Tag: family

Digital Wills vs. Traditional Wills: Which Is More Secure?

Understanding why you need a will is only part of the picture — for many people, the bigger question is how to make one. And in today’s digital world, that question brings new options to the table. 

Traditional wills, written on paper and signed in ink, have long been the norm. But now, digital wills are gaining popularity, offering convenience, speed, and cloud-based peace of mind. So, which option is more secure? And how do you know which is right for your situation?

What Is a Traditional Will?

A traditional will is a legal document, usually drafted with the help of a solicitor, then printed, signed, and witnessed in person. It outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death and who should manage your estate.

Traditional wills must meet certain legal criteria:

  • Written clearly and voluntarily
  • Signed by the testator
  • Witnessed by two independent adults (not beneficiaries)

If any of these steps aren’t followed correctly, the will could be invalid.

What Is a Digital Will?

A digital will usually refers to a will created using an online service or software. It may be stored in the cloud, printed and signed later, or — in some jurisdictions — signed electronically.

Digital wills are designed to be more accessible, particularly for those who find legal jargon intimidating or who want to avoid in-person meetings. Some platforms offer guided templates or AI-based drafting tools.

However, in England and Wales, a digital will must still be printed, signed, and witnessed in the traditional way to be legally valid. As of now, completely electronic wills (signed and stored digitally without printing) are not legally recognised.

Are Digital Wills Safe?

It depends. A digital will created on a reputable platform can be a helpful first step, but it comes with risks:

  • You might miss important legal nuances
  • It may not reflect complex family arrangements
  • If improperly witnessed, it may be invalid
  • There’s a risk of forgery or dispute without proper safeguards

Security also involves access. Traditional wills can be lost or damaged. Digital versions can be accidentally deleted or stored on a forgotten hard drive. Ideally, your will should be stored securely and shared with your executors — whether digitally or physically.

For more information on making a will, visit this resource provided by GOV.UK.

Why Traditional Wills Still Dominate

Most solicitors still recommend a traditional will for several reasons:

  • Legal robustness
  • Proper witnessing procedures
  • Trusted storage with the solicitor or WillSafe

You also get professional advice to ensure your wishes are realistic, tax-efficient, and hard to contest. This is especially crucial for blended families, business owners, or anyone with international assets.

Can You Combine the Two?

Absolutely. Many law firms now use digital tools to draft and update wills, but still follow traditional processes for signing and storage. You can:

  • Start with an online questionnaire
  • Hold virtual meetings with your solicitor
  • Receive a printed will by post

This hybrid approach blends convenience with legal reliability.

Consider the Risks of Getting It Wrong

An invalid will can leave your loved ones facing delays, legal disputes, or unfair outcomes. If you die without a valid will, the rules of intestacy will decide who gets what — and it might not reflect your wishes.

A will isn’t just a formality. It’s peace of mind. And cutting corners with a free online template can cost your family far more later.

So, Which Is More Secure?

In legal terms, traditional wills — properly signed and stored — remain the most secure option in England and Wales. Digital platforms can support the process, but they can’t replace the legal steps needed to make your will binding.

That said, the law may evolve. Other countries, including parts of the US, are starting to recognise electronic wills. The UK may follow, but for now, paper still rules.

What Should You Do Next?

  • Decide who you want to benefit from your estate
  • Think about who should manage your affairs (executor)
  • Make a list of your assets and any specific wishes

Then speak to a solicitor who can guide you through it. It doesn’t have to be complicated. But it does need to be correct.

A good solicitor will:

  • Make sure your will is valid
  • Keep it safe and accessible
  • Help reduce inheritance tax liabilities
  • Prevent family disputes before they start

 

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Format

Whether you go digital, traditional, or a bit of both, what matters most is doing it properly. The goal is clarity, security, and protecting your loved ones when they need it most.

Don’t let uncertainty stop you. With the right support, you can make a will that gives you confidence — and gives your family one less thing to worry about.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored advice on writing or updating your will, please consult a qualified solicitor.

Fraudsters try to make every day April Fool’s Day

This April 1st, Bank of Ireland is warning customers that fraudsters don’t just try to fool you for one day, they are always active and financial fraud can lead to devastating loss of income and savings. The Bank is reminding customers about the top ten fraud types currently reported to its 24/7 fraud team.

According to Bank of Ireland’s fraud reporting data, the most concerning fraud type being used to target customers is investment scams, with smishing texts and vishing calls following closely behind. Further down the list, yet becoming more prevalent, are malware attacks where fraudsters gain access to customers’ devices and access private information, including their banking app.

