Why a Will or Trust Is One of the Smartest Investments You Can Make This Year
February 19, 2026
When most people think about planning for the future, they focus on saving money, building careers, and protecting what matters most. But one important step is often overlooked: having a plan for what happens to your assets and responsibilities after you’re gone. This is where a will or trust can help.
A will is a legal document that outlines who should receive your property and who should care for minor children after your death. A trust is a legal tool that can help you manage and distribute your assets before and after your death, often allowing your loved ones to avoid the probate process. Together, these documents form the foundation of your estate plan, the overall strategy that ensures your wishes are known and your affairs are handled the way you intend.
Even if you’re not sure which option is right for you, or if you need both, understanding these basics is the first step toward creating a plan that protects the people you care about most. The good news? Setting up a will or trust is easier than ever, and it’s one of the most important actions you can take to help your loved ones. Here’s why:
1. A will or trust puts you in control.
Without a will or trust, the state will likely decide how your assets are distributed, which could mean:
- Delays in probate, the legal process your loved ones must follow to transfer or inherit property after you have passed away
- Higher legal costs
- Family conflict or confusion during an already difficult time
A properly structured estate plan with a will or trust helps ensure your wishes are honored—clearly, quickly, and without unnecessary complications.
2. Protect the people you love most.
Whether you want to ensure your assets transfer to your children, your partner, your aging parents, or to others, a will or trust ensures that will happen. In your will or trust, you can:
- Choose guardians for any children under age 18
- Direct how and when your assets are shared
- Provide instructions for long term care needs for yourself or others
- Ensure financial stability for your beneficiaries
3. Avoid probate, taxes, and legal headaches.
Trusts, in particular, offer powerful advantages:
- Avoiding probate, which can take months or years through the court system.
- Keeping your financial information and final wishes private. With a will, the details become public record.
- Reducing estate taxes, depending on the value of your assets and who your beneficiaries are.
- Streamlining asset transfers by clearly documenting what’s included in your estate and making distributions faster and easier for beneficiaries.
If you own property, have a blended family or family members with special needs, or simply want your affairs handled smoothly, a trust may be the most efficient option, although trusts typically cost more to set up than wills do.
4. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy.
One of the biggest myths is that trusts and wills are only for millionaires. The truth is that anyone with savings or personal belongings can benefit from having an estate plan. If you care about where your assets go, and who makes decisions for you, then a trust or will is for you.
5. The earlier you start, the easier it is.
Life changes quickly—getting married, buying a home, having children, making career moves. Creating a flexible plan now means you can easily update it later as your world grows. Starting early:
- Saves money
- Protects against the unexpected
- Gives you peace of mind and clarity
Ready to get started? We’re here to help.
Creating a will or trust doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s why Redwood Credit Union partners with Trust & Will®, an online estate planning platform designed to make the process straightforward, secure, and affordable.
Members of Redwood Credit Union save 15% on any Trust & Will estate planning service—whether you’re creating a will, setting up a trust, or updating an existing plan.
Trust & Will provides:
- Step by step guidance tailored to your needs
- Legally valid documents crafted by experts
- Fast, easy online setup (most people finish in under an hour)
- Ongoing updates as your life evolves
If you’d like to explore your options and see what estate planning could look like for you, visit our Trust & Will partner page.
*Trust & Will is a registered trademark of Huge Legal Technology Company, Inc.
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