I am not sure why, but whenever I talk to my friends about the benefits of having a Will, they seem to dismiss the advice, thinking that Wills are only meant for old people. I was thus delighted to come across this article which highlights millennial-centric reasons for having a Will, some of which are as follows:
Digital Assets – while many millennials attest to not being flush with cash, many are flush with digital assets. I have previously written about my digital presence, admitting that I have two personal e-mail addresses, four social media accounts, and so many points through reward programs such as Aeroplan, Indigo, Greenhouse Juice – the list goes on and on. These assets carry both a financial and personal value. Millennials preparing a Will should think about how they wish to transfer these assets.
Young Children – if a child is a minor, under the Children’s Law Reform Act, it is possible for a testator to appoint one or more persons to have custody of that child in a Will. It is also possible to set up a trust in the Will to ensure that the child’s inheritance is spent responsibly. I often tell people that in making a Will, do not think of it as being done to benefit oneself (i.e. the testator), but to benefit and help your loved ones. Being able to take care of minor children is a great example of this.
Pets Pets Pets – without engaging in the dog vs cat debate, it is suffice to say that many millennials have pets. In fact, millennials these days are opting for pets over parenthood – just walk through Trinity Belwoods Park on a Saturday afternoon. In Ontario, pets are considered property, and thus require specific estate planning. Some options include leaving a cash legacy to a pet guardian or setting up a trust for a pet guardian, both of which can be accomplished in a Will.
Hoping that my millennial friends now agree that Wills aren’t just for old people!
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