Planning a will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your legacy aligns with what matters most to you. While many people associate wills with financial distributions alone, a well-considered will can also be a reflection of your beliefs, hopes, and personal values. Whether you care deeply about your family’s future, charitable giving, or how your possessions are handled, creating a thoughtful will offers peace of mind that your wishes will be honored.
Why Values Matter in a Will
Your will should go beyond dividing assets — it can be a powerful statement about the kind of life you’ve lived and what you wish to pass on. For some, that means prioritizing the financial security of loved ones. For others, it could involve leaving a gift to a charity, supporting causes close to their heart, or ensuring sustainable practices are considered when distributing physical belongings.
When your will reflects your values, it sends a clear message to the people you leave behind about who you were and what you stood for. It becomes more than a legal document; it becomes a personal legacy.
Start with Clarity on Your Priorities
Before you begin writing a will, take time to reflect on your values and the people or causes that have shaped your life. This might include:
- Ensuring dependents and family members are cared for
- Acknowledging friends, mentors, or others who made an impact on your journey
- Supporting charities that mirror your ideals
- Directing how you wish your funeral or memorial to be held
Listing out these priorities can make it easier to make decisions that feel right and consistent with your worldview.
Balancing Family and Philanthropy
It’s entirely possible — and often deeply rewarding — to divide your estate in a way that supports both loved ones and charitable organizations. If you’ve spent a lifetime supporting a particular cause, leaving a portion of your estate to that cause can help continue your impact.
Some people choose to leave a specific amount, while others designate a percentage of their estate as a gift. Both methods are effective and can be tailored to your financial situation and personal goals.
Making It Easier with Online Tools
Planning a will doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. There are convenient services available to guide you through the process. If you’re looking for an option that’s both accessible and supportive of a good cause, consider creating a will online with Macmillan’s free will service. It allows you to create a legally binding will from the comfort of your home, while also considering leaving a gift to a charity like Macmillan Cancer Support. Whether you leave a donation or not, the service is completely free and can help you make a plan that reflects your values.
Communicating Your Wishes
Once your will is written, don’t keep it a secret. Make sure a trusted family member, solicitor, or executor knows where to find it and understands your intentions. While the legal document speaks for itself, a conversation can go a long way in easing any future confusion and ensuring your wishes are carried out with respect.
Consider writing a letter to accompany your will — this informal document can explain your motivations and offer guidance that isn’t legally binding but is emotionally meaningful.
Keeping It Up to Date
Your values may stay the same, but circumstances change. Major life events like marriage, the birth of a child, a significant donation, or even a shift in your personal beliefs may require updates to your will. Review your will every few years or after any significant change to ensure it still aligns with your current intentions.
In Conclusion
A will isn’t just a tool for asset distribution — it’s an opportunity to leave behind something deeply personal. By taking time to plan thoughtfully and choose a service that reflects your values, you ensure that your wishes are honored and your legacy lives on in the way you want. Planning ahead is not only a practical act, but also a meaningful one.
Amber Langley
With a degree in English Language and Creative Writing, Amber has been in the writing industry since leaving university in 2021. From freelance to contracted work, she specialises in writing for a range of niches with a great understanding of language and storytelling. In her spare time, she enjoys anything from singing and writing songs to making her own costumes and jewellery