How a Video Will Can Save Your Family from Financial Chaos

In many relationship, there’s could be one person who “takes care of the finances.”

They manage the bills. They handle the accounts. They know when the car insurance renews and where the life savings are parked. They’ve got the logins, the providers, the spreadsheets — all in their head, or buried in some folder on the laptop.

But what if they’re suddenly not there?

What happens to the surviving partner — and the rest of the family — when the one who “handled everything” is gone?

The Hidden Crisis Few Families See Coming

Let’s paint the picture.

You’re grieving. Your world has been turned upside down.

And suddenly, you’re being asked to:

• Find bank accounts you didn’t even know existed
• Track down insurance policies, many of which may never pay out if the paperwork isn’t in order
• Call utility companies, mortgage lenders, and pension providers
• Figure out where the crypto wallet is, what apps hold investments, what’s on auto-renewal and what’s been paid manually
• And all while trying to keep the household running, possibly raise children, and make major financial decisions — alone

This is the moment where so many surviving spouses and families go from heartbreak… to helplessness, to anger and frustration. All at the worst possible time.

And it’s completely avoidable.

A Video Will: A Map Through the Maze

This is where a video will becomes one of the most important things you can ever leave behind.

Not to replace legal documents — but to provide the human guidance that ties it all together.

To speak directly to your loved ones.

To walk them through the world you managed so quietly, so efficiently, so completely — until now.

What to Include in a Financial-Focused Video Will

Here’s how a simple video — recorded now — can make life so much easier for your partner and family later:

Banking & Day-to-Day Money

“We’ve got two accounts with HSBC — the joint one we use for bills, and my personal one. The joint one is linked to the mortgage. Logins are stored in our password manager.”

You know where the money is. They might not.

A video will gives your partner an immediate roadmap — no hunting through drawers, no guessing passwords, no missed payments or frozen funds.

Savings, Investments, and Crypto

“The kids’ ISAs are with Vanguard. I’ve set up monthly contributions. There’s also a Coinbase wallet — I keep that info in our ‘Finance’ folder. Password is saved in Bitwarden.”

Most households today have multiple investment sources — from stocks and bonds to crypto accounts and peer-to-peer platforms. If no one knows they exist, they can be lost forever.

A video gives your family the full picture, not just the obvious pieces.

Insurance Policies

“There’s a life policy with Legal & General — £250k. The policy number is in the drawer by the bed. It’s tied to the mortgage, so make sure the claim gets submitted.”

Many families don’t even know what insurance policies exist — or that they need to file a claim quickly. A video can point them exactly where to look, who to contact, and what’s covered.

Bills, Utilities, Subscriptions

“Electricity’s with Octopus. Mobile’s with EE — mine and yours. Spotify is on my card, and Netflix is on the joint account. I cancel Amazon every December but restart it in March.”

These might seem like minor details — until the power gets cut off or unexpected charges start stacking up. A quick walkthrough in your video can save hours of confusion.

Car Loans, Lease Agreements, and Payments

“The car is leased through VW Finance. Payments come out on the 15th. It’s in my name, but it’s covered by the life insurance in the event of my death.”

If you’re gone, and no one knows where that paperwork is or what’s owed, it can affect credit ratings, ownership, and legal liabilities. A video makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Pensions & Retirement Funds

“I’ve got a pension from my old job at Barclays — still active. And a private pension with Aviva. You’ll need to contact both and nominate yourself or the kids as beneficiaries.”

Pensions are one of the most commonly overlooked financial assets after someone passes — and yet, they can hold significant value. A video ensures they’re not forgotten.

Your Final Message: Reassurance and Direction

“I know this is overwhelming. But you’ve got this — and I’ve done everything I can to make it easier. Watch this as often as you need to. And please don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

This might be the most important part of all.

Not the facts, not the finances — but your voice, offering clarity, love, and confidence.

At a time when your partner feels most lost, this may be the lifeline they didn’t know they needed.

The Real Gift You Leave Behind

A video will doesn’t just prevent chaos.

