There are some topics many of us would prefer to avoid: wills, healthcare decisions, end-of-life wishes. The issues can feel uncomfortable or overwhelming. Yet putting off these discussions often creates far more stress later on, especially for the people we love. August is National Make a Will Month, and we want to encourage you to plan for your full future. Because planning isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about making life easier during life’s unexpected moments.
Why planning matters
Most Americans agree that planning for the future is important – far fewer have taken the steps to do it. Over 80% of Americans think that having an estate plan or will is important, but only 31% actually have a will. More than 90% consider end-of-life planning and discussions valuable, yet less than half have broached the subject. The gap between awareness and action is often due to a combination of reasons: they don’t know how to start, don’t make it a priority, or don’t feel the need.
But life doesn’t always wait for the perfect moment.
Planning is more than money
When people hear “estate planning,” they often think only about writing a will. While a will is an important part of the process, it’s only one piece of a larger plan. A complete plan may include:
- A will, which explains how you want your property and belongings distributed.
- A durable power of attorney for healthcare, or healthcare proxy, naming someone you trust to make medical decisions if you cannot.
- Advance care planning documents, which communicate your preferences for future medical care.
- Financial power of attorney, allowing someone to help manage financial matters if you’re temporarily or permanently unable to do so yourself.
Together, these documents help ensure your wishes guide important decisions – not someone else’s assumptions.
And estate planning isn’t only about what happens after someone dies. It often becomes most valuable while we’re still living. Consider these common situations.
A medical emergency
After suffering a sudden stroke, Maria is unable to speak for herself. Her adult children want to help, but they disagree about what treatments she would have wanted.
Without a designated healthcare proxy or documented care preferences, difficult decisions become even more stressful. If Maria had completed advance care planning, her family would have clear guidance and greater confidence that they were honoring her wishes.
An unexpected injury
John falls and breaks his hip. His doctors expect a full recovery, but he’ll need several weeks of help at home.
Because John had already discussed his preferences with his family and completed the necessary paperwork, his daughter is able to coordinate home health services, communicate with his healthcare team, and focus on helping him recover instead of scrambling to figure out what he would want.
A family left guessing
When Robert passes away unexpectedly without a will, his children discover they have very different ideas about how to divide family belongings. What could have been a time to grieve together becomes months of paperwork, confusion, and disagreement.
Even a simple will could have provided clarity and eased much of that burden.
Peace of mind
Linda recently welcomed her first grandchild. Updating her will and healthcare documents wasn’t prompted by illness; it was prompted by love.
Today, she enjoys peace of mind knowing her plans reflect the life she’s built and the people who matter most (including her new grandchild).
Planning is a gift
The greatest benefit of planning isn’t the paperwork. It’s what the paperwork provides. Planning can give families:
- Confidence during uncertain moments
- Clear direction when important decisions arise
- Fewer misunderstandings and disagreements
- Less guilt about wondering, “Is this what Mom or Dad would have wanted?”
- More time to focus on supporting one another instead of sorting through unanswered questions
Still, it can be tough to talk with loved ones about it. Here are three ways to start talking:
- I was reading about planning for the future, and it made me realize I’d like our family to know what’s important to me.
- If something unexpected ever happened, I’d want you to feel confident making decisions not worried about guessing.
- Would you be willing to set aside a little time to talk about our plans for the future? I think it would give us all peace of mind.
When you have those conversations, here are five tips to make it go as smoothly as possible.
- Choose a calm moment. Don’t wait for a medical emergency or family crisis.
- Lead with love. Explain that you’re planning to make things easier for the people you care about.
- Take it one step at a time. You don’t have to discuss every document in one conversation.
- Invite others to share. Ask about their wishes, too. Planning is a conversation, not a lecture.
- Remember that plans can change. Wills and healthcare preferences should be reviewed after major life events and updated as needed.
Don’t count out healthcare professionals as a resource for help and guidance. Home health nurses, social workers, and care teams regularly help people discuss what matters most to them, name goals for future care, and understand the resources available to support those goals. They can also encourage conversations with family members and other healthcare providers, so everyone is working from the same understanding.
While legal documents should be completed with the proper professionals, healthcare teams help ensure those plans reflect a person’s values, preferences, and evolving health needs.
No one can predict what tomorrow will bring. But we can take steps today to make tomorrow a little easier. Creating a will, choosing someone you trust to speak on your behalf, and talking openly about your wishes aren’t just legal tasks; they’re acts of kindness for the people who care about you most.
Planning doesn’t have to happen all at once. It simply starts with a conversation. This National Make a Will Month, consider taking one small step toward a plan. Your future self – and your loved ones – will thank you.
