Plan Your Future: Why August Is Key for Wills & Finances

Why August Is the Perfect Time to Review Your Will and Bank Accounts

August is the last full month of summer. It is also National Make a Will Month. This is a good reminder for all American adults to make sure their financial and legal matters are in order.

But creating or updating your will isn’t the only way to protect your future. It's also is the perfect time to review your bank accounts, estate documents, and savings strategies.

At Fort Worth City Credit Union (FWCCU), we believe in helping you plan ahead with confidence. Whether you're thinking about building a living trust, adjusting your savings accounts, or setting up planned gifts for a family member, this month offers an ideal opportunity to get organized.

Let’s explore why Make a Will Month matters and how it connects with the way you bank every day.

What is a Will, and why should I have one?

A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets and personal affairs handled after your death. It allows you to:

Decide who receives your belongings (home, money, personal items)

Choose a guardian for minor children or dependents

Appoint someone to handle your estate (called an executor)

Help your family avoid court delays or confusion

Without a will, state laws (called intestate laws) determine who gets what and that might not match your wishes.

But I Don’t Have a Big Estate…

That’s okay! A will isn’t just for the wealthy. Whether you have a house and investments or just a car and a checking account, you still have something worth protecting. A will ensures that:

• Your belongings go to the people or causes you care about

• You reduce the emotional and legal burden on your loved ones

• Your wishes are documented in writing and honored

What Else Should I Include in My Estate Plan?

A complete estate plan often includes more than just a will. Depending on your goals, you might also want to explore:

• Living Trust: Lets you transfer assets without going through probate.

• Durable Power of Attorney: Gives someone legal authority to manage your finances if you become unable.

• Medical Power of Attorney or Healthcare Directive: Ensures someone can make medical decisions if you’re unable.

• Beneficiary Designations: Allows certain assets, like bank accounts or insurance, to pass directly to loved ones.

Good estate planning helps you protect yourself while you're alive and simplifies things after you’re gone.

What Do Wills Have to Do With Bank Accounts?

More than you might think. Many people don’t realize that how their bank accounts are set up can affect their estate plan.

Here’s how you can ensure your accounts align with your wishes:

• Add Payable on Death (POD) designations to your savings or deposit accounts. These pass directly to your named beneficiary without going through probate.

• Review and update account beneficiaries after major life events (marriage, divorce, new baby, etc.).

• Make sure your financial records are tidy. Clean transaction history, clear account titles, and current information can help executors or trustees manage things more easily.

• Understand your overdraft settings, debit card usage, and interest rates to ensure your accounts are serving you well now and into the future.

If your accounts don’t have named beneficiaries, or if you haven’t reviewed them in years, this month is the time to do it.

Secure Banking = Secure Future

Planning for the future is important—but so is protecting what you’ve got right now. Keeping an eye on your accounts can help you avoid fraud, catch anything unusual early, and make smarter money moves.

At FWCCU, we’ve got tools that make it easy to stay in control:

• Online and mobile banking so you can check your accounts anytime, anywhere.

• Safe, flexible ways to send and receive money, pay bills, and move funds on your schedule.

• Instant alerts if something suspicious pops up so you’re never caught off guard.

When you check in on your accounts regularly, you’re not just tidying up paperwork—you’re taking charge of your financial health.

Why August?

August is recognized as National Make a Will Month because it’s a natural time to check in on life changes.

As summer ends, many families are getting used to new school schedules. They are also adjusting to busier traffic. Some are making big changes like moving, changing jobs, or planning for retirement.

All these changes can affect your future plans, making it a smart moment to update or create a will. Even if life feels hectic, taking time now to plan ahead can give you and your family peace of mind before the busy fall season fully kicks in.

Things to Check This Month

Whether you’re updating your will or just double-checking your finances, here’s a quick checklist to guide you:

• Review your will, living trust, and other estate documents

• Confirm or update beneficiaries on your bank accounts

• Make sure your savings accounts are earning a competitive interest rate

• Understand your overdraft fees and account terms

• Set up fraud alerts to prevent unauthorized transactions

• Download the FWCCU mobile app to stay connected anytime

• Schedule a complimentary consultation with a financial advisor at FWCCU for personalized guidance

Start Small. Start Today.

Estate planning can sound overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Make-A-Will Month is your reminder that even small steps can make a big impact for your future and your family’s peace of mind.

So whether you’re setting up your first will, reviewing your savings accounts, or adding beneficiaries to your FWCCU accounts, this month is the perfect time to take action.

Visit fwccu.org or stop by your nearest branch to learn more and take the next step toward a more secure future for you and those you care about.