When is the Right Time for a Will? Sooner Than You Think

You’re living your best life, balancing your professional goals, and weekend plans, and squeezing in some time to stream a Netflix show when you can. And while all that is happening, whether you're deep in the hustle of your 20s, or making bigger moves in your 30s, you've got your eyes on the future. You’re looking for the best deals, thinking about home ownership, and mastering the art of adulting—one Seamless order at a time.

But in all that hustle, one important task tends to get overlooked—a simple will. 

While you’re probably thinking,“A will? Me? Isn’t that for people with retirement funds and two kids in college?” Maybe, but here’s the twist: if you’ve got a life—no matter how chaotic or still-in-progress—you’ve got stuff worth protecting. And it’s not just for your future, grayer self. You actually need one now.

So, why is getting a simple will in place, sooner rather than later a move both your current selves will thank you for in the future? Here’s what you should know.

You Have More Assets Than You Think

If you’re in your 20s, you might be thinking, “Assets? I barely have enough for rent.” Even if your bank account isn’t screaming "millionaire," you’ve got things worth protecting. Maybe it’s your savings, your brand-new laptop, or that collection of limited-edition sneakers you waited hours in line for. As for you 30-somethings, by now you might be growing your 401(k), building up a savings account, or maybe even stepping into homeownership territory.

Without a will, the state decides what happens to your things. And New York’s estate laws might not care about who you’d actually want to inherit your favorite belongings, that emergency fund, or your vintage record collection. A simple will ensures that your stuff goes where you want it to go.

Protect Your Loved Ones—Yes, Even in Your 20s

You might be thinking, “I don’t have a spouse or kids—what’s the rush?” Wills aren’t just for the people with white picket fences and life all figured out. If you’re in your 20s, you likely have family, close friends, or even a roommate you wouldn’t want to leave high and dry. Your will can ensure they’re taken care of. And if you’ve got a partner but aren’t married yet, a will makes sure they have a say in important decisions and don’t get left out by default

Fast forward to your 30s, and you might be navigating more complex family dynamics. Whether it’s choosing who gets your cherished items or making sure someone has the authority to make decisions for you in case of an emergency, your will has that covered. NYC relationships and friendships can be as complicated as a subway schedule change—your will makes it easier for the people you love.

 Avoid Family Drama (Because It Happens)

No one wants to leave their loved ones in a mess if the unthinkable happens. If you pass without a will, New York’s laws decide who inherits your assets. This can get complicated fast—especially if your family situation is more modern than traditional.

For you 20-somethings, a will lets you choose who gets your stuff—maybe your ride-or-die sibling or a close friend who’s basically family. And if you’re in your 30s, where you may be more settled, you can be even more specific about your wishes. A will helps avoid misunderstandings and potential conflicts among loved ones, ensuring that your things go exactly where you want them.

It’s Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Think

Here’s some good news: setting up a simple will isn’t the big, complicated task you’re imagining. You don’t need to clear your schedule or drain your bank account. In fact, getting a will in place can be done with a few quick steps, and companies like Cate make it super simple.

For all you 20-somethings juggling jobs and side hustles, getting a will doesn’t have to feel like another impossible task on your to-do list. It’s as simple as a quick consultation, filling out some forms, and voilà—you’re all set. The same goes for you 30-somethings with an even fuller plate. It’s a small investment of time now that saves you (and your loved ones) a world of hassle later.

It's a Gift to Your Future Self (No Matter What Age You Are)

Picture yourself five, ten, or even twenty years from now. Life’s changed, but one thing remains the same—you’re glad you planned ahead. Creating a will now is one of the best things you can do for your future self. It's like setting up a safety net that you can fall back on, knowing that whatever happens, your wishes are covered, and your loved ones are protected.

Whether you’re in your 20s or 30s, the peace of mind you’ll get from knowing things are buttoned up will let you focus on what really matters—living your life to the fullest and tackling all the fun (and chaotic) parts of adulting.

The Sooner You Do It, The More Control You Have

No matter your age, the earlier you take care of this, the more control you have over your future. If you’re in your 20s, you can start with a simple will, covering your current situation, and easily update it as life changes—whether that’s a new job, a promotion, or even the idea of settling down. And for those in your 30s, it’s a chance to make sure that everything you’ve built so far is properly accounted for.

Wills aren’t just for where you are right now; they’re for where you’re going—and having one means you’ll always be in control of the important stuff, no matter how your life evolves.

You Can Always Change It

Here’s the beauty of a will: it’s not set in stone. Whether you’re in your 20s and your life still feels like a whirlwind or in your 30s and life is starting to settle, your will can change with you. When you get that big promotion, buy your first home, or even add a pet to your family, you can update your will to reflect your new reality.

Starting early just means you’ve got the foundation in place, and tweaking it later is a breeze.

Going Beyond the Simple Will—It’s About Keeping Control

A will isn’t just about who gets your vinyl collection or your meticulously curated wardrobe. It’s also about naming who makes decisions if you can’t. This is where things like healthcare proxies and power of attorney come in, which goes beyond the simple will.

Say you’re in an accident and can’t speak for yourself. Who do you want making medical decisions for you—your parents, your best friend, or maybe your partner? If you’re in your 20s, a will lets you decide who takes the reins, rather than leaving it up to chance. And for you 30-somethings, it’s about ensuring your partner or a trusted friend has the legal power to make those big calls. Control equals peace of mind, no matter your age.

Don’t Wait—Your Future Self Will Thank You

Thinking about a will might not be as exciting as your next vacation or that dinner reservation you finally scored, but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make. No matter whether you’re just starting out in life or hitting your stride, putting a simple will in place now is the ultimate way to protect your future. It’s protection you’ll be glad you have when life gets complicated.

So take a moment, talk to Cate, and get it done. Your future self will high-five you for it, no matter your age.