National Make-a-Will Month: 7 Common Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Highlights:

• National Make-a-Will Month is the perfect reminder to review your plans.
• Small oversights today can create bigger challenges later.
• Estate planning should be reviewed as life changes.
• Keeping important information organized is just as important as creating legal documents.
• Creating a will is only the beginning of a complete estate plan.

National Make-a-Will Month is the perfect time to avoid common planning mistakes.

Many of the challenges families face aren't caused by failing to prepare altogether. More often, they result from small oversights that create confusion or leave loved ones searching for answers when important decisions need to be made.

Creating a will is an important first step, but it's only one part of the process. Estate plans should be reviewed over time, and important information should be kept where it can be found when needed. Taking a few simple steps now can make a meaningful difference later.

National Make-a-Will Month is the perfect opportunity to revisit your plans and identify anything that may have been overlooked. Here are seven common planning mistakes to avoid.

1. Waiting too long is one of the biggest planning mistakes.

It's easy to assume estate planning can wait until retirement or some other milestone in the future. Unfortunately, unexpected events don't always happen on our schedule.

Getting started today allows you to make thoughtful decisions without unnecessary pressure. Even a basic estate plan creates a solid foundation that can grow and change with you over time.

2. Life changes should prompt a review.

Completing an estate plan isn't something you do once and forget.

Marriage, divorce, retirement, moving to another state, or significant financial changes may all warrant a review. Even if life has remained relatively stable, it's wise to revisit your estate plan every few years to make sure it still reflects your wishes.

3. A will is only one part of a complete estate plan.

Building a complete estate plan involves much more than a single document.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also benefit from a financial power of attorney, healthcare directives, updated beneficiary designations, or instructions for digital assets. An experienced estate attorney can help determine which documents are appropriate for your situation.

4. Good preparation won't help if no one can find it.

Completing legal documents is only part of the process. They should also be stored where they can be located without unnecessary searching.

Choose a secure location and let a trusted individual know how to access it if necessary. Organizing financial records and insurance information now can save valuable time later.

5. Digital assets deserve attention, too.

Today's lives extend well beyond paper files.

Online banking, email accounts, cloud storage, and other digital assets are often overlooked. The American Bar Association recommends including digital assets as part of an overall estate plan so fiduciaries have the authority and information needed to manage them appropriately.

6. Keeping a secure record of this information can make settling the estate much easier for the person handling your affairs.

Some conversations shouldn't wait.

Many families avoid talking about the future because the subject feels uncomfortable.

Sharing your preferences for funeral arrangements or other final wishes ahead of time provides valuable guidance and helps reduce uncertainty for those who may one day be responsible for carrying out your wishes.

7. Estate planning isn’t just for older adults.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that estate planning only becomes necessary with aging or when there’s significant wealth.

Whether you're beginning your career, raising a family, or updating documents you've had for years, having an estate plan in place is one of the most thoughtful steps you can take for the people who matter most.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is National Make-a-Will Month?
National Make-a-Will Month is observed each August to encourage people to create or review their estate planning documents and make sure they continue to reflect their current wishes.

2. What's the biggest planning mistake people make?
Waiting too long to get started. Many people believe they have plenty of time, but unexpected events can happen at any age.

3. How often should an estate plan be reviewed?
Most professionals recommend reviewing an estate plan after major life events and periodically to ensure it continues to reflect your current circumstances.

4. What documents should I have besides a will?
Depending on your situation, an estate plan may also include a financial power of attorney, healthcare directives, beneficiary designations, and information about digital assets.

5. Should digital assets be included?
Yes. Online financial accounts, email, cloud storage, and other digital records should all be considered when reviewing your estate plan.

6. Why should I discuss my wishes with my family?
Open conversations provide guidance and help loved ones feel more confident if they're ever called upon to make decisions on your behalf.

National Make-a-Will Month is also a good time to think beyond your estate plan. Creating or updating a will is an important step, but it's only one part of preparing for the future. Funeral preplanning gives you the opportunity to document your personal preferences, ease future burdens, and provide guidance for those who matter most.

If you'd like to learn more about funeral preplanning and how it complements your overall estate planning efforts, the caring professionals at Batchelor Brothers & Jones Funeral Home are here to answer your questions. Please contact us today for more information.

About Batchelor Brothers & Jones Funeral Services: A trusted African American-owned funeral and cremation provider, Batchelor Brothers & Jones Funeral Services proudly serves the Philadelphia community with compassion and care. Established in 2025 through the merger of Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services and The Escamillio D. Jones Funeral Home, the firm brings together more than 25 years of combined experience and a shared commitment to honoring lives with dignity. With two convenient locations in North and West Philadelphia, Batchelor Brothers & Jones offers a full range of personalized services—including funerals, cremations, memorials, repast planning, and grief support—delivered with cultural sensitivity and a deep connection to the community. To learn more, visit www.batchelorbrothersjones.com or call 215-549-4700.