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

[scandroid]

Housework!

[scandroid]

I do however have a will. It was made years ago, encouraged by my mum.

[kellyroxannesmith]

I know I should sort my will and power of attorney as you just dont know what’s around the corner x

[pinkjjf27]

As a teacher admin is something I do in my sleep so pretty good at keeping up with it. I lost my husband and so My will was sorted when his was. The only admin thing i am bad about is switching services be that energy suppliers or internet provider. Life gets in the way but sadly it was death that made me sort my will out

[mummyuk86]

We have made a will. That was our priority once we gave birth to our first child.
Admin task i never get round to doing are sorting out photos. We have loads on our phones and cameras but never actually get round to sorting and storing them properly.

[cag2712]

I have a will which I made when I divorced as the only thing to change since then is that I now have a partner with whom I share some minor accounts I see no need to change or update the will should we ever decide to marry then we would both need to revisit our wills.

[compy99]

Shredding documents always intend to do it once a month but ends up building up to a huge oile

[alabaster002]

Saying what I want if I am incapacitated in the future......

[liz1970]

My husband and I have sorted out our wills, it was painless and easy to do, but our children are older, so there is no complications with sorting out guardianship.

[gd2011]

I can never get around to comparing suppliers of electricity, car insurance, etc

[lilmax03]

Ohh my where do I start! I guess the most important thing I don't get round to sorting is myself. I need to start taking better care of myself really. I seem to focus on making sure the children are alright, then im usually off sorting orders I have for my business and by the day is done im knackered and haven't given myself a thought. I do find myself tired, I can put this down to bad eating (terrible for snacking) and no exercise, which I will admit has become worse since we have gotten a car, even though I don't drive. But what ever little exercise I used to do just went out the window. I really need to have a relook at my daily activities and rejig things around to incorporate this and take a moment to look after myself properly or I will burn out.

I haven't given a thought to will writing, I guess even though when you are only 33 it isn't something you want to be thinking about...but I know it is something I should have in place regardless. I reckon the free will writing service would benefit me and I will have a look in to it when I am in the mindset to put a will in place.

[danigrace]

Life insurance... And always leave taxes to last minute

[WowOoo]

We have wills. What I have to deal with is a load of papre that needs shredding and another lot that needs to be filed away. It's just there in boxes.

[IonaAilidh11]

a will i must get round to it

[ShePersisted]

Life insurance, health insurance and writing my will plus arranging lasting power of attorney are all on my list to sort for 2020.

[Marg2k8]

The admin I put off doing is filing paperwork away and binning old paperwork, such as old receipts.

I have made a will.

[towser44]

A will and changing mortgage providers when my scheme ends!

[pennwood]

We have made wills, & done a Power Of Attorney each as it is so important. What I have not got around to is briefing the family about where they are kept should they be needed, (hopefully not!)

[teenywhale]

I've not made a will. Not sure I'll ever get around to doing that.

[Dilbertian]

Everything. I am an admin disaster. I would win gold for England at the Procrastination Olympics.

Fortunately dh isn't

[Helpenz]

I’m 12 weeks pregnant and went for my first nhs scan today (had private scan at 6 weeks and all was well) they said that the baby was measuring small and couldn't locate a heartbeat. I have another scan next friday to see if anything has progressed. Can anyone offer any information or insight in to what to expect. If i’m honest i’m not very hopeful from the sonographers reaction - heartbroken

[GhostsToMonsoon]

We really need to update our will as we made one before the children were born.

My mum is very organised and has a piece of paper saying "in case of death" pinned up in her study, providing all the information about money, bills, the house etc.

[egtonmegan]

i have a filling cabinet full of all the bills, receipts etc which i started putting neatly into files but stopped about a year ago and i have been meaning to start again and sort my life out but i just never get round to it!!

[MarieKlepto]

We have wills. I do need to get round to making amendments for charity donations though. In terms of life admin, I never get round to shredding old statements, etc until it's a big, boring job that would be better done in five mins a month. That and decluttering the kitchen "drawer of things". It never gets done until it won't close!

[SSCRASE123]

It took us a long time to get to it after we kept saying it needed to be done but we have finally done it and it's a good feeling to know that it's all sorted.