so many myths floating around that stop us from taking action. The biggest one I hear? “I’m not a millionaire, so I don’t need a will.” or “I’m too young for this.”

Let’s bust that myth right now. A will is not an exclusive club for the wealthy or the elderly. If you have anything—a car, a savings account, a sentimental collection, or most importantly, people who depend on you—you need a will. It is the only voice you have when you are no longer in the room.

Another barrier is the idea that creating a will is a bureaucratic nightmare that costs a fortune. While complex estates do require heavy legal lifting, for the vast majority of us, it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the rise of online templates and accessible legal counsel, the process is far easier than the chaos left behind when someone dies “intestate” (without a will).

READ ALSO: Why you should have a will

Why this matters more than you think

If we strip away the legal jargon, why is this actually important? Why should you put this on your to-do list this week?

1. It is the ultimate protection for your children. If you have minor children, this is non-negotiable. A will is the only place where you can legally name a guardian for your kids. Without it, the court decides who raises them. No parent wants a stranger—or a well-meaning but ill-equipped relative—making that choice for them.

2. It stops the family fighting before it starts. Grief does strange things to people. We’ve all heard horror stories of families torn apart over who gets grandmother’s ring or who takes over the house. A clear will reduces stress and conflict. It provides a roadmap that says, “This is what I wanted,” relieving your loved ones of the burden of guessing and arguing.

3. It also covers the modern world (Digital Assets). We live online now. Who manages your social media, your email, or your cryptocurrency when you’re gone? Modern wills allow you to designate someone to handle your digital legacy, ensuring your online life is closed down or memorialised respectfully.

4. It protects the business you built. If you are an entrepreneur, your business is your baby. A will ensures a smooth succession plan so that your hard work doesn’t crumble due to a lack of leadership or ownership disputes.

The bottom line

Having a will isn’t about dwelling on death; it’s about securing the future. It’s about the incredible peace of mind that comes from knowing your affairs are in order. It is a final gift to your loved ones—the gift of clarity during a time of confusion.

So, if you’ve been putting this off, consider this your gentle nudge. You don’t have to do it perfectly today, but you do need to start. Your loved ones will thank you for it.