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

[veegstez]

I've been putting off calling virgin to haggle over my broadband price for a few days. Its so worth doing, but I just can't be bothered at the moment!

[EmilyK83]

Going through old paperwork! I've got bags and bags of it, and need to work out what needs shredding and what needs keeping - it just seems like a mission!

[rebeccaroskellthomas]

I keep putting our will off. It's really simple but I keep doing 'free' ones and then a cost comes. Pretty sure I could just write it myself.

[xcxcsophiexcxc]

So much 😭😭 mostly taking the clothes to the charity shop.

[maureen3733]

my will i really need to get it updated

[kacky]

I never get round to looking for life cover. I have good intentions but something always comes first.

[ThemisA]

I have always been good about a will and keeping additional notes about my children, their personalities and needs. However I am not good at updating my as circumstances change.

[juju3]

Decluttering the house and getting all our documents in order

[gaptoothuk]

I think the Cancer Research UK’s Free Will Service would benefit us greatly as embarrasingly we havent even thought about writing our wills yet.

[hiddenmichelle]

yep - one of those things that I just put off (like dentist appointments - must do that too) It just seems so complicated...

[sor5]

I never made a will. I keep meaning to do it but never got around to it. I need to put it on my calender to get on with it

[kassza]

I always fully intend to make a list of presents I need for the whole year. Instead of doing all my buying last minute I would love to be organised and buy gifts as I see them throughout the year. perhaps at craft fayres or in the sales.

[NICH7]

I have made a will, but it needs to be amended to suit our current circumstances. It has been in my to do list but I have not got around to do it. Thank you for reminding me.

[rwgray]

Definitely the will. (Although cleaning the windows is close.)

[flowerpot2000]

making a will is the biggest issue never get around to doing it and it seems to be a complicated task .

[MisguidedAngel]

twinklenicci I'm fairly sure that if you don't make a will your estate goes to the government. If you're happy with that, fair enough. If not, maybe you have a favourite charity you could leave it to? You can write a simple will like that yourself. Just google it - main thing is that you need two witnesses who sign to say they have seen you sign your will.

By the way - the admin thing I always avoid is tidying up my computer files and photos. A pp reminded me of that. Everything else I'm pretty good at.

[aesops]

I can honestly admit that I never get round to writing my will it's always something that I will (pardon the pun) do tomorrow

[Yaracuy]

My will. I know it does not take long but I have an inner rejection I cannot control, not even talk about.

[littlemonkeyz]

We're in the middle of sorting out our wills so this thread is actually really useful

[Doodygirl2009]

We haven’t got around to writing a will yet

[Nikita90]

I don't think I have written a will - I really should. I also need to sort life insurance out, just in case. Just seems to always get put on the back burner.

[moosexxx]

Changing providers for gas, electric, broadband, etc. I know i should do it, but never get around to actually doing it.

[AR2012]

I've prepared my will just need my witnesses to be available to countersign.

[Moobirch]

I don’t have a will. I always assumed that if I died unexpectedly my close family would sort out my affairs in a suitable manner given the circumstances at the time of my death. I have no debts, but I do have a small sum of money in savings which could be divvied up. I’d never really thought about a will but having read some of the comments in the thread it seams that the dying without a will can be a bit of a nightmare for family members. I think I might look into it a bit more…

[Elizasmum02]

I've never got round to writing a will and really should!