Unhelpful BBC news reporting on estate planning

flaneurs_lobster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82001648#Comment_82001648

Follow that link and you eventually get to the source of the figures - survey in 2021.

https://maps.org.uk/en/publications/research/2021/financial-wellbeing-survey-2021

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82001648#Comment_82001648

That link says that over 50% of people over 18 do not have a will, which is probably not so surprising as I would think not many people under 40 would think to have one. It says only 22% of over 65's do not have one.

This would indicate that the one third figure is probably the number of people who die without a will.

Although we know personal finance generally is not well understand by the majority, I think having a will is one area where most people can see the good reasoning behind that, especially as the Grim Reaper appears on the horizon. Although some of those wills will be poorly written, but that is another story.

Marcon

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82001573#Comment_82001573

It can be quite the reverse of helpful. Just look at the number of disputes and squabbles which arise after a death because 'Auntie Emma always wanted me to have her ring' or similar. The emphasis on 'talking' rather than 'acting' (ie having a valid will) will appeal to the many who fondly believe that telling someone something about their wishes is an adequate substitute for a will. A different choice of verb would have avoided the problem.

oldernonethewiser

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82001823#Comment_82001823

I agree that "only" talking is not ideal. I have talked to my family about arrangements after my death but importantly I also have a will.

A friend who died a few years ago from a short terminal illness didn't talk about the future nor did they leave a will. Very messy.

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6668651/unhelpful-bbc-news-reporting-on-estate-planning

What have BBCsaid when you pointed this out to them?

What do you expect anybody on this forum to do?

gplion55

This is normal BBC twaddle…if you are sensible and make a decent will with the help of a legal advisor you don't need to tell anyone anything, apart from where to ask for a copy of your will when you pass away.

There is plenty of sound advice here on Martin's Forum. Sound advice certainly doesn't come from the Beeb.

bobster2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82001906#Comment_82001906

Errr…I don't expect anyone on this forum to do anything (other than perhaps engage in discussion / debate). It is a discussion forum after all.

Where did I suggest I wanted anyone here to do something about this? Other than discuss?

Brie

I look at it as being a 3 step process.

1 - talk to family

2 - write wishes down (a living will, DNR, funeral arrangements)

3 - have a will consistent with 1 & 2.

And then go back to 1.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82001993#Comment_82001993

There is plenty of good financial advice on the BBC, but probably Radio 5 Live is not the optimum channel for getting the details.

oldernonethewiser

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82001993#Comment_82001993

"normal" - not on the programmes I listen to. 😉

Plenty of sound advice available from lots of sources, including the BBC.