Wills: Sometimes funny, occasionally ridiculous – always necessary

A last will and testament can sometimes be funny, occasionally ridiculous, but always necessary.

A survey found about half of us currently don’t have a will, making life much harder for anyone likely to inherit anything.

It’s a paradox we spend so much of our lives earning a nest egg but find it tricky to know who and how to hand out any leftovers.

There are probably more tragic stories about wills, or improper ones, which divide families and only enrich lawyers.

But there are also some bizarre and funny ones. Do you have one?

American comedian Jack Benny made a fortune portraying himself as a hilarious miser. He secretly left a bequest to a florist to deliver his widow Mary a single red rose every day for the rest of her life.

The Finder Survey from 2018 found fortunately, 79% of baby boomers had drafted a will, but for Gen Y, who must think they’ll live forever, it’s just 20%.

In the UK, Roger Brown left the equivalent of $8000 to fund seven mates on a boozy weekend in Berlin. One of the beneficiaries wrote in gratitude to his surviving sons, “We spent most of it on beer, the rest we wasted.”

I’m glad to say I have a will, but it’s pretty dull with any goodies going to my wife, but there’s a heap of books, bikes, camping gear and CDs she might have to find a home for or just chuck out. 

I always intended to leave a few bob to the Youth Hostels Association as I have travelled so far and widely with them for so long. But after a bumpy stay in Canberra last weekend, I’m having second thoughts!

How about you? Do you have a will? If not, why not, and if so, are there any interesting clauses therein?

PS: If this piece triggers you to write a will finally, it’s not so hard. If you die without one, known as intestate, not interstate, then any assets are handed out according to law and if no close relatives are found, the state government gets it.
 

Any information contained in this communication is general advice, it does not take into account your individual circumstances, objectives, financial situation or needs.