It's estimated that 50% of people do not have wills - are you one of the 50%?
Mary: I’ll be honest, getting a Will sorted has never once crossed my mind. It’s not like I’ve got any assets, and I’m only 29! What would I do, leave my brother and sister the $300 in my savings account? Although what about my KiwiSaver?
Roger: It was only when I started thinking about all the practical steps which need to be taken did it make me see the non-financial value of a Will. Like whether I wanted to be cremated or buried and where would I want my ashes scattered? I had never discussed any of this with my family.
Kathy: I definitely want to make sure my family isn’t over-spending if they ever do have to say goodbye, so I should probably at least let them know the basics of what I want to happen.
Janet: I don’t want to sting my family with a $10,000 burial cost. I want to be cremated! I never told them that. Maybe I need a life insurance as well. It’s all a bit grim isn’t it.
Most of us cannot say when or how we’ll kick the bucket, but what we do know for sure in life is that it will end at some point, hopefully later rather than sooner. Despite this morbid certainty, an estimated 50% of Kiwis haven’t got a Will. Do you?
Without a Will, section 77 of the Administration Act determines who gets what and how much – that can create a whole lot of trouble for those we leave behind.
It’s not just about the assets you have but also whether you leave clear legally enforceable instructions or not.
If you think about how you’d like to be buried and who should receive items of high sentimental value (even if they’re financially worthless) it will make the hard work of dealing with your death a little easier for your family. It is not a topic widely talked about so writing it down ensures everyone knows your wishes and does not have to second guess decisions they make.
It is an individual choice whether you have a Will, but dying without a Will can heighten tensions between family members, especially after an unexpected death.
Most people would be surprised by the amount of times families have an almighty argument after a tragedy because they can’t agree what the intention was.
We are sure you would want people to come together in a moment of grief and do the right thing but sometimes the lack of Will is the last straw and just fuels the emotional turmoil at the time.
Preparing and signing a Will is a pretty simple investment for most people and removes a whole lot of drama at time of death.
So if you have just returned from overseas travel, about to embark on an OE, or living a settled life in Hawke’s Bay, despite being in your 20s or your 70s, maybe it’s time to think about planning ahead and taking the burden away for those left behind.
Save your loved ones the hassle, call us today to discuss your Will. Don't feel comfortable talking about it? Use our online Will form instead to provide us with your instructions.
