Martin Lewis' MSE issues warning to everyone aged 55 and over

A Money Saving Expert alert urges people to act before the end of the month to avoid missing out

Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert has highlighted an important opportunity for those aged 55 and above, with people urged to act "fast". The consumer help site, founded by Mr Lewis in 2003, is full of tips and tricks for people to save money and is particularly helpful amid the ongoing current cost of living crisis.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday, MSE said: "It's FREE WILLS month. So if you're 55+ and don't have a will, book an appointment before the end of October - they're filling up fast!. Each time it's in different locations (next one's in March), so if where you are isn't listed, it may be next time".

An accompanying article explains there are many reasons for writing a will, including if you have dependent children, you aren't married to your partner, and concerns about inheritance tax. It also mentions that you can specify your funeral preferences in the will.

MSE points out that there are currently various free or inexpensive will-writing services available, noting: "Many charities offer fee-free will-writing by solicitors. In return, they hope you'll make a donation or leave a 'bequest' in your will though you're not obliged to. Do remember though: it is a charity paying for your will, and it may be shelling out £100s, so please seriously consider leaving a bequest."

Free Wills Month happens every October and March, allowing people to get a solicitor-drafted, or updated, will for free. People aged 55 and over can take part, and for couples wanting "mirror wills", only one of you needs to meet this age requirement.

MSE says the areas taking part this October are Birmingham, Bolton, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Chester, Chesterfield, Cornwall, Cumbria, Derbyshire, East Cheshire, Essex, Exeter, Glasgow, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Huddersfield, Hull, Ipswich, Kent, Lancaster, Leeds, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Liverpool, Manchester, Mid Wales, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, North Wales, Northern Ireland, Norwich, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Preston, Scarborough, Sheffield, Shropshire, Southampton, Stockport, Stoke-on-Trent, Swansea, Torquay, Wakefield, West Wales, Wirral, Wolverhampton, and York.

To sign up, enter your postcode on the Free Wills Month website to find your nearest participating solicitor who has spaces free. Contact the solicitor, and mention the Free Wills Month scheme. You can read the MSE article in full here