I have to admit—I used to think estate planning was something only wealthy people or retirees needed to worry about. Honestly, it felt overwhelming and kind of… depressing. But a few years ago, I realized it wasn’t just about money or property—it was about making sure my loved ones wouldn’t be left scrambling if something happened to me. Since then, I’ve learned a ton about wills, trusts, and even digital assets, and I want to share what actually helped me make sense of it all. As of 2025, only 24% of U.S. adults have a will, and 13% have a trust, leaving 56% without any estate plan in place
Why I Started Thinking About Estate Planning
It all hit me when a close friend went through a messy family dispute after a relative passed away without a will. Watching how stressful and expensive it was, I knew I didn’t want to put my own family through that.
Even though I’m not super wealthy, I have a mix of things—my apartment, some investments, digital accounts, and photos stored online. And I realized: if I didn’t leave instructions, my family might have no idea what I wanted them to do with any of it.
According to a 2023 survey by Caring.com, only 32% of Americans have a will or estate plan. That statistic honestly surprised me—most people I know assume estate planning is optional.
Wills: My First Step
For me, starting with a will felt like a manageable first step. I sat down, listed out my assets, and thought about who I’d want to receive them. Then I picked someone I trust as my executor, the person who would carry out my wishes.
A will also helped me tackle a topic I’d been avoiding: guardianship. I don’t have kids yet, but knowing how I’d want my future kids cared for is something I wanted clarified early on.
One thing I learned: update your will regularly. Life changes—like relationships, careers, or big purchases—can affect your plan. I’ve updated mine at least twice in the last five years.
Trusts: Taking Control a Bit Further
After setting up a will, I started learning about trusts. I won’t lie—it felt complicated at first. But I found that trusts give a lot more control over how and when people get assets, and they can help avoid probate, which I quickly learned can be a long and expensive process.
I went with a revocable trust because I like flexibility. I can change it anytime, which feels reassuring. The idea that my family won’t have to go through court proceedings if something happens to me made it worth the extra effort.
Digital Assets: The Part Nobody Talks About
Here’s something I didn’t think about until recently: my digital life. Social media accounts, online banking, subscriptions, and even cloud-stored photos—these are all part of my estate now.
I made a list of all my accounts, usernames, and passwords, then designated a trusted person to manage them if needed. I also looked into platforms like Google and Facebook, which let you set up “legacy contacts” to manage accounts after death. Honestly, it felt weird at first, but now I feel better knowing my digital life won’t disappear—or cause headaches for my family.
Tips I Learned Along the Way
- Start early – Even if you’re in your 20s or 30s, small steps matter. I wish I’d started sooner.
- Organize everything – I keep all documents in a secure folder and share instructions with a trusted family member.
- Review and update – Life is unpredictable. I set reminders every couple of years to revisit my plans.
- Get professional help – DIY guides are okay for basics, but I used an estate attorney to make sure everything is legally solid, especially for my trust.
My Takeaway
Setting up my estate plan wasn’t glamorous, but it was surprisingly empowering. Now I feel lighter knowing my family won’t have to make difficult decisions alone, and my digital life and assets are accounted for.
Honestly, thinking about estate planning as taking care of my loved ones rather than “dealing with death” changed everything for me. It’s not just paperwork—it’s peace of mind.
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