Make-A-Will Month: Why Every Adult Needs a Will

What is Make-A-Will Month and why does it exist?

Make-A-Will Month is an annual awareness campaign that encourages adults to create or update a will so their wishes are clearly documented. During the month of August, organizations share education and free or low-cost tools to help people protect loved ones, simplify future decisions, and feel more at peace about the future.

Make-A-Will Month exists to close that gap. It’s a dedicated moment each year to pause, reflect, and take a small but powerful step for the people you care about. Instead of treating a will as something to handle “someday,” this month invites you to move it to the top of your list.

Why a will matters no matter your age or stage of life

Make-A-Will Month highlights something many people don’t realize: wills are not just for older adults or people with large estates. Every adult can benefit from having a will, because it’s ultimately about clarity, care, and reducing stress for others. Age or income level does not change the fact that someone will need to make decisions on your behalf someday.

For young adults, a will can direct who receives savings, personal items, or digital assets, and can name someone you trust to handle final details. If you are a parent or caregiver, a will lets you nominate guardians for minor children and outline how you would like them to be supported. Later in life, a will becomes a way to coordinate with other planning tools and make sure your wishes stay up to date.

Without a will, local courts and state laws decide what happens to your property and responsibilities. That process can be slower, more expensive, and more confusing for the people you leave behind. By creating a will at any stage of life you give loved ones a clear roadmap when they need it most.

How a will protects the people, pets, and causes you care about

Make-A-Will Month is a reminder that a will is about much more than money. It is a way to protect the people, pets, and causes that matter most to you. One key role of a will is to name an executor: the trusted person who will manage your estate, pay remaining bills, and distribute your property according to your instructions.

A will also lets you decide who receives specific belongings, from a home or savings account to cherished personal items. You can be clear about who should receive what and, if needed, who should not. If you have dependent children, you can nominate legal guardians so a person you trust is ready to step in and provide day-to-day care, stability, and guidance.

Many people are surprised to learn that they can also use a will to arrange care for pets and support favorite nonprofits. You can name a pet guardian and set aside funds for ongoing care, or leave a portion of your estate to an organization that reflects your values. 

Why consider including a nonprofit in your will

Including a nonprofit in your will is a meaningful way to reflect your values and extend your impact. After providing for loved ones, you can also support a cause that matters to you. Charitable gifts made through your will may also reduce estate taxes, potentially preserving more of your estate for your heirs. 

You have options. You can leave a specific amount or a percentage of what remains. Even a modest planned gift can help sustain important work and create lasting benefit for others.

For many people, this choice brings peace of mind. It is a way to care for both the people closest to you and the causes you want to support in the future. 

You can support Easterseals Blake Foundation by using FreeWill's online tool that smooths the will-making process.

Simple steps to make your will this Make-A-Will Month

Make-A-Will Month is an ideal time to finally check this task off your list in a manageable way. The process does not have to be lengthy or overwhelming. Many people are able to create a basic will in under an hour by following a guided checklist, whether online or with a legal professional.

Start by making a simple inventory of your major assets (such as your home, vehicles, accounts, and personal items with special meaning). Next, think about who you would want to receive those assets, and who you trust to serve as your executor and, if relevant, as a guardian for children or a caregiver for pets. Writing down these decisions before you start will make the process smoother.

From there, choose a will-making approach that feels right for you. With Easterseals Blake Foundation's FreeWill partnership, you can create a will for FREE online, and update it anytime as life changes.

By using Make-A-Will Month as your starting point, you give yourself and your loved ones lasting peace of mind.

Lin, L., & Horowitz, J. M. (2026, July 9). How many Americans have made a will, discussed end-of-life preferences? Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2025/11/06/experiences-with-estate-planning-and-discussing-end-of-life-preferences/