By Omolara Garuba

I still remember the first time I brought up the topic of writing a will in a public forum. The response was overwhelming—over 3,400 reactions in just 24 hours from people from all walks of life. It was

clear that this was a topic that resonated with many, and one that sparked a range of emotions and opinions. Some of the comments really stood out to me. One person said,

“I think once you hit 40, you should definitely have a will in place. And then, as life changes, you can update it.”

This comment struck a chord with me, as it highlighted the importance of having a will in place as we get older. It’s not just about planning for our own mortality, but also about ensuring that our loved ones are taken care of after we’re gone.

Another person shared, “I’ve been thinking about writing a will, but I keep pushing it off because I don’t want to think about dying.” This comment echoed a sentiment that many of us can relate to. Death is a difficult topic to confront, and it’s natural to want to avoid thinking about it. However,

avoiding the topic altogether can lead to unintended consequences, such as leaving our loved ones to deal with complicated and potentially costly legal issues after we’re gone. Someone else made a great point: “If we start framing having a will as a thoughtful gift to our loved ones, rather than just a morbid necessity, more people might be open to it.” This comment highlighted the importance of shifting our mindset around wills and estate planning. Rather than viewing it as a grim task, we should see it as

an opportunity to show our loved ones that we care about their well-being and want to make things easier for them after we’re gone.

Another person highlighted a sad reality: “In Africa, we tend to avoid thinking about death altogether. We just go through life without planning for the inevitable.” This comment struck a chord with me, as it highlighted the cultural taboo that surrounds death and estate planning in many African societies.

However, it’s essential that we start to break down these taboos and have open and honest conversations about death and estate planning. The responses I received highlighted the importance of having a will in place, regardless of our age or cultural background. It’s not just about planning for our own mortality; it’s about showing our loved ones that we care about their well-being and want to make things easier for them after we’re gone. By framing having a will as a thoughtful gift, rather than

a morbid necessity, we can start to break down the cultural taboos that surround death and estate planning.

In conclusion, the response to my initial post highlighted the importance of having a will in place and the need to break down the cultural taboos that surround death and estate planning.

By having open and honest conversations about these topics, we can start to shift our mindset and view having a will as a thoughtful gift to our loved ones.

Do you have a will?

The conversation around wills and estate planning is one that is often met with resistance, and even fear. However, it’s a conversation that is necessary and one that can bring peace of mind and clarity to our loved ones. As I reflected on the comments from my previous post from last week, I realized that there are many misconceptions and myths surrounding wills and estate planning. One common myth is that wills are only for the wealthy or elderly. However, the truth is that anyone who owns assets, has dependents, or wants to control how their estate is distributed after their passing should have a will. Another myth is that wills are complicated and expensive to create. While it’s true that wills can be complex, they don’t have to be. In fact, there are many resources available to help individuals create a will, including online templates and estate planning attorneys. So, why is having a will so important? Here are just a few reasons: 1. Control over your estate: A will allows you to dictate how your assets will be distributed after your passing. Without a will, the state will determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes. 2. Protection for your loved ones: A will allows you to name guardians for your minor children, ensuring that they are taken care of in the event of your passing. 3. Reduced stress and conflict: Having a will in place can reduce stress and conflict among your loved ones, as they will know exactly how you want your estate to be distributed. 4. Tax benefits: A will can help minimize taxes and ensure that your estate is distributed in a tax-efficient manner. 5. Peace of mind: Having a will in place can give you peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order and that your loved ones will be taken care of. 6. Specific gifts and bequests: A will allows you to leave specific gifts and bequests to loved ones, friends, or charities, ensuring that your wishes are carried out. 7. Business succession planning: If you own a business, a will can help ensure a smooth transition of ownership and management, reducing the risk of business disruption or conflict. 8. Protection of digital assets: A will can include provisions for the management and distribution of digital assets, such as social media accounts, email, and cryptocurrency. 9. Charitable giving: A will can be used to make charitable donations, supporting causes and organizations that are important to you. In conclusion, having a will is an important part of estate planning, and it’s not just for the wealthy or elderly. It’s a way to take control of your estate, protect your loved ones, and ensure that your wishes are respected. So, take the first step today and start thinking about your will. Your loved ones will thank you.

In this article