It prevents unnecessary pain — confusion, fear, frustration, guilt.

It turns a devastating situation into one where your loved ones can act with clarity, purpose, and peace of mind.

You already know the systems. You’ve got the answers.

So record them. Explain them. Pass them on.

And do it now — while you can.

OracleBily is here to stop sadness and loss turning into frustration, we’re here to help you store your messages securely, confidentially and to give your family the guidance they’ll need.

Peace of Mind for you today. Critical Guidance for those you love tomorrow.

You’ve built something out of nothing.

You’ve made the decisions, solved the problems, hired the people, signed the deals, navigated the chaos, and somehow… created a business that works.

But here’s the question no founder likes to dwell on:

What happens if you're not there tomorrow?

Your family might inherit the business.

Your team might be expected to step up.

Your spouse might be looking for answers.

But you are the one who holds the blueprint — in your head, in your gut, in your daily judgment calls.

So what happens when you're no longer there to make them?

The Hidden Risk in Every Owner-Led Business

Let’s be blunt.

Many small to mid-sized businesses are built around a single personality. The owner is the dealmaker, the strategist, the visionary — and the safety net.

When that person is suddenly gone, the business doesn’t just feel the loss.

It can stall, stumble, or fall apart completely.

Family members may have no idea what to do next.

Employees may panic.

Clients may leave.

And the value you spent a lifetime building can evaporate within months.

Unless… you plan ahead.

Enter the Video Will: A Business Owner’s Final Briefing

You already have a written will (hopefully), maybe even a shareholder agreement.

But those are legal tools.

They don’t tell the story.

They don’t pass on the wisdom.

They don’t explain the why behind your decisions, your goals, your long game.

That’s where a video will comes in. A personal message, recorded now, to guide others if you’re not here tomorrow.

It’s not a pitch. It’s a blueprint in your own voice. And it could save everything you’ve built.

What You’d Want to Say — and What Others Need to Hear

Here’s what to include in a business-focused video will, whether you run a consultancy, a law firm, a creative agency, or a product-based business:

The Big Picture: What’s the Business Really About?

“This business wasn’t just about turning a profit. It was about creating independence — for me, for our clients, and for our team.”

Your family and future decision-makers need to know why this business exists. What problem were you solving? What values did you lead with? What’s the bigger mission?

This helps others understand the heart of the business — not just the mechanics.

To the Family: Keep It, Sell It, or Wind It Down?

“If I’m gone, don’t feel pressured to run this unless your heart’s in it. Talk to Sarah — she’s been my second-in-command. If it makes sense to sell, here’s who I trust… and who I don’t.”

Give your family clarity. Are you asking them to preserve the business? Or giving them permission to let it go? Should they sell — and if so, to who, or perhaps who NOT to sell to

Be specific. A few names could make all the difference between a panic sale and a well-planned transition.

To the Team: Who Steps In, and How?

“Tom — you know how to run operations. Jane — you’ve been managing our biggest client relationships for years. I trust you both. Keep the culture, look after the team, and trust your instincts.”

Your staff needs reassurance. They need to hear who you saw as a future leader, what you expected of them, and how you’d want the company to move forward. You can even outline short-term steps: who to call, what to prioritize, how to maintain stability.

Strategic Guidance: How to Keep Things Running

“The cash flow cycle is seasonal. Don’t panic if Q1 looks lean — it always rebounds in April. And don’t touch the emergency reserve unless revenue drops below X.”

You’ve learned the patterns. You know what’s around the corner.

This is your chance to share your playbook — key clients to protect, contracts to renew, warning signs to watch for. It’s the inside track only you can provide.

Legal & Financial Advice for Survivors

“Our IP is protected under XYZ. Our key supplier agreements auto-renew, but the insurance policy for the business loan is in place if I pass.”

This is where you can explain what legal protections are in place, who to contact (lawyer, accountant, broker), and any potential red tape to expect. Even just naming your advisors helps loved ones avoid chaos.

