Planning ahead can feel overwhelming, which is why many people put it off. As part of our Make your Will one less thing advertising campaign, we partnered with Mamamia and The Guardian to help make estate planning feel clearer, more approachable and easier to act on.
Across three articles, we explore why planning ahead matters, how life changes can affect your plans, and the importance of having the right documents and decision‑makers in place.
How and when to make a will
Developed in partnership with Mamamia, the article explores how making a will can be a practical and grounding step, particularly during major life changes such as starting a family or building assets. It highlights how professional support can help ensure your wishes are clearly documented, legally valid and easier to update as circumstances change.
Read the Mamamia article 'I didn't think I needed a Will. Having a child completely changed my mind.'
Planning as an act of care
Our first article with The Guardian focuses on the emotional side of planning ahead. Featuring insights from Marie Brownell, Director of Estate Planning and Administration at NSW Trustee and Guardian, the article explains that estate planning is not only about what happens after you die. It also highlights the importance of documents such as Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardian, which allow you to choose who can make decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself.
Planning ahead can reduce uncertainty and ease the burden on loved ones during difficult times.
Read The Guardian article ‘It’s all sorted’: an act of care that can give your loved ones peace of mind
Love, legacy and choosing the right people
Our second article in The Guardian looks at how family dynamics, blended families and changing relationships can complicate decision‑making if plans are not clearly set out.
The article encourages people to think carefully about who they appoint to manage their affairs and to seek professional advice, particularly where circumstances are complex. It also highlights the importance of reviewing estate planning documents over time, as personal and financial situations change.
This article reinforces the campaign’s focus on helping people feel confident that their decisions reflect their wishes.
Read The Guardian article Love, legacy and conflict: the right people to manage your affairs might not be who you think
Making planning ahead one less thing
Together, these articles reflect the purpose of the Make your will one less thing campaign: to encourage people to plan ahead with clarity and confidence.
By getting the right advice and putting the right documents in place, you can make informed decisions, protect your wishes and make things easier for the people who matter most.
If you would like more information about making or updating your estate planning documents, NSW Trustee and Guardian offers professional services to support you at every stage.