Warren Buffett just shared something important in his latest letter to shareholders – he talks about his Will with his children before signing it.
This is very different from what most Asian parents do. Many don’t tell their kids about their Will, thinking it will cause family fights or bad luck. Some believe if they keep quiet, their children will “just figure it out” later.
But Buffett’s advice is simple: talk to your family now so they won’t be confused or shocked later.
Why Warren Buffett Talks About His Will – And Why You Should Too
Buffett, now 94, has changed his Will many times, but his children always know the plan. He doesn’t want them to be surprised or fight over his assets after he’s gone.
His words are very real:
“Father time always wins… To date, I’ve been very lucky, but, before long, he will get around to me.”
Now, compare this with how most Malaysian families handle inheritance:
- Parents don’t tell their kids anything about their Will.
- Some pass away suddenly, and their kids don’t even know where the important documents are.
- Siblings end up arguing because they didn’t know their parents’ true wishes.
- Family businesses break apart because there was no clear plan.
All these problems can be avoided by just having one honest conversation.
What Happens When Parents Keep Silent About Their Will?
Many big family fights start because of unclear Wills. Even in middle-class families, money can break relationships.
Some common problems:
- Unexpected surprises – A child thought they would inherit the family house, but it was given to someone else.
- Hidden debts – Parents never told their children about unpaid loans, and now they must settle them.
- Legal delays – If a Will is not clear, the case can go to court for years.
Talking About Your Will is Not About Money – It’s About Avoiding Confusion
Many parents worry that talking about their Will would make their children greedy. But actually, keeping silent can create even bigger problems.
- It helps children understand your decisions – No arguments later.
- They will know where important papers are kept – Saves time when needed.
- It prevents misunderstandings – No fights between siblings.
Buffett has already planned for his money to go to charity, and his children know this. There are no false expectations or confusion.
By being open, he is making sure his family will not have legal or emotional troubles after he’s gone.
How to Talk About Your Will with Your Family
If you are a parent and have never talked about your Will, now is the time. Here’s how:
- Pick a good time – Have the talk privately, not during Chinese New Year or family dinners.
- Explain your choices – If you are dividing assets in a certain way, let them know why.
- Talk about debts – If you have loans, your children should know.
- Tell them where the Will is kept – So they don’t have to search for it later.
- Let them ask questions – It’s better to clear things up now than have them argue later.
You don’t need to give every small detail, but at least let them understand your overall plan.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Will Be a Mystery
Buffett’s advice is clear – talk about your Will before it’s too late.
Many Malaysian parents avoid this topic, but keeping it secret is more risky than talking about it. Silence creates confusion, and confusion can break families apart.
It doesn’t matter if you have a small savings or a big business – your family deserves clarity.
So, take a lesson from Warren Buffett – be open, set clear expectations, and make sure your wealth is used properly.
The best thing you can leave behind for your children is not just money, but peace of mind.
You may make an appointment with our legal advisor here:
https://calendly.com/finex-and-co-legacy-advisory/tea-talk-with-legal-expert
股神巴菲特说：“遗嘱不要偷偷写，家人应该知道！”
最近，巴菲特在他的股东信里讲了一件很重要的事——他会先跟孩子讨论好遗嘱，才签名。
这跟大多数亚洲家庭很不一样。很多父母不敢讲到关于遗嘱的任何事情，怕家人吵架，或者觉得讲这些会“晦气”。有些人觉得不讲比较好，孩子以后自己会搞定。
但巴菲特的做法很简单：早点跟家人讲清楚，以后就不会有问题。
为什么巴菲特会跟孩子讲遗嘱，而你也应该这样做？
巴菲特已经 94 岁，他的遗嘱改过很多次，但他的孩子每次都知道内容，不会等到他不在了才来猜测。他说了一句很实际的话：
“时间不会等人……到目前为止，我很幸运，但很快，他也会找上我。”
反观很多大马家庭呢？
- 父母完全不讲遗嘱，孩子什么都不知道。
- 突然去世，孩子根本不懂要去哪里找遗嘱。
- 兄弟姐妹为了财产争吵，因为爸妈没讲清楚。
- 家族生意没人接手，最后倒闭，因为没有规划好。
其实，只要肯坐下来讲一次，就能避免很多问题。
不和家人谈遗嘱，可能会发生什么事？
大马很多家庭因为财产问题闹翻，甚至上法庭。不是只有富豪才会遇到，就算普通家庭，也可能因为遗嘱不清楚而吵架。
常见的问题有：
- 以为会继承的资产，结果留给了别人。
- 父母有欠债，但孩子完全不懂，最后要去还钱。
- 遗嘱不清楚，家人要去打官司，等几年才拿到钱。
谈遗嘱，不是为了分钱，而是为了避免误会！
很多父母怕一讲遗嘱，孩子就会开始计较。但实际上，不讲才是最危险的！
- 孩子可以理解你的决定，以后不会有误会。
- 知道重要文件放在哪里，不会发生“找不到遗嘱”的问题。
- 避免家人吵架，有些东西讲清楚了，感情才不会破裂。
巴菲特的孩子早就知道大部分财富会捐出去，他们没有期待，也不会吵。
他这种做法，避免了遗产纠纷，家人以后也不会烦恼。
要怎样开口讲遗嘱？
如果你还没跟家人谈过遗嘱，现在就该开始了。可以这样做：
- 选对时间 – 不是新年吃团圆饭时讲，要找个安静、适合的时间。
- 解释你的决定 – 为什么这样分配，不要等以后家人才来猜测。
- 讲清楚债务 – 你有贷款、车贷、信用卡欠款，孩子应该知道。
- 让家人知道遗嘱放哪里 – 不然真的需要时，找不到会更麻烦。
- 鼓励家人提问 – 趁现在还能沟通，等到以后就讲不到了。
你不用每个细节都交代，但至少让他们大概知道你的安排。
总结：不要等到太迟才讲！
巴菲特的做法很简单：遗嘱的事，越早讲清楚越好！
很多大马父母怕讲这些，但其实，沉默比开口更危险。不清楚的遗嘱，才是家人吵架的最大原因。
不管你是普通上班族，还是有产业的生意人，你的家人都需要一个清楚的交代。
所以，学巴菲特的做法——提早规划，设定好期望，让家人安心。
真正最好的遗产，不是钱，而是让家人放心的安排。
