A Song That Stuck With Me (And How It Weirdly Relates to Estate Planning)
There’s a song that’s been living rent-free in my head for years: "You Can’t Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones. Classic tune, right? Catchy melody, solid lyrics, and Mick Jagger doing his thing. But the reason it resonates with me isn’t just nostalgia—it’s because life, and yes, even estate planning, is full of moments where we don’t always get exactly what we want.
The Unexpected Lessons in a Rock Anthem
The song’s message is simple: sometimes, things don’t go our way. But if we plan ahead, we might just get what we need. And honestly, that’s estate planning in a nutshell. No one wants to think about wills, superannuation beneficiaries, or who gets the vintage record collection, but if you don’t, your loved ones might end up with a legal mess instead of a smooth transition.
The "Fairness" Illusion
Let’s be real—when money and assets are involved, family dynamics can get... spicy. Everyone has their own version of "fair." Your kids might expect an even split, your second spouse might think they should get the house, and your best mate might be wondering if that boat you always talked about gifting him is actually coming his way. The reality? You can’t always give everyone exactly what they want, but with a proper plan, you can make sure they get what they need (and minimise the fights in the process).
Procrastination: The Real Villain
Another line from the song? "But if you try sometimes, well, you just might find..." That’s estate planning. If you actually try—as in, get your affairs in order instead of putting it off—you’ll realise it’s not as scary as it sounds. Plus, future you (and your family) will be thanking past you for being proactive.
Final Chorus
Look, I get it. Talking about death and assets isn’t exactly a Saturday night party topic. But thinking ahead—whether for your estate or just life in general—means fewer headaches later on. So, take a note from The Rolling Stones: You might not get everything you want, but with the right planning, you’ll at least get what you need. And that’s a win in my book.
DISCLAIMER
This commentary is published by HazeLegal for general information only—it’s not legal advice. If you have questions or need advice for your specific situation, we recommend speaking to a lawyer or reaching out to us at http://hazelegal.com.au before making any decisions.
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