Month: February 2026

When it comes to gift giving, it’s the thought that counts; but when it comes to estate planning, the mantra takes on a whole new meaning. That’s because it’s not just what you leave your loved ones; but how you leave the gift to them. A little forethought now will ensure your personal belongings go precisely where you intended.

What Type of Belongings Might I Want to Include in my Will?

First, let’s discuss what we mean by “personal belongings.” Essentially, we’re talking about tangible items, such as your car, jewelry, furniture, photos, and artwork. These items don’t have to be particularly valuable to be included in your will; what matters most is the sentimental value. In fact, it’s often the items that have the greatest sentimental value that trigger a family feud, which is all the more reason to put some forethought into how you want your personal property distributed.

So, is a Will the Best Way to Distribute My Belongings?

Actually, there are a few ways you can make your wishes known. Even within a will there are a couple approaches. There is no one right way for everyone, so read on to learn more about what might be right for you.

Option 1: Designate General Gifts Via a Will

This is the easiest approach for broad instructions such as leaving all your tangible property to one person, such as your spouse. Another use case would be if you wish for all your property to be sold, and the proceeds divvied up amongst your beneficiaries according to percentages you specify.

Option 2: Make Specific Bequests Via a Will

Another way to use a will is to make specific gifts, such as leaving your wedding ring to your eldest child. When using this method, it’s important to also include a secondary beneficiary, in the event the primary predeceases you. Keep in mind though that if you have a large number of bequests, creating and maintaining the list, along with each item’s respective beneficiaries, can quickly become cumbersome.

Option 3: Create a Personal Property Memorandum

Like option two, a personal property memorandum can also be used to designate specific items you’d like to go to specific people; for example, “I’d like my piano to go to my son, Paul.” However, this method has two major differences. First: a personal property memorandum is not part of your will.  And second the requests are not legally binding because they don’t require a notary or a witness. That means the executor of your estate could choose to not honor the wishes in your memorandum.

So why would you use this method? Personal property memorandums are useful because they allow you to update your distribution preferences without having to change your will or trust. And, if you’re confident in your family dynamic, the fact that it’s not legally binding may not pose a concern.

It’s easy to think of our personal belongings as just “stuff,” and in the estate planning process that can make it easy to overlook. But when you’re gone, your property will take on new meaning for your loved ones, becoming a tangible reminder of your memory. That’s what makes it truly priceless.

At AlerStallings, we understand how precious this process can be. We’ll help you take the necessary steps to prepare an estate plan that reflects your wishes and provides peace of mind. Plus, with our lifetime support, you’ll always have a plan that works for you no matter how life evolves. Learn more with a free consultation.