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AUGUST 2026
protecting What Matters Most: Why Every Adult Needs an Estate Plan
A National Make-a-Will Month Financial Wellness Feature
August is National Make-A-Will Month, making it the perfect time to think about one of the most important financial decisions you can make—not for yourself, but for the people you love.
Many people assume estate planning is only for retirees or those with significant wealth. The truth is, every adult should have a plan in place, regardless of age, income, or family size. A will isn’t about how much you own—it’s about making sure your wishes are known and helping your family avoid unnecessary stress during an already difficult time.
Through Curry Construction’s SmartDollar benefit from Ramsey Solutions, employees have access to trusted financial education that extends beyond budgeting and debt payoff to protecting their family’s future.
This National Make a Will Month, take the time to build a plan that gives you—and your loved ones—peace of mind.
Why every adult needs a will
One of the biggest misconceptions about wills is that they’re only necessary later in life. In reality, every adult over the age of 18 should have one.
A properly prepared will allows you to:
And debt doesn’t stop with credit cards:
- Decide who receives your property and personal belongings.
- Name a guardian for your minor children.
- Choose the person who will carry out your wishes.
- Help reduce confusion and conflict among family members.
- Make an already difficult time a little easier for those you leave behind.
Without a valid will, state law—not you—determines how many of these decisions are made.
Creating a will isn’t planning for the worst—it’s preparing responsibly for the people who matter most.
Estate Planning Is More Than Just a Will
A will is an excellent place to start, but it’s only one piece of a complete estate plan.
Other important documents may include:
- A Living Will
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Financial Power of Attorney
- Beneficiary Designations on retirement accounts and insurance policies
- A secure list of important financial documents and account information
🔗 What is a Living Will?
Each document serves a different purpose, helping ensure your wishes are carried out if you’re unable to make decisions yourself.
Simple Is Better Than Nothing
Many people delay creating a will because they believe the process is expensive or complicated.
It doesn’t have to be.
For many families, a straightforward will covers the essentials. As your life changes, your estate plan can grow with you.
The important thing is getting started.
Estate Planning Isn’t “One and Done”
Creating your will is an important milestone—but it shouldn’t be the last time you think about it.
Life changes. Your estate plan should too.
Review your documents whenever major life events occur, such as:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Purchasing a home
- Significant financial changes
- Retirement
- Changes in beneficiaries or executors
🔗 Revise Your Will
A document written years ago may no longer reflect your current wishes.
Separate Facts From Fiction
Estate planning is surrounded by myths that often keep people from taking action.
Some common misconceptions include:
- “I’m too young to need a will.”
- “I don’t own enough to justify one.”
- “My family already knows what I want.”
- “Life insurance replaces a will.”
None of these are true.
Taking a few hours to prepare today can spare your family months of uncertainty later.
Start With a Plan
If you’re unsure where to begin, these resources can help organize your thoughts before creating your estate documents.
- 🔗 Last Will and Testament Worksheet
- 🔗 Types of Wills
- 🔗 How to Make a Will
- 🔗 How to Make a Will Without a Lawyer
- 🔗 What to Expect With Mama Bear Legal Forms
Having a roadmap makes the process far less overwhelming.
Don’t Forget Your Everyday Financial Plan
Estate planning protects your future—but managing your money today is just as important.
If you haven’t already activated your free EveryDollar budgeting account through SmartDollar, now is a great time to get started.
👉 Start here: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/get-started/gs/app/assessment
EveryDollar helps you:
- Build a monthly budget
- Track your spending
- Work toward becoming debt-free
- Save for future goals
- Strengthen your overall financial plan
Quick Builder’s Will & Estate Planning Checklist
- Create or update your will.
- Choose guardians for minor children, if applicable.
- Review beneficiary designations on retirement and insurance accounts.
- Create healthcare and financial powers of attorney.
- Consider whether you need a living will.
- Organize important financial and legal documents in a secure location.
- Review your estate plan after major life changes.
- Activate your free EveryDollar account and continue building a strong financial foundation.
Bottom Line: Estate planning isn’t about preparing for the end—it’s about protecting the people who matter most. Just as you plan for retirement, emergencies, and your family’s financial future, taking the time to create or update your estate plan is another important step toward lasting peace of mind.
This National Make a Will Month, make one decision your family will always be grateful for: put your wishes in writing today so they won’t have to guess tomorrow.
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