Nobody Told Us the Truth About Wills and Insurance — So I Will

Family, let me ask you something.

When's the last time someone sat you down and had a real conversation about what happens to your stuff — your money, your home, your kids — if you're not here tomorrow?

For most of us, that conversation never happened. Not at the dinner table. Not in school. Not in church. And because nobody taught us, millions of Black families are walking around completely exposed — no will, no coverage, no plan.

That ends today.

I'm breaking down the biggest myths about wills and insurance that are keeping everyday families unprotected. These aren't small misunderstandings. These are lies that have real consequences — and I need you to hear the truth.

Let's get to work.

Myth #1: "I'm Too Young to Need a Will"

This is the myth that gets people in the most trouble — because it feels logical until it isn't.

Here's the truth: if you are over 18 and you own anything — a car, a bank account, a phone, a pet — you need a will.

A will is a legal document that tells the world exactly what you want done with your belongings when you're gone. Without one, the government steps in and makes those decisions for you. And I promise you, the government doesn't know your family, your wishes, or your values.

Nobody is promised tomorrow. We've all lost someone too soon. Don't let your family spend months in legal limbo fighting over your estate because you thought you had more time.

Bottom line: Age has nothing to do with it. Adulthood does. If you're grown, you need a will.

Myth #2: "Wills Are Only for Wealthy People"

This one is deeply rooted in our community — and I understand why. Estate planning has historically felt like something reserved for people with mansions and trust funds.

But that's not reality.

A will isn't about how much you have. It's about who gets what you have. Even if your total assets are a used car and a savings account with $800 in it, a will ensures those things go to the right people — not to the state.

And here's something even more important: if you have children, you need a will to name a guardian. Without one, a court decides who raises your kids. That alone should be enough to make you act today.

Bottom line: Wills aren't for the wealthy. They're for anyone who loves somebody.

Myth #3: "Getting a Will Done Is Too Expensive"

Real talk — this excuse used to hold water. Attorney fees for estate planning can run anywhere from $300 to $1,000 or more. For a family already stretched thin, that's a real barrier.

But here's what's changed: you can now create a legally valid will online for a fraction of that cost.

Platforms like Mama Bear Legal Forms allow you to get a proper will done for well under $100. That's less than a car payment. Less than a pair of sneakers. Less than one dinner out.

The cost of NOT having a will — the legal fees, the family conflict, the court battles — can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. The math is simple.

Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 21:5: "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." Planning your estate is an act of diligence. It's an act of love.

Bottom line: A will is one of the most affordable things you can do for your family. Stop letting price be the excuse.

Myth #4: "Identity Theft Won't Happen to Me"

Family, I need you to hear this clearly: identity theft is not a "rich people problem." It is not overhyped. It is not rare.

In 2024 alone, Americans lost $27.2 billion to identity theft. The FTC received 1.1 million identity theft reports in that same year. And losses rose 19% year over year.

That means it's getting worse — not better.

Your Social Security number, your bank account, your credit — all of it can be stolen and used against you before you even know something is wrong. And cleaning up the mess after the fact is expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining.

The good news? Protection is available and affordable. Individual identity theft protection plans average $10–$40 per month. Family plans run $13–$60 monthly. That's a small price to pay to protect everything you've worked for.

Bottom line: Identity theft is real, it's rising, and it can happen to anyone. Get protected before it happens — not after.

Myth #5: "My Employer's Life Insurance Is Enough"

I love that your job offers life insurance as a benefit. That's a blessing. But don't mistake a starting point for a finish line.

Here's the problem with most employer-provided group life insurance: it typically only covers one to two times your annual salary. If you make $55,000 a year, that's $55,000–$110,000 in coverage. Sounds decent — until you realize that money runs out fast when a family loses their breadwinner.

What does your family actually need? Ten to twelve times your annual income in term life coverage. That's the number that gives your spouse time to grieve, your kids stability, and your household a real runway to recover.

And here's another thing nobody tells you: employer coverage disappears when you leave the job. If you get laid off, switch careers, or get sick and can't work — that coverage is gone. You need a personal policy that belongs to you, not your employer.

Bottom line: Group life insurance is a bonus. It is not a plan. Get your own term life policy.

Myth #6: "I Don't Need Homeowners Insurance if I Have Savings"

First — if you've built up enough savings to even consider this, I want to celebrate that. That's real wealth-building behavior.

But here's why this thinking is still a myth: homeowners insurance isn't just about replacing the building. It covers the contents inside your home, liability if someone gets injured on your property, and legal protection if someone tries to sue you.

Even if you could write a check to rebuild your home from scratch, why would you drain your entire savings account when a policy costs a fraction of that risk? Wealthy people don't skip insurance — they use it strategically to protect what they've built.

And for Black homeowners specifically, protecting your property is protecting your legacy. Homeownership is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available to our community. Don't leave it exposed.

Bottom line: No matter how much you have saved, homeowners insurance protects far more than just the structure. Keep it.

Myth #7: "Health Insurance Is Too Expensive — I'll Just Risk It"

I hear this one most from young people, and I understand the logic. You feel healthy. You feel invincible. The premiums feel like money going nowhere.

But here's the reality: one emergency room visit without insurance can cost $3,000–$30,000 or more. One surgery. One accident. One diagnosis. And suddenly you're not just dealing with a health crisis — you're dealing with a financial one too.

Unpaid medical bills are one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in America. And no amount of "I feel fine" protects you from a car accident, a fall, or an unexpected diagnosis.

Health insurance is not optional. It is a non-negotiable part of your financial foundation — right alongside your emergency fund and your budget.

Bottom line: The cost of health insurance is never as high as the cost of going without it. Get covered.

What This Means For You

Family, here's the bottom line on all of this:

Wills, insurance, and identity protection are not luxury items. They are not things you figure out "someday." They are the foundation of a financially free life — and without them, everything else you build is at risk.

God's design for stewardship isn't just about growing money. It's about protecting it. It's about making sure the people you love are taken care of — not just while you're here, but after you're gone.

Your children's children's children are counting on the decisions you make today.

Conclusion

Let's recap the myths we just buried:

1. You're NOT too young for a will — if you're 18+, you need one
2. Wills are NOT just for the wealthy — they're for anyone with people they love
3. Wills are NOT too expensive — you can get one done online for under $100
4. Identity theft is NOT overhyped — $27.2 billion lost in 2024 alone
5. Employer life insurance is NOT enough — you need 10–12x your income in term coverage
6. Savings does NOT replace homeowners insurance — protect your property and your legacy
7. Health insurance is NOT optional — one emergency can wipe out everything

This is fixable. Every single one of these things is something you can act on this week. Not next year. Not when you "have more money." This week.

Here's your move: Start with a will. Get a term life quote. Look into identity theft protection. One step at a time — let's build.

Now I want to hear from you: Which of these myths hit closest to home for you? Drop it in the comments below. Let's talk about it.

Keep building,

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