Writing a Will at 27
· home-decor
The Unsettling Clarity of Youth: Why Young Adults Should Consider Wills
Erin Atkinson’s decision to write her will at 27 has sparked a necessary conversation about estate planning among young adults. Her story raises more questions than it answers, however. What drives a relatively affluent young professional to contemplate the distribution of her assets and belongings before middle age? Is this an anomaly or a harbinger of a new trend?
Atkinson’s motivations are multifaceted. She sought to spare her family similar difficulties after witnessing the complexities that arose from her grandmother’s will. Seeing Sophia Maslin’s advocacy on TikTok also inspired her to take control of her own legacy. These factors combined have led Atkinson to create a comprehensive will, specifying not only financial bequests but also personal wishes for her funeral and the care of her pets.
The 2025 National Wills Report reveals that nearly two-thirds of young adults (22-34) still do not have a will in place. This statistic underscores the misconception that estate planning is reserved for the elderly or those with substantial assets.
Sophia Maslin, founder of Morby, attributes this misconception to the notion that young people believe they don’t own enough to warrant a will. However, Maslin emphasizes that even modest savings, investments, and digital presence can be considered assets worthy of planning. This perspective highlights the value of estate planning beyond mere financial considerations. A will can serve as a tool for clarity and peace of mind, ensuring that one’s wishes are respected and carried out according to their intentions.
Eleanor Hodgson from Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors underscores the practical benefits of making a will, even for those without substantial assets. The ability to designate an executor or guardian can significantly ease the administrative burden on family members or loved ones after one’s passing. Creating a will also serves as a catalyst for self-reflection, encouraging individuals to reassess their financial and personal priorities.
Atkinson’s story suggests that the value of a will extends far beyond monetary considerations. It is a chance to express one’s values, communicate wishes and preferences that might otherwise go unrecorded or misunderstood. This aspect of estate planning is often overlooked but holds immense significance for those who come after us.
Erin Atkinson’s decision serves as a poignant reminder that estate planning is not just the province of the elderly or affluent. It is a matter of taking responsibility for one’s legacy and wishes, ensuring they are respected and carried out according to one’s intentions. As we reflect on Atkinson’s story, we are compelled to consider our own place within this narrative—whether we too will seize the opportunity to clarify our values and priorities, no matter how young or old we may be.
Reader Views
- PLPetra L. · interior stylist
It's refreshing to see young adults like Erin Atkinson taking proactive steps in estate planning, but let's not forget about the digital aspect of one's assets. In today's online era, social media profiles and online presence can be considered valuable legacies, ripe for exploitation by scammers or family disputes. Young individuals should also consider creating a digital will, outlining what happens to their online presence upon death, including passwords, accounts, and personal data. This often-overlooked aspect of estate planning is crucial in ensuring that one's online legacy aligns with their wishes.
- WAWill A. · diy renter
The elephant in the room with estate planning is that it's often framed as a luxury for the wealthy. But what about those of us who rent? A will isn't just about distributing physical assets; it's also about digitally inherited social media profiles and online presence. What happens to our digital footprints after we're gone? Will they be deleted, or preserved by loved ones? The article mentions Sophia Maslin's advocacy on TikTok, but what about the impact of digital legacy planning on mental health? We need a more nuanced discussion around estate planning that acknowledges the complexities of modern life.
- TDThe Decor Desk · editorial
The will-at-27 trend is being touted as a necessary conversation among young adults, but what's missing from this discussion is the role of digital assets in estate planning. As more people accumulate online wealth through cryptocurrency, social media influence, and intellectual property, their virtual estates can rival their material ones. Failing to account for these intangible assets can lead to costly disputes and unintended consequences down the line. Young adults would do well to consider digitizing their wills, too – a practice that may soon become as essential as traditional estate planning.