You don't have to have it all figured out today. Start with what you already know.

National Make a Will Month is a great opportunity to take one small step toward putting your wishes in writing. A little preparation now can help you care for the people and causes that matter to you in the future.

Start simple

Before worrying about forms or legal language, start with what you already know.

Take a few minutes to write down:

Who you would like to receive your belongings
Who you trust to carry out your wishes
Who you would want to care for your children or other dependents
Any special instructions or wishes you want remembered

It doesn't have to be formal yet. A simple list can give you a place to start and make the next steps feel much more manageable.

Make a quick inventory

Next, think about the major pieces of your financial life. You don't need to track down exact values or account balances right now. Simply make a list of what you have.

That might include:

A home or other property
Bank and investment accounts
Retirement accounts
Life insurance
Vehicles
Meaningful personal belongings
Digital accounts or assets

This doesn't need to become a complicated spreadsheet. The goal is simply to get a clearer picture of what may need to be considered as you make your plans.

Choose the people you trust

A will isn't only about deciding who receives your belongings. It can also help identify the people you trust to carry out important responsibilities.

Consider who you might want to name as:

An executor to carry out the instructions in your will
A guardian for minor children
A backup for important roles
The individuals or organizations you would like to include in your plans

When possible, talk with the people you are considering for these responsibilities. It can be helpful for everyone to understand your wishes ahead of time.

Review your beneficiaries

Your will is an important part of an estate plan, but it isn't necessarily the only document that determines where your assets go.

Some assets can pass according to the beneficiary designation associated with the account. For example, a beneficiary named on a life insurance policy may receive that benefit even if a will says something different.

Take some time to review the beneficiaries currently listed on your:

Retirement accounts
Life insurance policies
Bank or investment accounts that have beneficiary designations

Do the names still reflect your wishes? Have there been marriages, births, deaths, or other major life changes since you last reviewed them?

This can also be an opportunity to consider whether you would like to name a nonprofit or charitable organization as a beneficiary of an eligible account.

Decide how you'll create your will

Once you've gathered some basic information, choose the next step that makes sense for you and your circumstances.

You might:

Meet with an estate planning attorney
Use a reputable online will-making service
Explore the simple will forms approved by the Supreme Court of Texas and made available through TexasLawHelp.org

Texas offers Supreme Court-approved forms for several common family situations, but a form may not be appropriate for every estate. If your circumstances are more complicated, or if you simply aren't sure what is right for you, consider speaking with a qualified estate planning attorney.

The important thing is to choose a path that helps you move from thinking about it to actually putting your wishes in writing.

Consider the legacy you want to leave

Estate planning is first and foremost about the people and things that matter to you. But your plans can also reflect the values and community you care about.

A charitable gift in your will can help support a faith community, school, nonprofit organization, or cause that has been meaningful in your life.

Depending on your plans, you might choose to leave:

A specific dollar amount
A percentage of your estate
A particular asset
A portion of what remains after gifts to loved ones have been made

You don't have to choose between caring for your family and caring for your community. Thoughtful planning can help you consider both.

Take one step this August

You don't have to complete an entire estate plan today.

Start with the list. Review a beneficiary. Talk with your family. Find an attorney. Download a form. Put an hour on your calendar.

One small step can turn something you've been meaning to do into something you've actually begun.

Make a will.

For your family.

For your peace of mind.

For your community.

*This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Estate planning needs vary based on individual circumstances. Consider consulting a qualified professional about your specific situation.