Every August, Make a Will Month offers a timely reminder of the importance of preparing for the future by establishing or updating a will. Yet despite the critical nature of this endeavor, many Americans continue to put it off. According to recent data, more than two-thirds of adults in the U.S. do not have a will, and among those over age 65, over 40% have yet to complete one.

When a person dies without a will in New York state, provisions of dying intestate law determine how their assets are distributed. This legal process follows a set order of inheritance that often doesn’t reflect the individual’s personal wishes. Unmarried partners, stepchildren, close friends or charitable organizations will not receive anything unless they are specifically named in a will. The absence of a plan can create confusion, delays and unintended hardships for surviving loved ones.

A well-prepared will provides clarity when emotions may be running high, minimizes family disputes, ensures that assets are distributed according to your values and offers an opportunity to support causes and institutions that have shaped your life.

Judy Meagher, a member of the Adirondack Health Foundation’s Redfield Legacy Society, shared how this process brought her peace of mind:

“I realized that making my will was easier than I expected,” Meagher said. “We all have a part to play in the future. Some people let the future happen to them–not me. I want to be an active participant, especially in ensuring strong healthcare for our rural communities.

Meagher took the additional steps of establishing trust and sharing her intentions with her family — something estate planning professionals recommend to help confirm your wishes are clearly understood.

Most people will create or revise their will three to four times over the course of their lives, often prompted by significant milestones like marriage, the birth of a child, a divorce or the death of a loved one. Whether you’re preparing your first will or updating an existing one, the key is simply to begin.

To help make the process easier, the Adirondack Health Foundation offers a free Legacy Trail Guide–a thoughtful, easy-to-use tool designed to help individuals take the first steps in organizing their estate plans. Much like a trail through the Adirondacks, the guide walks users through each stage of the journey with clarity and confidence.

Legacy Trail Guide sections include:

¯ Taking inventory of your assets and accounts

¯ Naming beneficiaries

¯ Outlining healthcare wishes and powers of attorney

¯ Designating guardians for minor children

¯ Making provisions for pets

¯ Identifying charitable organizations that reflect your values

One of the simplest and most flexible planning tools highlighted in the guide is the beneficiary designation. Naming a person or charitable organization to receive funds from a retirement account, life insurance policy, or bank account allows individuals to leave a meaningful legacy without affecting their current finances. These designations can be changed at any time and typically don’t require legal assistance.

Designed to be completed in just two to three hours, the Legacy Trail Guide also features brief reflections known as Campfire Chats — helpful insights and prompts to deepen your thinking as you move through each section. Once finished, the guide provides a strong foundation for future conversations with an estate planning attorney or financial advisor.

“People are often surprised by how straightforward the process can be once they take the first step,” said Jen Balog, Executive Director of the Adirondack Health Foundation. “The important thing is to start — and then revisit your plan as life evolves.”

To request your free copy of the Legacy Trail Guide, contact the Adirondack Health Foundation at 518-897-2370, Foundation@adirondackhealth.org or visit adirondackhealthfoundation.org.

Planning ahead may not always be easy to consider — but it is one of the most meaningful gifts you can offer your loved ones, and one of the clearest ways to magnify your impact in the community you call home.

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Jen Balog is the executive director of Adirondack Health Foundation.