Welcome to Wealth Wisdom—Your Financial Edge Starts Here
Every issue of Wealth Wisdom is your go-to guide for practical insights, real-world strategies, and a dose of encouragement to help you build lasting financial confidence.
Inside, you’ll find clear tips, expert tools, and inspiring content to simplify your money decisions and move you closer to your goals—whether you’re building from scratch or ready to take things to the next level.
This is more than a newsletter—it’s your momentum.
Let’s grow stronger, smarter, and more financially free—together.
November 2025 Issue 8
November 2025 Issue 8
I wish to have future newsletters sent directly to my inbox when they become available.
Your privacy is important to us. When you share your email, we use it solely to send you helpful wellness content and updates — you can unsubscribe anytime. We will never sell or share your information with anyone, ever.
Wills aren’t just for the wealthy—they’re a simple, powerful way to make sure the people and causes you love are cared for the way you intend. Think of a will as your roadmap: who gets what, who handles what, and how your wishes are carried out when you’re no longer here.
Welcome to Issue 8 of Wealth Wisdom!
🏛️ Wills: Everyone Should
Have One
🏛️ Wills: Everyone Should
Have One
Introduction
What Is a Will?
What a Will Is Not
Will vs Trust: When to Use Each
How to Create and Write a Will
Who Should Have a Copy?
When to Update Your Will
Who Needs a Will?
10 Things to Put in Your Will
The West Egg Perspective
Final Thought
Introduction
Introduction
Wills aren’t just for the wealthy—they’re a simple, powerful way to make sure the people and causes you love are cared for the way you intend. Think of a will as your roadmap: who gets what, who handles what, and how your wishes are carried out when you’re no longer here.
In this newsletter, we’ll clear up what a will can and can’t do, when a trust might be a better tool, and the practical steps to create one without the overwhelm. Our goal is peace of mind—yours and your family’s—through clarity and action.
Let’s make this the month you move from “I should” to “It’s done.”
📝 What Is a Will?
📝 What Is a Will?
A will is a legally binding document that explains how you want your property, money, and personal belongings distributed after you pass away. It allows you to name beneficiaries, appoint an executor to carry out your wishes, and—if you have children—legally designate a guardian. At its core, a will is your written voice when you are no longer here to speak.
A will can prevent family disputes, avoid confusion, protect minor children, and give clarity around sentimental items.
Even a simple will is better than no will, and it remains one of the cornerstones of a complete estate plan.
🚫 What a Will Is Not
🚫 What a Will Is Not
A will is not a substitute for a trust, and it does not avoid probate. A will must still go through the court system before assets can be distributed. A will also does not control everything you own—retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and jointly owned property typically pass outside the will.
A will is not a tax strategy, not a medical document, and not a guarantee your family will have immediate access to funds.
Think of it as one tool in the estate planning toolbox—not the only one.
⚖️ Will vs Trust: When to Use Each
⚖️ Will vs Trust: When to Use Each
A will is ideal when:
Your estate is simple
You don’t mind assets going through probate
You mainly want to name beneficiaries and guardians
You have fewer assets and no complicated distribution plan
A trust is better when:
You want assets to transfer privately without probate
You own property in more than one state
You want to control how and when beneficiaries receive money
You have minor children or a special-needs dependent
You want protection from lawsuits, creditors, or remarriage complications
Bottom line:
✅ A will speaks after you die
✅ A trust works while you are alive and after you die
Many people benefit from having both.
✍️ How to Create and Write a Will
✍️ How to Create and Write a Will
A will can be written in three common ways:
Attorney-drafted will – Most reliable and customized
Online will service – Affordable, good for simple estates
Handwritten will (holographic) – Legal in some states, but risky
A valid will must:
Be written while you are of sound mind
Clearly name beneficiaries and an executor
Be signed voluntarily
Be witnessed according to state law (usually 2 witnesses)
Optional but helpful additions:
List of personal property gifts
Pet care instructions
Digital asset access (passwords, accounts, crypto keys)
👥 Who Should Have a Copy?
👥 Who Should Have a Copy?
Copies should be clearly stored and accessible, not hidden in a locked file no one can open.
