Martin Lewis has urged people to check this October if they can claim a free service that can save them "hundreds of pounds". He also mentioned a £300 figure that is worth thinking about.
Free Wills Month explained
October is Free Wills Month, when anyone aged 55 or over can get this important document written up and put in place free of charge. Mr Lewis spoke about the initiative previously on ITV's This Morning. He confirmed that many solicitors are "doing it for free" under the scheme.
The consumer expert said: "The way that Free Wills Month works is there are two Free Wills Months: October and March, and different locations in the UK are on in each one."
For example, mental health charity Mind says on its website that it is taking part in the event in these areas: Chester, Cumbria and Lancaster, East Cheshire, Huddersfield, Leeds, Mid and West Wales, North Wales, Preston, Shropshire, Wakefield, Birmingham, Cornwall, Exeter, Leicestershire, Milton Keynes, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Plymouth and Torquay.
Donation request
You can check if there is a solicitor in your area taking part on the Free Wills Month website. Although there is no need to pay for the service, people are encouraged to make a donation to show their thanks.
Mr Lewis explained: "They would like you to leave a bequest in your will. That's a donation for the charity when you die, so you don't have to pay it now. So, what they normally suggest is about £300 in your will when you die or a small percentage of your assets. And that again is working with a whole range of charities, that's who you're leaving it to."
November scheme
The work continues in November to get people prepared for their final finances. UK-wide charity Will Aid runs throughout the month, as solicitors volunteer their time and waive their usual fees to write a basic will.
Again you are encouraged to make a donation, with clients invited to donate an amount to Will Aid. The suggested amount is £120 for a single basic will, and £200 for a pair of basic 'mirror' wills for couples.
Mr Lewis said: "It is a requested donation, if you can't afford it, you don't need to pay the full amount or anything at all." The financial expert encouraged people of all backgrounds to consider taking advantage of these schemes.
He said: "It's a win-win all round. So if you don't have a will, take advantage, especially if you're not married. People always think this is just for old people. But if you're 30 and you've got kids and you've got a house and you've got assets, do it."
