🎧 When I’m Gone, Just Carry On..

What Eminem can teach you about why you need a will

There’s a saying you’ve probably heard before:

Two things in life are guaranteed: death and taxes.

If you live in the UK, you’ll definitely feel the impact of the second.

But it’s the first one we avoid talking about.

We plan holidays.

We plan careers.

We plan investments.

But we don’t plan for the one thing we know will happen.

And here’s the reality:

Around 51% of UK adults don’t have a will.

(Source: Canada Life UK, 2024)

🎧 Why this matters

Eminem’s When I’m Gone isn’t just about being remembered.

It’s about what you leave for the people who have to carry on without you.

He’s reflecting on his choices in real time. Success, pressure, and what it might be costing his family.

At one point, he says:

“And when I’m gone, just carry on, don’t mourn

Rejoice every time you hear the sound of my voice”

It sounds comforting.

But in real life, “carrying on” isn’t that simple.

Because while life moves on and your role gets filled,

your family is left dealing with loss and responsibility at the same time.

Not just grief, but decisions.

Not just memories, but paperwork.

And this is where most people get caught out.

Because if you haven’t put anything in place, those decisions get made for them.

📜 And this is where a will comes in

A will, formally known as a last will and testament, is simply a way of making those decisions in advance.

So your family isn’t left guessing.

Or worse, relying on rules that don’t reflect what you actually wanted.

At its core, it sets out a few key things:

Who receives your money, property, and possessions.

Who looks after your children if you’re not here.

Who is responsible for managing everything on your behalf.

It’s your way of making things clear.

Of putting structure around something that is otherwise uncertain.

Of saying, in advance:

This is what I want to happen when I’m no longer here.

⚠️ What happens if you don’t have one?

This is where it gets real.

If you die without a will (known as dying intestate in the UK):

• The government decides who gets what

• Your partner may not automatically inherit everything

• Unmarried partners may receive nothing

• Your children’s inheritance is fixed by law, not your wishes

• The process becomes slower, more stressful, and often more expensive

And most importantly:

You lose control.

At the exact moment your family needs clarity the most.

👨‍👩‍👧 If you have children, this is critical

A will isn’t just about money.

It answers one of the most important questions:

Who raises your children if you’re not here?

Without a will, the courts decide.

With a will, you decide.

💸 How much does a will cost?

It’s more accessible than most people think.

A simple will can cost around £150 to £300, depending on how you do it.

More complex situations may cost more, especially if legal advice is needed.

And in some cases, it can even be free:

• Free Wills Month (March and October)

• Will Aid (November)

• Charities such as Age UK sometimes offer support

🤝 Choosing the right people

This is where a lot of people struggle.

Not the paperwork.

The people.

And if I’m honest, this is where I got stuck too.

For a long time, I knew I needed a will.

But I kept putting it off because I didn’t know who to choose.

Because it’s not a small decision.

You’re choosing who steps in when you no longer can.

Here’s a simple framework you can use to make this decision.

If you have children:

• Who do you trust to raise them?

• Who shares your values?

• Who has the capacity to take that on?

Then think about your estate:

• Who is organised and responsible?

• Who can handle finances and decisions under pressure?

They don’t have to be the same person.

One can raise your children.

Another can manage the money.

🔄 Keep it updated

A will isn’t “set and forget.”

Life changes.

And your will should reflect that.

It’s worth reviewing it after major moments like:

• Marriage or divorce

• Having children

• Buying property

• Changes in your financial situation

Because as your life evolves, so does what you’re protecting and who you may rely on to support you.

It’s also worth being mindful of inheritance tax as your estate grows.

In the UK, you have a £325,000 allowance, plus an additional £175,000 if you pass on your home to direct descendants.

For married couples, these allowances can be combined, meaning up to £1 million may be passed on tax-free in certain cases.

Beyond that, things can become more complex.

Which is why updating your will isn’t just admin.

It’s part of making sure your estate is structured in a way that’s clear, and as tax-efficient as possible for your family.

🧠 Final thought

This isn’t about fear.

And it’s not about being morbid.

It’s about responsibility.

The Bible says:

“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.”

That doesn’t just mean wealth.

It means structure, clarity, and care.

✅ What to do next

If this is something you’ve been putting off, start simple.

Have the conversation.

Make a decision.

Put something in place.

And if you’re looking for a solicitor or support to get your will sorted,

feel free to reach out, I’m happy to point you in the right direction.