I thought I didn’t need a will… until I realised I really did

I’ll be honest, I left getting a will much later than I should have. Back then, I didn’t have any money, no assets to speak of… just a bunch of debt. I told myself, “Why would I need a will? There’s nothing to leave.”

But here’s what I know now: getting a will in place isn’t about how much money you have in the bank. It’s about making sure your kids are cared for and that your wishes are clear. As a mum, that’s one piece of life admin I really shouldn’t have been sleeping on.

Why a will matters (even if you don’t have much)

A will isn’t just for wealthy people with holiday homes and investment portfolios. It’s for everyday women like us.

Without one:

• The law decides who gets what — which might mean money or belongings end up with people you never intended.

• The court decides who looks after your kids. Not you.

• Your whānau are left with delays, stress, and extra costs at the worst possible time.

From September 23rd in New Zealand, if you’ve got more than $40,000 sitting in KiwiSaver, savings, or other assets, you legally need a will. A lot of us will hit that KiwiSaver threshold faster than we think.

EPOAs: The other half of the puzzle

A will covers what happens after you die. But what if something happens while you’re still alive and you can’t make decisions for yourself?

That’s where an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) comes in. You can appoint someone you trust to:

• Make decisions about your health and care (personal care & welfare)

• Handle your money, bills, and property (property EPOA)

Without an EPOA, your family has to apply to the court. That takes time, money, and creates huge stress, especially if you’re a single mum and your kids need stability.

What this means for us

For single mums or anyone starting fresh after divorce, these documents are a lifeline:

• You get to choose who raises your kids if the worst happens.

• You protect their financial security.

• You save them from court processes, delays, and family disputes.

How to get it done

You don’t have to spend a fortune:

• DIY kits are cheap ($20) but risky if your situation isn’t simple.

• Online wills (Public Trust, Footprint, Agreeable) start at $85 and are fine for straightforward needs.

• A lawyer is best if you’ve got kids, property, trusts, or complicated family stuff — usually $300–$500+.

The key is to just start. A basic will is better than no will. You can always update it later.

✨ This month is Wills Month, give yourself (and your kids) the gift of certainty. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got $5 or $50,000 in the bank, your wishes matter, and putting them down on paper protects the people you love most.