Final Encouragement: Your Legacy in Business and Life

“I built this so we could all have freedom — not so you’d be trapped in it. Whatever you choose, do it with pride. I believe in what we created together.”

Your voice, your confidence, your belief in the people you leave behind — that matters. It brings clarity. It brings closure. It brings courage.

Because at the End of the Day…

You’ve done the hard part — building something from the ground up.

Now it’s about preserving it.

A video will doesn’t just capture data.

It captures your direction, your leadership, your vision.

It’s a final act of responsibility — and love — for the people who may one day be holding the reins.

Ready to record your business video will?

OracleBily is here to help you store it securely, confidentially and to give your family and team the guidance they’ll need — if ever the day comes.

Peace of Mind for you today. Critical Guidance for those you love tomorrow.

No one wants to imagine the day they might not be there for their children. But responsible parenting means planning for the unthinkable — including what happens if you're no longer around. That’s where naming a guardian in your will comes in. It’s one of the most important decisions you'll ever make.

But here’s something we don’t talk about enough:

How hard it is to step into that role.

Even if the guardian is someone you love and trust — a sibling, a best friend, a cousin — raising someone else’s children is a life-altering commitment. And as much as they may want to do right by your kids, they’ll be facing a steep learning curve.

Let’s talk about it — honestly.

And more importantly, let’s talk about how you can make it easier for them… and for your children.

The Quiet Struggles Guardians Face

1. “I don’t know what they’re used to.”

What do they eat for breakfast? How do they calm down when they’re scared? What’s their bedtime routine?

Even if you know your nieces or godchildren well, living with them is a whole different level. Suddenly, you’re not the fun uncle — you’re the parent figure. That’s a tough emotional shift for both sides.

2. “I don’t know how they’re feeling.”

Losing a parent at a young age creates deep emotional wounds. Children grieve in different ways — some act out, some withdraw, and others seem “fine” until months later. Guardians are often left guessing: What’s normal? What’s trauma? How do I help?

3. “I don’t want to mess up what their parents would have wanted.”

This is a huge one. Most guardians feel the pressure to honour the parents' legacy… but how? Without clear guidance, they’re making choices in the dark — about schooling, religion, discipline, values, even how to talk about money.

4. “This wasn’t in my life plan.”

Taking in children changes everything — work schedules, finances, relationships, housing. Even if the decision is made out of love, it can still feel overwhelming and isolating. Guardians need support too.

What Parents Can Do Now to Light the Way

Let’s flip the lens: As a parent, you can’t be there physically if the worst happens. But you can be there in spirit, in guidance, and even in voice.

That’s where a video will becomes an incredibly powerful gift.

Yes, it’s emotional. Yes, it’s hard to sit in front of a camera and talk about life after you’re gone. But what you leave behind could be the lifeline your chosen guardians — and your children — so desperately need.

Here’s what you can include in a video will, from both a parent’s and a guardian’s point of view:

Guidance on Your Child’s Personality, Fears, and Needs

“Emma hates the dark. She sleeps with a little fox nightlight. If she’s scared, just rub her back and tell her she’s safe — it works every time.”

To a guardian, those tiny details are golden. They help your child feel seen and understood from day one. As a parent, this is your chance to pass on your intimate knowledge of who your child really is.

Likes, Dislikes, and Daily Life Routines

“Jack is obsessed with dinosaurs. Give him his dino pajamas after bath time and he’ll calm right down.”

This isn’t fluff — it’s emotional safety. Familiar routines and comforts help children feel secure in a world that suddenly feels upside down. And it helps the guardian build trust, faster.

Medical and Developmental Information

“Lily had a febrile seizure at 2. It hasn’t happened again, but if she spikes a high fever, get medical advice quickly.”

''The kids doctor is Doctor Johnston at Mediclinic, all medical records are their vax history in the bottom right draw in my bedroom in a blue file''

A video allows you to speak clearly about health history, medications, allergies, diagnoses — things a legal will might not detail. This can prevent delays or misunderstandings in urgent situations.

