Writing a will isn’t usually high on anyone’s to-do list. It can feel somewhat bleak and even a bit intimidating. But it’s actually one of the most important financial moves you’ll make in your lifetime. A will doesn’t just decide who gets the family heirlooms; it keeps your loved ones from wading through red tape, rows, and potentially hefty tax bills after you’ve gone.
Without one, the law decides who inherits your belongings, not you. That can mean long delays, disputes, and in some cases, big chunks of wealth ending up with the taxman that could have stayed in the family. With a will, you get peace of mind. Cherished possessions are handed to the right people, gifts to charities you care about, and clarity when your family needs it most. The good news is that wills aren’t as costly as many assume.
In fact, during “Free Wills Months,” they can cost nothing at all. This September, estate planner Octopus Legacy is covering will-writing costs up to £150 as part of its autumn campaign, backed by more than 150 charities and household names like John Lewis. Adults in England and Wales with straightforward affairs qualify, and couples can even secure free “mirror” wills.
Although more complex cases may involve solicitor fees, the scheme keeps them cheaper than they would normally be. The will‑writing service itself is free, but participants are encouraged to support a partner charity with a small donation if they can.
If you miss this window, another Free Wills Month comes round each March and October, typically for over-55s, through charities such as Age UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, and the Samaritans.
You can find local participating solicitors online or by phone, and while you’re under no obligation to leave a gift to charity here either, many do as a way of giving back. Just visit freewillsmonth.org.uk and enter your postcode, or call 0333 022 0396.
Those younger than 55 can also get access to free wills through November’s Will Aid month. Visit willaid.org.uk for more information.
Outside of these campaigns, will-writing doesn’t need to break the bank. Providers can charge between £100 and £300 for simple cases, though it’s worth noting that DIY online kits can be risky, as poorly drafted wills are prime fuel for family disputes.
If you already have a will, check if it’s up to date. Marriage, divorce, new children, or buying property can all make an old version obsolete.
This is one financial job you can’t afford to ignore. Tackle it this month or the next, and you could save up to £150, avoid family strife, and secure the reassurance that your wishes will be fulfilled.
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DEAL OF THE WEEK
Pizza Express is offering a deal you need to know about. Buy one full-price Classic or Leggera pizza and get another for just £1 when you dine in. This offer is available until Sunday, September 28, and you can redeem it once per day during the promotional period. Simply visit pizzaexpress.com, enter your name and email address, and you’ll receive a code to show the staff before paying your bill.
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If you’re nearing 65 or already past it, you may be among the many facing steep tax bills on savings interest. New analysis by Paragon Bank projects that over-65s will pay £2.5billion in savings interest tax in 2025/26 – a staggering 215% surge compared with 2022/23. Savers under 65 will also see higher charges, with tax receipts set to rise 186% over the same period to £3.6billion.
The Government’s Personal Savings Allowance, which protects some savings interest from tax, has remained frozen for more than eight years. Currently, basic-rate taxpayers can earn up to £1,000 in tax-free interest, higher-rate taxpayers up to £500, and additional-rate taxpayers receive no allowance.
With interest rates higher than in recent years, more savers are being pushed over these limits and into paying tax, and some are completely unaware of it. However, there are ways to avoid getting caught out, and one is to move your savings into an ISA (Individual Savings Account).
Cash ISAs work like normal savings accounts, but with tax-free interest. Meanwhile, Stocks and Shares ISAs allow you to invest in a range of assets, including stocks, bonds, and funds, with any gains being tax-free. People can save up to £20,000 per year across all ISA types without paying tax on interest earned.
At the time of writing, fixed-rate Cash ISAs offer up to 4.35% AER (Chetwood Bank), while easy access accounts offer up to 4.4% AER (Principality Building Society). To peruse the top rates, visit moneyfactscompare.co.uk and filter the deals based on your preferences.
