08/27/2026
August is Make-A-Will Month, and even celebrities have estate-planning lessons to teach us.
Volunteer Financial Instructor Michael Masserant joined FOX 2 Detroit to talk about what we can learn from the estate-planning mistakes of Aretha Franklin, Prince, Marlon Brando, Michael Jackson and Heath Ledger.
Some had no will. Some relied on verbal promises. Others had estate-planning documents that weren’t properly carried out.
The takeaway is simple: Everyone needs a will, regardless of how much money they have.
Use Make-A-Will Month as your reminder to review your estate plan and make sure it reflects your wishes.
Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered tax, legal or investment advice. Retirement Education Foundation does not offer financial services. Michael Masserant is a professional financial advisor in the private sector. He serves as a financial instructor for the Retirement Education Foundation on a volunteer basis.