Your Principles and Parenting Philosophy

“We’ve always tried to teach respect before rules. It’s okay if they mess up — what matters is that they’re honest about it.”

This gives your guardians a compass. It’s not about controlling their parenting — it’s about sharing what you’ve learned, what you value, and how you hope your children will be raised. It can also prevent internal battles about “Would they have wanted this?”

Managing Their Inheritance — with Wisdom

“If you’re managing their trust fund, please teach them the value of money. We saved so they could have choices — not so they’d feel entitled.”

Guardians often become stewards of your child’s financial future. A video can clarify your hopes around education, spending, investing, or when to release funds. It keeps your intentions front and center.

Messages for Later in Life

“Happy 18th, Sam. If I’m not there, I want you to know how proud I am of the man you’ve become.”

You can record special messages for birthdays, graduations, weddings — moments you dreamed of witnessing. These become treasured heirlooms for your children… and a reminder that your love lives on.

A Final Thought

As a guardian, stepping into a parent’s shoes is no small ask — no matter how willing the heart.

And as a parent, you can’t control the future… but you can prepare the people who will walk through it.

A video will doesn’t just give instructions. It gives reassurance, clarity, and connection — to the guardians who’ll raise your children, and the children who’ll grow up missing you.

It says:

“You’ve got this. I believe in you. And I’m still here — in spirit, in love, and in every word you’re about to hear.”

OracleBily is there to help you create a secure, heartfelt video will that truly makes a difference?

Your children — and their future guardians — deserve the peace it brings.

Peace of Mind for you today, critical guidance for those you love tomorrow.

When we think of wills, we often picture a formal stack of papers stamped and signed in a lawyer’s office. But in today’s digital age, there's another powerful option gaining popularity: video wills. While not always legally binding on their own, video wills offer several meaningful benefits when used alongside a traditional written will — and they just might be one of the most personal ways to pass on your legacy.

Here’s why recording a video will is worth considering:

1. Adds a Human Touch to Your Legacy

A written will outlines your wishes, but a video will gives you a voice. Literally.

Hearing your tone, seeing your expressions, and watching you speak directly to your loved ones can bring deep emotional comfort. Whether you're explaining your decisions, sharing life lessons, or simply saying goodbye — a video message is something your family will cherish forever.

2. Reduces Misunderstandings and Family Disputes

Let’s face it: inheritance can be a sensitive topic. One of the main causes of family conflict after a loved one passes is confusion or disagreement over a will’s intentions.

A video can provide clear context for your decisions. It can explain the “why” behind the “what” — reducing the likelihood of misinterpretation or assumptions. When done properly (and ideally with legal guidance), it can help reinforce the validity of your wishes and reduce potential challenges.

3. Provides Guidance to Loved Ones — Beyond the Written Word

There are some things a document just can’t capture. Your values, your voice, your heart.

A video will gives you the chance to offer deeper context and guidance to those you leave behind. Whether it’s encouragement for your children, reassurance to a spouse, or advice on how to carry on family traditions — these personal touches can help your loved ones feel emotionally supported, even in your absence. It’s not just about inheritance — it’s about legacy.

4. Guidance for Potential Guardians of Your Children

If you have young children, your will likely names a guardian. But the written word doesn’t always communicate your parenting style, hopes, or daily routines.

A video allows you to speak directly to potential guardians, sharing your parenting philosophy, values, and intentions. You can explain what kind of upbringing you envision, the traditions you’d like carried on, or even reassure the guardian that you chose them because you trust their heart and character. This can be incredibly helpful during what would already be a challenging transition.

5. Advice for Your Family or Surviving Business Partners

For those who own businesses or have significant professional responsibilities, a video will can be a valuable space to offer clarity, continuity, and encouragement.

You can speak to business partners about the future of the company, share your vision, and express confidence in the team you’ve built. For family members who may inherit responsibilities, this kind of guidance can provide both direction and peace of mind. You’re not just passing on assets — you’re passing on leadership.

6. Helps Confirm Mental Capacity and Free Will

One of the most common grounds for contesting a will is questioning whether the person was of sound mind or under undue influence at the time they made it.

A video recording can serve as extra evidence that you were fully aware and acting voluntarily. You can state the date, confirm your understanding of the document, and express that you’re acting on your own accord. This may help support your will’s legitimacy if ever questioned.

7. A Chance to Speak Directly to Your Loved Ones

A written will doesn’t leave much room for personal messages. A video will allows you to do something extraordinary: speak from the heart.

Whether it’s a message of gratitude to a spouse, words of wisdom to your children, or a heartfelt note to friends — these are moments a written document can’t fully capture. You’re not just passing on assets; you’re passing on your essence.

8. Easy to Record, Priceless to Keep

With today’s technology, you don’t need a studio or film crew. A simple smartphone or webcam in a quiet space is all it takes. The key is to be authentic, clear, and organized.

When stored securely (alongside your written will), your video becomes a timeless piece of your legacy — something future generations can look back on, learn from, and feel connected to.

Final Thoughts

A video will isn’t meant to replace your written will — but it’s a powerful addition to it. An opportunity to provide answers not questions. Think of it as the voice behind the words, the emotion behind the intent, and a way to ensure your wishes are truly understood.

Legacy planning isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about people, stories, values, and love. A video will lets you leave all of that behind — and more.

Peace of mind for you today, critical guidance for those you love tomorrow.

We’ve all seen dramatic will readings in movies—handwritten notes on napkins, last-minute declarations, or heartfelt video messages. But while these moments make for great storytelling, the legal reality of wills is far less glamorous. So what actually makes a will valid?

The Basics of a Valid Will

Despite the drama often portrayed on screen, the legal requirements for a valid will are relatively simple. You must:

• Be of sound mind and understand what property you own,
• Understand the effect of giving that property away,
• Clearly express your intentions,
• Create the will in writing,
• Sign and date it,
• Have it properly witnessed according to your local laws.

Most places require two adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries under the will. These witnesses must observe the signing and be able to confirm that you appeared mentally competent and acted of your own free will.

Handwritten Wills: Allowed, But Risky

Some jurisdictions allow handwritten wills—also known as holographic wills. These don’t always require witnesses, but they’re far more likely to be challenged in court. Rules vary: in some areas, the entire will must be handwritten; in others, only the essential parts need to be. In all cases, the document must clearly reflect your intention to distribute your property and be signed and dated.

Oral Wills: Rare and Limited

A few places permit oral (or nuncupative) wills, but they come with strict conditions. Typically, oral wills are only valid when made during a person’s final moments, often in the presence of multiple witnesses. These wills usually must be transcribed soon after being spoken and may be limited in terms of what property can be given away.

Are Video Wills Legally Binding?

Despite what you might see in film or on TV, a video recording by itself is not considered a valid will. However, videos can still play a valuable supporting role in your estate planning. Recording yourself during the will-signing process can show that:

• You knew what you were doing,
• You were not under pressure or influence,
• The proper formalities were followed.

A video like this can serve as powerful evidence if someone tries to challenge the will later.

Video as a Communication Tool

While not legally binding, a video can help explain your decisions—especially if your choices might upset or surprise loved ones. For example, if you choose to leave more to one child because others received earlier gifts, a video explanation may help prevent confusion or resentment.

Videos can also help convey your wishes for how sentimental items should be distributed. These preferences won’t be enforceable by law, but they might still be honored by your family if clearly expressed.

Final Thoughts

The easiest way to ensure your will is valid is to follow the legal requirements of your jurisdiction and, ideally, consult with an estate planning professional. While a video can’t replace a written, signed, and witnessed will, it can be a meaningful addition—offering clarity, reducing the risk of disputes, and providing emotional comfort and depth of context to your loved ones that a traditional will fails to offer.

OracleBily is here to stop sadness and loss turning into frustration, we’re here to help you store your messages securely, confidentially and to give your family the guidance they’ll need.

Peace of Mind for you today. Critical Guidance for those you love tomorrow.