Mumsnetters share with Cancer Research UK the life admin that they never get around to doing, including updating or writing their Will

[LucyBMumsnet]

This sponsored discussion is now closed. Thank you to everyone who posted on this thread.

Often when we have children, it feels impossible to find the time to do anything that isn’t absolutely crucial…and before you know it, there are things on your to-do-list which have been on there for well over a year or decade. Those little jobs around the house, buying a gift for your OH, clearing out the wardrobe or – one you might not have thought of – sorting out your Will. With this in mind, Cancer Research UK would like to hear about the things you struggle to get around to doing.

Here’s what Cancer Research UK has to say: “We know that updating your Will or writing one from scratch can be a daunting prospect, and one of those things that you might feel just isn’t a priority right now. However, we think writing a Will is far too important to ignore; if you don’t, not only could you leave your loved ones with distressing admin, but it also means the law would decide how your estate is distributed – and this might not be in line with your wishes. Cancer Research UK offer a Free Will Service open to anyone over the age of 18 which guides you through the process step by step, and you can have your Will written within 30 minutes, and tick that job off your list.”

What are the odd-ends you never seem to get around to doing? What are the things that stand in the way of you sorting these out? Where does writing or updating your Will feature on your to-do list (if at all!)? Do you think Cancer Research UK’s Free Will Service would help you?

All who share their thoughts and feelings on the thread below will be entered into a prize draw where 3 lucky MNers will each win a £100 voucher for a store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck,
MNHQ

Insight T&Cs apply

*If you'd like to find out more about CRUK’s Free Will Service and legacy gifts please click here

[merlymerly]

I HAVE sorted out a will, so that is something important done but there are always lots of jobs that stay on my 'to do' list including sorting out the loft!!

[SilveryWrath]

Gosh yes, I very much need to get round to writing a will. It's finding the time to make an appointment and go to an actual office etc. rather than the money tbh.

[MrRichTea]

Sorting out a will / life insurance

[TweetleBeetlesBattle]

I've done my will, I just don't want my husband to have to deal with what would happen if I didn't. Once you have assets, its important, if only to minimise the heartbreak you leave behind you.

Filing the day to day paperwork is what gets me. Just cannot get motivated to deal with it.

[hartsdown1]

Making a decision on our pensions! Wife and I are both old enough to access our small pensions, and the companies keep writing to us. I want to do something with them but need to explore the options.

[DassDass]

So many things - creating a will, filling in key information in a 'life book' to assist my Husband if I die, even getting round to changing energy supplier....time is so precious these days!!!

[MulberryPeony]

We did our will when we first bought a house together but it took another house live and kids to remember to update it. We still need to sort out power of attorneys.

[helly27]

Never had a will, children are all over 16 and have no assets and am married, so no real need I would of thought

[lostbadger]

looking for a cheaper insurance deal before it automatically renews

[moom54]

Christmas cards, EVERY YEAR!

[amyhalliday1]

Making a will

[BasiliskStare]

Well, the will can also cover who looks after young children if parents die ( so guardians ) Which I think is important - even if not much money

[sophiefx]

I've never written a will but plan on doing so very soon. Ever since my little girl was born, I've been meaning to do one!

[StickChildNumberTwo]

We have wills but need to sort out power of attorney. Along with unpacking the boxes of stuff my parents keep bringing from theirs as they declutter....

[Flickabella81]

I haven’t done a will but know I should but it’s just another thing to add to the list of things I should do but don’t. My other weaknesses include not doing the meter readings!

[MerlinsBeard87]

We have wills but only because we won a free service in a competition. I can't imagine we would have got round to researching and setting it up off our own backs. Now we have an extra child I've been meaning to update it but it's always just another thing on the list of life admin that gets pushed back when real life gets in the way.

[Jess827]

Wills covered.


Life insurance / illness insurance not got sorted yet, been on the TO DO list for years

[MadameJosephine]

I’ve been meaning to write my will for ages. I can do it free via my trade union but I just never seem to find the time. I’m a single parent to one adult DC and one young one (7yo) so I’d like to split everything between them but make the elder one a trustee for the younger should I die before she’s an adult. She’d go to her dad and step mum if I died but if her dad died before me I’d like her older brother to be her legal guardian. We’ve discussed it and it all depends how old he is and what situation he is when I die so it maybe that she actually lives with my brother and his wife but that my son would be involved for decisions such as schooling and other financial choices (she’s at an independent school)

[muppet1501]

I need to start comparing my bills to other companies and try and save some pennies.

[WantToBeMum]

I've never made a will, although I know I really should, because I just don't know where to start with it. I am single and planning parenthood so I suppose the birth of a child will force me into doing it, but the whole thing seems daunting.
I'm pretty good with other life admin, keeping on to of bills etc.
One thing I never get around to doing, sort of life admin for me, is sort through and organise photos. I have a big box of printed pics and endless digital, I really need to get them organised!

[mishknight]

Keep meaning to get our wills done

[Colonsay18]

I never seem to get round to shredding paperwork. I have years worth of old bills and bank statements. When I run out of space to keep them in box files, rather than shred I buy another storage box!!! I really need to make time for shredding soon or I will have no more space to keep them!

[HazelBite]

Can I emphasise how important it is to write a will.
A very good friend of mine has tragically lost her DD, Son in Law and only grandchild in a plane crash, they were procrastinating about writing a will because of the question of guardianship.
Sadly this hasn't been an issue, but the mayhem for the bereaved parents having to sort out the joint properties, businesses insurances etc has been awful, at a time when they should be allowed to grieve peacefully

[abigailflo7]

I am up to date with my admin as a former worker in the legal profession I have both a will and a lasting power of attorney it’s so important

[ceejayen]

I have no will, but no idea how to tackle my inheritance. Who should I leave it to? charity or family? Simply too much money. I think I should spend it now perhaps.