These two things sit at the very foundation of getting your affairs in order — and yet, according to research, the majority of adults in the UK don't have either fully in place.
I understand why. It requires confronting something we'd rather not think about. It means making decisions about a future we won't be present to see. And it feels, somehow, like tempting fate.
But here's the reframe I'd offer you: making a Will and reviewing your life insurance isn't about death. It's about love. It's about the people you'd leave behind, and the gift of not leaving them to pick up the pieces without a map.
Your Will — Why It Can't Wait
Dying without a Will — known legally as dying 'intestate' — means the law decides what happens to your assets. And the law doesn't know your wishes, your relationships, your stepchildren, your partner of 20 years who you never officially married, or the friend who has been more family than family.
A valid Will gives you control. It names your executor — the person responsible for carrying out your wishes. It specifies where your assets go. It can include guardianship wishes for children, gifts to charities, and specific items for specific people.
And importantly, it needs to be updated. Major life changes — marriage, divorce, new children or grandchildren, significant changes in assets — should all trigger a review of your Will. A Will written 15 years ago may no longer reflect your life today.
Life Insurance — The Safety Net You Build Now
Life insurance is the financial cushion that means your family can breathe, at least financially, in the aftermath of your death. It can cover a mortgage, clear debts, fund a child's education, or simply give your loved ones time to grieve without the immediate pressure of financial worry.
Key questions to ask: Is your policy still active? Is the sum assured still appropriate for your current circumstances? Are the named beneficiaries up to date — or do they reflect a life you've moved on from?
It's also worth knowing that life insurance policies with named beneficiaries typically fall outside your estate — meaning they can be paid out quickly, often before probate is complete. That's significant when your family may need funds urgently.
The Combination That Matters
A Will and life insurance together are more powerful than either alone. The Will handles your estate. The insurance provides immediate financial support. Together, they form the backbone of a plan that protects the people you love.
At Evelyn48, our workbooks include prompts to record your Will details, your life insurance policies, your beneficiaries, and where all the relevant documents are stored. Because having a Will is only helpful if your executor can find it.
If you don't have these in place yet — please, start today. Not tomorrow. Today.
— The Evelyn48 Team 💜