I’ve been thinking a lot about having a will lately. I’m not sure why – feeling old perhaps?
We both have a will, but they do not reflect what we actually want done with our estates should we get run over by a bus, or get mauled by a tiger. I guess the most important parts of our existing wills – that if one of us dies, the other gets everything – are still the same. But we made these wills in early 1990, just before we went overseas for the first time, when we had only very modest assets. It is now 20 years on, and although we are far (FAR) from being wealthy, we own a house and have some assets, and we have some money (our retirement savings) that we could do something with, that would make a difference in someone’s life, or that would help an organisation.
So I need to update my will. It’s one of those jobs that probably seem bigger than they really are. But it’s hard to make decisions.
If one of us dies before the other, should the remaining partner still respect the others’ wishes from their original wills. My husband’s siblings are all much wealthier than my own. We both have different interests in terms of charities. Then of course, we have to think about our funerals. Negotiation will clearly be necessary. Heck, a simple but deliberate discussion is necessary. But talking about our deaths is one thing. Doing something about our wills always seems to be something that is easy to put off. We don’t need a new will yet, we rationalise, and put it to the back of our minds.
But my husband is 50, and I’m not that far away. We need to do something. Otherwise one day, like Stieg Larsson, we might keel over after climbing some stairs, and then what happens?
Wow, is that how Stieg Larsson died? I am going to see the Dragon Tattoo movie tomorrow, can’t wait to see Lisbeth in the flesh. But I digress… thanks for this post as it reminds me I need to do the same. I don’t even have a will. I started to get one done before I went to Nigeria (since I was literally wondering if I would come back) but never finished it.
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We need to do something too.
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I’ve also been meaning to write a will, mainly because I had a complete falling out with my brother and I don’t want him to get anything. I know that sounds vindictive, but I want to make sure it goes to my nephews and organizations that help animals and children.
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Count us in on the “we have to do something too” crowd. We keep talking about it, but really need to get moving on this.
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we have everything drawn up … except for the most important part: talking to the people we would want to raise the children. that’s somehow harder than the paperwork.
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