✅ Executor
✅ Spouse or adult child
✅ Estate attorney
✅ Safe deposit box (with someone else on file to access it)
✅ A digital copy stored securely in password-protected form
A will no one can find is almost as bad as no will at all.
🔄 When to Update Your Will
🔄 When to Update Your Will
Life changes—your will should too. Update it when any of these happen:
Marriage or divorce
Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
Significant increase or decrease in assets
Move to a new state (laws differ!)
Death of a beneficiary or executor
New charitable goals
Major health changes
A good rule of thumb: review every 3–5 years or after any life event.
✅ Who Needs a Will?
✅ Who Needs a Will?
Short answer: almost everyone.
You need a will if you:
Own a home or property
Have children or dependents
Have savings, investments, or business interests
Want someone specific to inherit something
Want to avoid courts deciding for you
Even young adults should have a simple will—especially if they have retirement accounts, life insurance, or digital assets.
10 Things to Put in Your Will
✅ Checklist: 10 Things to Put in Your Will
🧾 Full Legal Name & Identification
Your complete name, including any aliases or former names, to avoid confusion.
👤 Executor (Personal Representative)
The person you trust to carry out the instructions in your will.
👶 Guardians for Minor Children
Who will raise your children if something happens to you (and an alternate, just in case).
🐾 Pet Care Provisions
Optional, but essential if you want a specific person to care for your pets.
🏠 Asset Distribution List
Who receives what — property, money, heirlooms, collections, vehicles, etc.
❤️ Specific Gifts / Sentimental Items
Letters, jewelry, tools, memorabilia — anything that has emotional meaning.
💰 Residuary Clause
A "catch-all" instruction for anything not listed specifically (avoids legal issues).
🎓 Plans for Digital & Financial Accounts
Password access + who receives investment accounts, crypto, royalties, etc.
📜 Alternate Beneficiaries
Backup heirs if a primary beneficiary passes away or refuses the inheritance.
🖋️ Witnesses & Legal Formalities
Your signature, the required witnesses, and any state-specific notarization.
💡 The West Egg Perspective
💡 The West Egg Perspective
A will is not about death—it’s about stewardship, clarity, and love. It protects the people you care about and removes confusion on the hardest possible day.
Whether you create a simple will now or take the next step toward a trust-based estate plan, the key is action, not perfection.
Your legacy deserves a plan—not a guess.
🧭 Final Thought
🧭 Final Thought
A will isn’t just a document—it’s a final act of love, clarity, and stewardship for the people you care about most.
Take the small step now so your family isn’t left with big questions later.
Bonus Material
Bonus Material
If you’ve missed a past issue of the West Egg Wealth Wisdom Newsletter, no worries—we’ve got you covered! Our full archive is now available, making it easy to revisit every article, tip, and story we’ve shared.
Whether you’re looking to catch up or just browse for inspiration, you’ll find it all in one place. Dive in and explore at your own pace!
If you’re new to West Egg Wealth, be sure to click on our Getting Started icon. There, you’ll find downloadable materials, free guides, and practical tools designed to help you build stronger financial habits and gain confidence with your money. It’s the perfect place to begin moving toward better financial health and long-term stability.
If you have any questions, thoughts, or comments you'd like to share, I'm always happy to hear from you - just send a message to info@westeggliving.com
I'm here to help!
Thank you for joining us for this edition of Wealth Wisdom! We hope you found valuable insights and encouragement as you take steps toward a stronger financial future. It’s an honor to walk alongside you as you grow in financial knowledge, confidence, and peace of mind. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey—and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Stay tuned for next month's issue packed with more tips, insights, and motivation. Until then, be kind to yourself and keep moving forward — you’ve got this!
The content provided on this West Egg Wealth is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any changes to your personal finances. Individual results may vary and West Egg Wealth makes no guarantees regarding specific outcomes.
Use of this website and associated materials constitutes acceptance of our
I love the video on this one.
I will try dinking water every hourr like I am trying to go 250 steps each hour.. Encouraging idea.
This is great information. I love the new layout. I cannot wait for the next edition!!!
Thanks Riaan.
Great article!