The 10 most commonly reported frauds are:

  1. Investment scams – promising higher returns on investments that don’t exist.
  2. Smishing texts – scam texts claiming to be from delivery companies and other providers urging you to pay outstanding charges or update account details.
  3. Vishing calls – fraudsters pretend to be from your bank, saying your account has been compromised and they need to move your money to a ‘safe account’.
  4. Purchase scams – fake adverts on genuine websites and social media platforms that promise a slashed price or bargain.
  5. Romance scams – fraudsters build relationships online to manipulate victims into sending them money.
  6. Family impersonation – fake messages pretending to be from a family member who has lost their phone and needs access to money.
  7. Rental and holiday scams – fraudsters trick people into paying rent for property that doesn’t exist or is not actually available to rent.
  8. Money mules – criminals try to recruit people into receiving stolen money into their account, then transfer it to another account and keep some of the cash for themselves as ‘payment’.
  9. Malware – harmful apps that ask for full control of your device allowing fraudsters to control your phone and access private information like your banking app.
  10. Phishing emails – fraudsters send emails that look like they’re from legitimate companies, asking for personal information or login credentials.

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland said: “Fraudsters don’t just try to fool you for one day, they never take a break and are always on. Our latest fraud reporting data shows that investment fraud is still the most concerning scam targeting our customers. The level of highly personalised targeting, with fraudsters promising higher returns on bogus schemes, continues to grow. Smishing texts and vishing attempts continue on a persistent basis. Fraudulent advertisements online and on social media have been the subject of regular warnings for some time and the trend is not going away. And some new types of fraud including accessing devices using malware are happening more often.

“All fraud types are serious criminal activity and there is no room for complacency. Being alert to the ‘red flags’ – including ‘too good to be true’ returns and pressure to act quickly – is vital.

“Bank of Ireland offers a 24/7 fraud telephone support for customers on 1800 946 764, available every day of the year. We encourage our customers to put this number in their phone, so they have easy access to it if they ever need it.”

For detailed advice and information on how to stay safe from all types of financial fraud, visit the Security Zone on Bank of Ireland’s website.

Red flags of Investment Fraud:

  • Follow-up calls: You receive a call having clicked an investment product advert on social media or in a sponsored search result.
  • Higher/fast returns: They promise a quick and profitable return, with little or no risk.
  • Pressure: They advise you must act quickly to take advantage of an “opportunity of a lifetime”.
  • Celebrity Endorsements: Be wary where the investment is being endorsed by celebrities – they may not know their name is attached to the advertisement.
  • Secrecy: They say you’re not to discuss the “investment” with family, friends or your bank and they may instruct you to sign a “non-disclosure agreement” (NDA).

Remember, Bank of Ireland will never:

  • Send you a text or email with a link directly to the login page of our online banking channels asking you to confirm or update your banking details
  • Ask you to click a link in a message with an urgent warning about suspicious activity on your account
  • Ask you to transfer money out of your account to protect you from fraud
  • Ask you to send us back your bank card.

 

Don’t ever share:

  • Your full six-digit 365 PIN or Business On Line credentials
  • Any one-time activation codes or codes from your Business On Line Approve app
  • Your four-digit card PIN.

Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of fraud should contact their bank immediately so that the bank can try to stop the fraud and try to recover funds. Bank of Ireland customers can call the Fraud Team 24/7 on the Freephone line 1800 946 764.

Rise in the number of families planning to save in response to cost-of-living pressures

As cost-of-living pressures continue, savings rates appear to be making a steady recovery this year after savings and spending habits were impacted by COVID-19 and a sustained period of inflation. 

According to Zurich’s annual Cost of Education survey, conducted by iReach this May and June, 56% of families in Ireland already have savings in place that have acted as a shield against the cost-of-living pressures. This figure is slightly up on 2022 (54%). 

The good news is that plans to save are on the increase, with the highest levels seen since 2019. Pre-COVID, around 40% of families had committed to putting money aside for a rainy day, which had decreased to 32% by 2022, before climbing to 51 % this year. 

Commenting on the findings, Jonathan Daly, Head of Life Retail Distribution and Propositions at Zurich Life Assurance plc said: “It is encouraging now to see the rise in the number of families planning to start saving to plan for the future. In terms of saving for your child’s education, planning ahead and opening a savings account when children are young will help you to manage education costs before they become a significant financial burden.”  

 

The Cost of Education survey provides insights into how much parents are spending, what factors are influencing how much they save and how they plan to save for the cost of their children’s second and third level education. 

