At the inception of Will Aid, an annual charitable initiative in which solicitors forgo their fees to create basic wills in exchange for donations, young adults are being urged to articulate their end-of-life wishes—even if the idea of mortality feels distant.

When considering wills, aspects like dinner gatherings, heartfelt letters, and cherished recipes may not be the first that come to mind.

However, for an increasing number of young professionals, these personal elements are becoming critical as they think about the legacy they wish to leave.

“I’ve written little messages for my family and passed on a fabulous dress to my best friend,” shares 31-year-old Kate Davis from London, who started her will after being inspired by Atul Gawande’s book, *Being Mortal*, which addresses end-of-life care.

It was only after the passing of her father, Mark, last year that Kate decided to revisit her will and infuse it with more personal elements.

“The unexpected loss definitely prompted me to consider those additional details,” she reflected. “I wanted to express my love for them, even from beyond the grave.”

This type of emotional expression is becoming more common among young people as they engage in discussions about asset protection and plans for after their passing.

Younger individuals are increasingly incorporating digital belongings—such as cryptocurrencies, social media profiles, and online ventures—into their wills, according to Emily Deane from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

A National Wills Report reveals that one in four individuals feels ill-equipped to write a will, while others believe their estates are too uncomplicated to necessitate one.

Sam Grice, the founder of Octopus Legacy, aims to alter this trend by motivating younger generations to write their wills, motivated by the experience of losing his mother, Jeanette, in a car accident when he was just 27.

“Though my mum had a will, it was outdated, which led to significant tension,” he recounted, explaining that he and his family were uncertain about the funeral arrangements.

“This was extremely difficult as we struggled to honor her memory without a clear understanding of her wishes,” he shared, describing the familial disputes that arose.

Regarding Jeanette’s financial matters and the closure of her accounts, Sam admitted that they were unsure where to begin, ultimately spending long periods on hold with various banks, only to discover that many of her accounts had been inactive for years.

Even years later, Sam notes that his family continues to uncover other accounts that had not been properly resolved.

Having experienced firsthand the challenges faced by families like his in managing the loss of a loved one without a will, Sam emphasizes that millennials who are renters and childless often go unnoticed in these discussions.

“There hasn’t been a meaningful conversation with them about this,” he observes, underscoring the need for them to safeguard their financial responsibilities as well.

Interestingly, he points out that younger individuals approach will writing in a distinct manner.

Even without traditional assets like real estate, many of the wills crafted by younger adults include personal mementos, ranging from familial recipes to farewell notes.

Notably, around 40% of individuals aged 30 to 39 who use his service decide to leave a charitable gift.

“The most cherished possession I have from my mum is her voice and videos,” he shares. “What wouldn’t I give for another video with her? It’s invaluable.”

A troubling revelation from the National Wills Report indicates that up to 29% of people with wills have not informed anyone of their whereabouts.

Lily Aaron from the Money and Pensions Service remarks, “For young people, life can change rapidly—be it moving in with a partner, adopting a pet, or starting a family. Having a will is a crucial way to ensure that your wishes are honored.”

Sophia Maslin, founder of the online DIY will service Morby, added, “I think several factors have made contemplating death more approachable for young people.

“COVID-19 is one of them, and we’ve also become desensitized to death through social media.”

DIY will services have gained traction online due to their affordability and convenience; however, for them to be legally binding, they must be correctly drafted and signed by the testator in front of two independent witnesses over 18.

Morby has recently grabbed attention for its TikTok campaigns that employ a humorous tone to encourage discussions about will writing.

Campaigns promote phrases like “Wanna Netflix and will?” and “Plan your exit like a celebrity,” which have resonated with audiences.

As more young individuals express interest in drafting their wills, the task that was once perceived as a “tedious, grim document” is gradually being recast as part of routine financial wellbeing—an avenue for under-35s to take charge of their future planning.

Emily Deane from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners insists that every adult should possess a will, even if it’s basic.

“As a solicitor, the common recommendation is to review your will every three to five years, or after significant life changes such as a birth, death, inheritance, or starting a business,” she advises.

Her essential steps include: