Written by Kristi Geiger, WTMC board member
August is MakeAWill Month, a national reminder that planning ahead is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give the people and places you love. Yet despite its importance, most Americans still haven’t taken this simple step.
According to recent national surveys, more than half of U.S. adults, approximately 56%, do not have a will. Among younger adults, the number is even higher. And when asked why, the most common answer is: “I don’t have enough assets to need one.”
But here’s the truth: Every adult needs a will. Not because of how much you own, but because of how much you care.
Many people assume wills are only for those with significant financial assets. In reality, a will is about clarity, compassion, and control.
Creating a will ensures your loved ones are protected and not left guessing about your wishes, your belongings go where you intend, your values are honored, including how you want to support the causes that shaped your life, and your family avoids unnecessary stress, conflict, and legal hurdles during an already difficult time.
Even a simple will can prevent confusion, reduce probate costs, and provide peace of mind for the people you care about most.
When you create a will, you’re giving your family a roadmap. Instead of facing uncertainty, they receive the comfort of knowing they are carrying out your wishes exactly as you intended.
A will can:
- Provide guardianship plans for children or dependents
- Direct sentimental items to the people who will cherish them
- Outline how you want your life to be remembered
- Offer guidance for endoflife decisions
- Reduce the burden of decisionmaking during grief
It is one of the most thoughtful, loving acts you can leave behind.
For supporters of the White Tank Mountains Conservancy, a will is more than a legal document — it’s a way to ensure the landscapes, wildlife, and trails you love remain protected for future generations.
Legacy gifts are not about wealth. They are about impact. They allow you to extend your values beyond your lifetime and help safeguard the natural spaces that shaped your story.
MakeAWill Month is the perfect time to begin. Creating a will is easier than ever. Many people complete one in less than an hour using online tools, or they work with an attorney for more personalized planning. What matters most is simply getting started.
This month, we invite you to:
- Review your current plans
- Create or update your will
- Consider including a charitable gift that reflects your values
- Talk with your loved ones about your wishes
- Celebrate the peace of mind that comes with being prepared
Your legacy is already being written through the choices you make today. A will ensures that story continues exactly the way you intend.
If the White Tank Mountains have inspired your life through hiking, photography, family memories, or a deep connection to the desert, consider joining the WTMC Hornback Meck Legacy Society.