The research has found that: 

  • 56% of parents said they have family savings in place that are used to reduce the financial strain of inflation, up 2% on 2022.
  • More than half (51%) of parents now say they are more likely to create a family savings fund to protect against the impact of potential future inflation rises, a big increase of 19% from last year.
  • The majority (68%) of students studying at third level education currently live at home, up 10% compared with 2022.
  • Parents of third level students paid on average €3,931 on third level fees in this year’s survey. 
  • The average annual cost of third level student accommodation was €10,077, while rented accommodation had an average annual cost of €5,179.
  • Parents estimated the total cost of secondary school education at €3,581.
  • 28% of parents have taken out a loan to help pay for their children’s secondary school costs.

 

Parents can use Zurich’s Cost of Secondary School and College Calculators to work out the estimated costs of sending their children to secondary school and college and to see how much they might need to save each month to meet these costs:

The calculators are also accessible via Digital Voice Assistants – see here for more: https://www.zurich.ie/blog/zurich-ireland-voice-services/ 

How Does Social Media Play a Part in Divorce?

In the digital age, the influence of social media on various aspects of our lives cannot be ignored. It has revolutionised the way we communicate, share information, and stay connected with friends and family. However, the widespread use of social media has also brought unforeseen challenges, particularly in the realm of personal relationships and family dynamics. From flirting on Facebook or gaining traction on Twitter, social media has got its tentacles into almost every aspect of our lives, including our romantic relationships.

This article aims to explore how social media can contribute to the breakdown of marriages, leading to potential grounds for divorce in Northern Ireland.

How can Social Media Play a Part in Divorce?

There are a few ways that social media can have a role in a divorce and we’re going to explore some of these in this section. 

Instigating the Breakdown of a Relationship

Social media is all about connecting people but, in some cases, friending someone can lead to the blurring of the line between friendship and something more. Shockingly, figures show that social media has a hand in one in seven divorces and this is usually down to one spouse believing that the other is ‘cheating’ with somebody online. Often this will lead to that spouse turning detective and scrutinising their wife or husband’s social media presence for evidence which, in turn, can lead to the breakdown of the relationship. 

Quality Time

There doesn’t necessarily need to be infidelity involved for social media to impact on a marriage or relationship. 51% of mobile phone users say that quality time with their partner is often interrupted by social media use and many say that they have regular arguments with their partner over excessive social media use when they’re together. 

During and After the Divorce

As well as being a factor in a divorce happening in the first place, social media can also have a negative impact during and after the divorce proceedings and we’ll take a look at how in this section. 

Emotional Impact 

For many people, a divorce is a stressful time and this can be exacerbated by seeing your soon-to-be ex flaunting a new relationship on social media. A lot of people continue to check out their ex’s social media even though they know that no good can come of it and, similarly, some will choose to deliberately ‘wind up’ their ex by showing off a new partner. 

Unfortunately, even the most innocent of interactions can be misinterpreted on social media and so it’s always best to keep any intimate or romantic pictures close to your chest until the ink is dry on your divorce. 

Child Care and Custody

It’s only natural to want to share pictures of your kids on social media but this can cause problems if your ex is watching your every move. In some cases, a spouse will try to use the most minute detail of a social media post to strengthen their bid for child custody. This can be amplified further if a new partner is, quite literally, in the picture. 

Being Caught Out

It’s extremely common for money to play a huge part in divorce proceedings, and many people don’t realise that their social media presence can leave them out of pocket. For example, one partner is claiming that they need financial help in order to be able to pay the rent and bills and is then spotted on Facebook showing off a new car or extravagant holiday. In 2023, social media is routinely used to ‘catch people out’ and that includes a number of factors relating to separation and divorce. 

Publishing Private Information

For a lot of people, social media offers an opportunity to have a little vent and, while this is fine when you’ve suffered poor customer service or fallen victim to the weather, it can be held against you during a divorce. Unfortunately, we often fail to use the same filters on social media that we would in real life and sharing private information about your divorce or your former partner can land you in hot water and potentially damage your case during a divorce. 

Pause Before Posting

Social media can be an extremely useful tool and a great way of staying connected with friends and family even if you live miles apart. However, when going through a divorce, you should always proceed with caution. We have a tendency to want to give the illusion of living our best lives on our Facebook and Instagram but this can very much work against you during a divorce. 

Where possible, try to take a social media break until your divorce is finalised. If this isn’t possible, try to be mindful of what you’re posting and how those posts might be interpreted by your former partner or a divorce court. While this may be frustrating, it’s worth remembering that it’s only for a few months after which you’ll be starting your brand-new life – both on and offline.

Tile integrates with Life360 as location app announces 64% increase in UK paid membership

Life360, the family locator app and safety membership platform, has today announced a 64% growth in UK premium members over the last year, alongside a range of new features included in its free membership offering, rolling out over the next weeks. This includes further integration with Tile, the leading Bluetooth tracker brand it acquired in 2021.

