Why a Will Alone Isn’t Enough: Estate Planning Made Simple

Let me tell you a quick story.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard: “Oh, I don’t need a will. Everything will just go to my partner anyway.” Or my personal favourite: “My dad made a will when he was healthy and died days later. They’re cursed, Stacy!”

I get it. Talking about death and estate planning isn’t exactly the stuff of fun Friday nights. But here’s the thing: ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. It just makes life harder for the people you love most. And that’s the last thing any of us want.

So, let’s make this simple. No legalese, no overwhelming paperwork talk—just the basics you actually need to know.

The Three Documents You Actually Need

Most people think estate planning = will. Done and dusted.
Wrong.

Estate planning in New South Wales (and pretty much everywhere else) actually involves three key documents:

1. Your Will

This one you probably know. A will comes into effect after you die. It names your executor (the person who works with your lawyer to carry out your wishes), your beneficiaries (the people who inherit your stuff), and, if you’ve got young kids, their guardian.

But here’s the catch: a will is not enough on its own.

2. Power of Attorney

Think of this as the “business end” of your life. A Power of Attorney lets someone you trust handle your finances if you can’t. That might mean selling property, paying bills, or dealing with banks. Without this? You’re looking at tribunal applications, audits, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress for your family.

3. Enduring Guardianship

If Power of Attorney is the business end, this is the health end. Your Enduring Guardian makes medical and lifestyle decisions for you if you can’t. Where you live, what treatment you get, even whether the machines stay on or not—this is the document that makes sure your wishes are respected and your loved ones aren’t stuck with heartbreaking choices.

Why “She’ll Be Right” Doesn’t Work Here

I’ve seen too many situations where people put this off until it’s too late. The deathbed will that couldn’t get drafted in time. The partner left without a Power of Attorney, fighting through red tape just to sell the family home. The family arguing in a hospital because nobody knows what Mum actually wanted.

It’s messy. It’s stressful. And it’s avoidable.

Normalising the Conversation

Here’s the part people find morbid: talking about death. But honestly? It doesn’t have to be.

My girls (11 and nearly 13) know what estate planning is. Not because I sat them down for a lecture, but because they’ve heard me talk about it in everyday life. For them, it’s normal. And I’d love for it to be that way for everyone.

When you get these documents sorted, you’re not just “planning for death.” You’re giving your family clarity, peace, and confidence. You’re making sure they don’t have to guess or fight when they should be grieving.

The Takeaway

Estate planning isn’t scary. It’s not cursed. And it’s not just about you—it’s about the people who matter most.

So if you’ve been putting it off, now’s the time to do something about it. Future-you (and your family) will thank you.

Want to dive deeper?
Listen to the full episode of The StacyM Show here: Click here.
Or, if you’re ready to tick estate planning off your to-do list, book a consult with me at www.stacymunzenberger.com