The annual benchmarking survey from Remember a Charity reveals the changing approach to will-making across the generations, with 28% of Gen X respondents saying they would make a will online or have already done so, compared to just 10% of Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation.
The online survey of over 2000 adults aged 40 and over also found a generational divide in the ages people are choosing to write their wills: the average age overall is 50, but this is shifting over time.
Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) is more likely to write a will in their 40s, Baby Boomers (1946-1964) in their 60s, and the Silent Generation (1928-1945) in their 70s. “This reflects a broader generational shift towards earlier financial planning, even as traditional life milestones such as home ownership, marriage and children are occurring later,” Remember a Charity said.
Despite the growing preference for online services among the younger participants, the survey found professional advisers continue to play a central role in will-writing. Two thirds (66%) of respondents with a will used a solicitor and 18% opted for a professional will-writer.
Demand for financial advice is also increasing. The proportion of people seeking financial advice has risen from 42% in 2021 to 53% in 2025, with younger and wealthier individuals and those supporting multiple charities most likely to seek guidance. Those aged under 55 with assets over £250,000 are the most engaged with professional wealth advice.
Those who sought advice were found to be more likely to include a charitable gift in their will, with 60% including a gift compared to just 20% of those who didn’t consult a professional.
Although the long-running consumer benchmarking study revealed the number of people choosing to leave charitable gifts has risen from 14% in 2010 to 22% in 2025, the survey also found low levels of awareness when it comes to the benefits of charitable giving.
Less than half of those surveyed (42%) were aware leaving a gift to charity could reduce the rate of inheritance tax, with 30% of those with assets of £1 million or more saying they didn’t know about the incentive.
“While tax incentives can support decision-making, they are rarely the primary motivation,” Remember a Charity explained. “Instead, individuals are typically driven by personal values and a desire to support causes they care about, after providing for family and friends.”
Younger will-makers are more likely to include a gift, with 35% of those aged 40-59 having done so, compared with 32% of those aged 60–69 and 30% of those aged 70 and over.
Just over a third of respondents (35%) of those who have not yet included a charitable gift say they would consider doing so.
More than half (53%) of those questioned who have made a will said they expect to change it in the future, with life events such as bereavement, changes in family relationships, inheritance and retirement all cited as key triggers.
Lucinda Frostick, director of Remember A Charity, said of the findings:
“Professional advisers play a vital role in helping clients navigate complex decisions around their estates and finances. This research highlights just how influential those conversations can be, particularly when it comes to charitable giving.”
One Response
A clear sign of where the sector is heading ..
The rise of Gen X embracing online will‑writing isn’t just a trend; it’s the beginning of a long‑term shift in how people want to plan, protect, and pass on their assets.
What’s particularly exciting is that this digital confidence is only going to grow. As more consumers expect seamless, accessible, adviser‑supported solutions, the opportunity for innovation in estate planning becomes even greater.
The blend of online convenience with professional guidance is proving to be the winning formula and this survey shows we’re still only at the early stages of that curve.
The direction of travel is unmistakable;
More people engaging earlier, more people seeking advice, and more people choosing digital pathways.
Momentum like this doesn’t slow down … it compounds.
Exciting times ahead.