Used by more than three million people in the UK and 50 million people worldwide, Life360 offers families peace of mind by allowing them to coordinate daily activities in real time, find important items, stay connected with those who matter most, and assist in emergencies.

The Tile integration allows Life360 users’ entire “Circle” of family and friends to see the location of important items within their Life360 map. Life360 members will automatically be able to see Tile and Tile-enabled products’ last reported location, so everyone in their Circle can easily locate shared items or help each other retrieve something that’s been misplaced. Tiles can be attached to everyday essentials like bikes, keys, wallets, bags, and more.

Life 360 existing features include; advanced intelligent location sharing between Circle (group) members through Place Alerts, which send a push notification when members leave or arrive at a designated location; Check-ins, which allow a user to send their location via push notification instantly to every member in their Circle and Family Driving Reports, which allow families to see how (and what) drivers are doing behind the wheel to encourage safe habits and more.

Other new free features unveiled today include:

Free Crash Detection, which notifies Circle members and emergency contacts when Life360 detects they are in a car accident. If help is needed or the member doesn’t respond within a five-minute grace period, all Circle members and emergency contacts are notified via a text message with the user’s exact location. The app notification will also play a unique sound on the phone that will repeat for either 10 minutes or until the notification is acted upon. Of course, no one ever expects to be in a car crash, but the truth is that they happen more often than you might think and the time it takes to get help is critical.

Enhanced SOS, which means that after triggering an SOS Alert, a 10 second countdown will begin, after which Life360 will call and text all Circle members and emergency contacts for the Circle the alert was triggered in. Circle members will also receive a push notification. The phone call and text message will say where the user was when the SOS Alert was triggered. SOS alerts are available to all Life360 users, meaning parents of all ages, including new drivers and university students, can be reassured that if a loved one requires emergency assistance but can’t contact 999 because they are unable to talk on the phone, Life360 can help.

David Rice, Life360’s International GM and CSO, said: “There’s a reason why one in eleven UK families already use Life360. The launch of these new services form part of our vision to expand our offering in the UK and to help better connect and protect the people and things that matter most.

“Members can now expand their Circle to include items using Tile and these services combined feed into our mission to deliver safety options for families and their things. So whether you’re retrieving keys lost down the back of the sofa with Tile, or sending your teen driver immediate help following Life360’s crash detection, the ability to confirm the people and things that matter most are safe and accounted for and takes the stress out of everyday life.”

As a top 25 iOS app in the UK, Life360 will be introducing more additional features to the UK market over the coming months.

For more information on Life360, visit www.life360.com.

Tech Review – GEL Blaster SURGE

Gel Blaster takes you to the next level in awesome outdoor fun with the exciting new Gel Blaster SURGE.  Adrenalin filled, competitive play doesn’t need to be messy!  The Gel Blaster SURGE is a fun filled blaster with barley any mess or clean up. This perhaps may not be new to most out there in other formats as we have plenty of camps to play similar games but there is a difference they hurt these do not and it is all about fun and games be it at home or in your back garden or local park.

The kit itself is pretty cool and well built and the blaster has a super cool sound as you will see and hear in the video below and sounds even better in slow motion. This is powered by USB-C and has a great battery life and can give hours of fun plus you can customise your gun with colour options and fittings, there is also a set of safety glasses in the box and a bag of 10K pellets which you drop into water once your initial tub runs out. you can change the barrel if you wish too for more action and you have two levels to shoot with which is semi and full auto which is excellent.

We only had the basic pack to test out but nonetheless everyone here enjoyed spending some time with it and coming into the summer months it is and ideal kit to have when you get bored or have nothing else to do. Check it out

Product features.

  • SEMI TO FULL AUTO ACTION: Features 2 “Blast Modes” for enhanced combat strategy. Choose between semi automatic (1 Gellet per trigger pull) or Full Automatic (8 Gellets per second when holding down the trigger) and get ready to dominate your battlefield.
  • ADJUSTABLE VELOCITY: You’re in control of the power! Two barrels are included to adjust your velocity (White: Maximum, Orange, Minimum). If you’re battling a newbie and want less sting, you can drop the velocity to as low as 90 Feet Per Second with the Orange barrel. For more intensity, you can increase your velocity up to 170 feet per second and shoot over 100 Feet using the White barrel (pre-installed)!
  • BATTLE READY KIT: This kit contains everything you need for your first epic battle! 1 fully charged Surge blaster, 1 fast charging cable which supports up to 4 hours of play, a pre-loaded gravity fed hopper that holds up to 800 Gellets, x2 barrels for adjustable velocity, 1 pair of safety glasses, and 1 pack of 10,000 Gellets.
  • In video it says 9+ but that is for America it is 14 elsewhere

Gel Blaster SURGE is available from https://www.toytownstores.com/

Currys

Video Review