Most Americans understand that having a will is important, yet barely a third of us actually have one. Despite knowing that eventually we’ll need to get our affairs in order, many of us continue pushing this crucial task to tomorrow’s to-do list. While confronting mortality isn’t exactly fun, the reasons people avoid creating wills often have little to do with fear of death and more to do with misconceptions and simple procrastination.
I don’t have enough assets for a will
This common excuse misunderstands what wills actually do. Even with minimal or negative net worth, dying without a will creates complications for those left behind. It’s not just about distributing wealth—it’s about creating a roadmap for your loved ones during an already difficult time.
Without proper documentation, even simple matters become complex. Your family might struggle to access accounts, handle outstanding debts, or make decisions about personal belongings.
Even if you have a beneficiary on your bank account, you still need healthcare proxies to designate someone to make medical decisions if you’re incapacitated and financial powers of attorney for someone to handle transactions on your behalf.
The costs of not having these documents can far exceed what you’d pay to create them. Family members might face protracted legal battles with creditors or spend months searching for important information that could have been organized in advance.
I’ll get to it eventually
Procrastination is perhaps the most honest excuse—and the hardest to overcome. Many people delay estate planning while waiting for the “perfect time” that never seems to arrive.
Some justify waiting by pointing to potential changes in estate tax laws or other regulations. Others keep putting it off until after major life events—getting married, having children, buying a house—only to find new reasons to delay once those milestones pass.
The truth is that estate planning is never “finished” but rather evolves throughout your life. Having basic documents in place now provides protection while you’re still alive (through powers of attorney) and can always be updated as your circumstances change.
I don’t know where to start
The estate planning process can seem overwhelming when you don’t know the first step. Many people freeze when confronted with unfamiliar legal terminology or the various options available.
This information gap leads to inaction even among those who understand the importance of having a will. When people don’t know where to begin gathering documents or what services to use, they often do nothing instead.
Fortunately, this is perhaps the easiest obstacle to overcome. Today’s options range from comprehensive estate planning attorneys to online services that walk you through creating basic documents.
Even simply organizing key information and account details in one accessible location provides tremendous value to loved ones who might otherwise be left searching through drawers, files, or even vehicles for important documents.
What you need to do now
Creating a will isn’t just about distributing property—it’s about providing clarity, preventing family disputes, and ensuring your wishes are respected.
While the reasons for delay might feel valid in the moment, they pale in comparison to the confusion and stress your loved ones might face without proper planning.
The process doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. Basic estate planning can often be completed in a couple of hours, especially with online services that have streamlined the process. Even if you later decide to create more complex arrangements, having fundamental documents in place provides immediate protection and peace of mind.
You can have a will in minutes for $199.
A trust allows you to place conditions on how and when your assets are distributed to your beneficiaries. You can get one of these created for as little as $499.
An hour or two preparing these documents means providing for your family, minimizing potential conflicts, and potentially reducing estate taxes. Do yourself and your family a favor and at least check it out right now.
When it comes to estate planning, the perfect time isn’t tomorrow or next year—it’s today, regardless of your age, health, or financial situation. Your loved ones will thank you for it, even if they never need to use these documents for decades to come.
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