Make-A-Will Month: Planning with Care, Living with Intention
Making a Will is an Act of Care
August is National Make-A-Will Month, an opportunity to pause and reflect on one of the most meaningful acts of care we can offer the people and communities we love.
When many people hear the word will, they imagine it's something only older adults or wealthy families need. In reality, every adult can benefit from having one. Whether you own a home, have children or pets, care for aging parents, or simply want your wishes to be known, a will provides clarity and guidance during a time when your loved ones need it most.
At Open Up, we believe caring for one another is at the heart of strong communities. Creating or updating your will is one more way to live that value. It can help reduce stress for your family, ensure the people and animals you care about are protected, and give you confidence that your wishes will be honored.
A will also invites us to reflect on the legacy we hope to leave. Legacy isn't measured by the size of an estate, it's measured by the lives we touch, the values we pass on, and the communities we help build. For some, that means providing for family and friends. For others, it may also include supporting organizations or causes that have made a difference in their lives.
If you've already created a will, this month is a wonderful reminder to make sure it still reflects your life today. Major milestones like marriage, welcoming a child, moving, or changes in your family are all good reasons to review your plans. Even without a major life event, experts recommend revisiting your estate plan every few years.
The good news is that creating a will has never been more accessible. Online tools have made the process simpler, more affordable, and far less time-consuming than many people expect. In many cases, you can complete a legally valid will in less than an hour.
This Make-A-Will Month, we invite you to take a small but meaningful step toward protecting the people you love and honoring the values that matter most to you. Planning ahead is an act of kindness, for your family, your community, and the future you hope to help create.
If, as part of your planning, you choose to support Open Up through a legacy gift, your generosity will help create a future where people of all abilities continue to experience belonging, connection, and the joy of moving through life together. No matter what your plans include, taking the time to create or update your will is a lasting gift of care.
This August, consider taking one small step toward planning for the future. Whether you're creating your first will or reviewing an existing one, it's an opportunity to care for the people, pets, and causes that matter most to you. If you'd like to learn more about estate planning or the resources available to help you get started, send us a message and we can send you some resources: info@open-up.org.