Why Gen Z Needs a Will (Yes, Really)

You're young, you're vibing, and you probably think wills are for older adults. Here's why you're wrong—and why it actually matters.

By Willy Team · October 31, 2025 · 5 min read

Let's be real: talking about death is weird. Especially when you're in your 20s or 30s, scrolling TikTok, and just trying to figure out how to adult. A will? That's something your grandparents have, not you.

But here's the thing: if you have anything you care about—a dog, a crypto wallet, a vintage record collection, or even just loved ones—you need a will. Not someday. Now.

You Have More Than You Think

Even if you're not rich, you probably have stuff that matters. Your Instagram account with 10k followers. Your student loan refund that just hit your account. Your dog, Max, who's basically your child. That guitar your dad gave you. These things have value—emotional or financial—and without a will, the state decides what happens to them. Not you.

Gen Z is the first generation to have significant digital assets. Your crypto, your NFTs, your carefully curated Spotify playlists—these aren't covered by traditional estate laws. If you don't specify what happens to them, they could be lost forever.

It's Not Morbid, It's Responsible

We avoid making wills because it feels like tempting fate. But creating a will isn't about expecting to die tomorrow—it's about being prepared for life's unpredictability. Accidents happen. Illnesses happen. And when they do, having your wishes documented means your loved ones don't have to guess or fight about what you wanted.

Plus, making a will can actually feel empowering. It's one of those rare moments where you get to be fully in control. You decide who gets what, who takes care of your pets, and what songs play at your funeral (we know you've been thinking about it).

What Happens Without a Will?

If you die without a will (called dying 'intestate'), state laws kick in. That means:

Your stuff goes to your legal next of kin—even if you're estranged from them
Your partner (if you're not married) gets nothing
Your pets could end up in shelters
Your digital assets might be inaccessible forever
Your family has to manage a complex legal process while grieving

State laws don't care about your wishes. They follow a formula. And that formula probably doesn't match what you'd want.

Making a Will Is Actually Easy Now

The old way: hire a lawyer, pay $1,000+, schedule appointments, use confusing legal language, wait weeks.

The new way (aka Willy): answer simple questions on your phone, use AI to help with wording, download your will in 10 minutes. That's it.

We're not saying you need a 50-page legal document. For most of us, a simple will that covers the basics is totally fine. You can always update it as your life changes (new job, new partner, new dog, more assets).

Here's what it comes down to

You plan for your future in other ways — saving for retirement, getting insurance, making career moves. A will is the same instinct, just applied to the scenario you don't want to think about.

So yeah, you need a will. Your future self (and your loved ones) will thank you.