Creating Your Last Will and Testament: A Simple Guide
A last will and testament is one of the most important documents you can create. It specifies who inherits your assets after your passing. Without a will, the state you live in will decide how your estate is distributed. Fortunately, making a will doesn’t have to be complex or costly. Here are three easy steps to help you complete your will:
Step 1: Reflect on What and Who Matters to You
Consider who you want to inherit your estate. Would you prefer to divide your estate equally among your children, or allocate specific assets to particular beneficiaries? Create a list of your assets and decide who should receive each one. Also, choose an executor—someone who will manage your estate after your death. If you have minor children, think about who you would want to raise them if you were no longer able to.
Step 2: Create Your Will Now, Even if You’re Unsure (You Can Always Revise It Later)
Whether you work with an attorney or use an online tool, answer all the questions provided to tailor your will to your needs. If you find a question challenging, provide your initial answer and revisit it later if needed. You can always update or create a new will in the future.
Step 3: Make It Official
Sign your will according to your state's legal requirements. This may involve having your signature notarized or witnessed. Store your will in a secure place and inform your executor of its location.
Given life’s uncertainties, it’s crucial to draft your first will as you begin accumulating assets. Since life circumstances can change, review and update your will annually or after significant life events. Proper planning will help your family carry out your wishes smoothly and without unnecessary conflict.
Answers to your questions
Yes. Origin offers partner access so you can manage your finances together at no additional cost. You’ll be able to filter transactions by member—making it easy to see which spending is yours and which belongs to your partner.
Yes. You can edit existing transactions and add new ones directly in Origin, so your records stay accurate and personalized.
Origin connects securely through trusted partners including Plaid, MX, and Mastercard.
Yes. Origin supports CSV uploads. You can upload a .csv file of your transactions, and we’ll import them into your account.
Yes. Your data is protected with bank-level security and advanced encryption. When you connect accounts through Origin, your login credentials are never shared with us. Instead, our partners generate secure tokens that let Origin access only the data you authorize—keeping your personal information private while enabling personalized insights.
Yes. You have full control to organize your spending in Origin. Transactions are automatically categorized by Origin, but you can always edit categories, add your own tags, and filter transactions however you like—so your spending reflects the way you actually manage money.
