The primary purpose of a will is to make sure that your property goes to the person(s) you want it to go to at your death.

FORBES: Estate Planning Overview and Objectives

Planning your estate is important in making sure that your assets pass to the persons you want them to go to at your death.

FORBES: Financial Advisers for Professional Athletes and Entertainers

This determines who will receive your property at your death, how much of your property will go to the government in taxes, and whether your property will pass through a probate estate.

FORBES: Estate Planning Overview and Objectives

It builds up a cash value that can go to you in your retirement or to your heirs at your death.

FORBES: Life Savers