Don't put off having a will

When it comes to wills, ‘later’ could be too late

- CARIN MEYER

MOST SOUTH Africans agree that having a will is important. Yet only four out of every 10 actually have a signed will in place; and a third of South Africans haven't even considered drafting one.

This gap between intent and action isn’t just a personal oversight—it’s a dire situation that demands a proactive response from the country's financial and retirement industries to reshape perceptions and integrate wills into everyday planning.

The 2025 FNB Retirement Insights Survey shows that even among those nearing (or in) retirement, wills largely remain an afterthought. No less than 12% of retirees over 60 say they've never considered drafting one.

For FNB Entry Wallet* consumers, that number jumps to 62%.

The problem is that, while people mostly understand the risks of not having a will, they often don’t feel the urgency—with many citing lack of time, the need to talk to family first, or the belief that wills are only for the wealthy.

All of which suggests the problem isn’t awareness; its inertia—and industry players need to do more to overcome it.

A big part of the action required is to grow the understanding that a will isn’t just a legal document; it’s a vital part of any robust retirement or financial plan. It protects assets, provides clarity, and gives individuals a say in what happens after they have passed on.

Without one, families are left navigating delays, confusion and potential conflict—all at a time when they should be grieving, not managing chaos.

The obvious question, then, is 'why don’t more people act?' The survey findings offer some clues.

Many find the process intimidating, with 15% of respondents without a will saying it's too complex or time-consuming. Others are uncertain about who should inherit their assets (17%), or assume that a will isn’t necessary if beneficiaries are already named in their policies.