When it comes to writing a will, one of the most personal, thoughtful choices is deciding what to leave to the people who matter most to you. Thinking about the legacies you’ll pass on to loved ones may feel both joyful and a little challenging. After all, you're looking at your possessions, heirlooms, and financial assets, deciding who would best cherish and respect what you leave behind. The process can stir up questions like, “Who will value this the most?” or even, “Does this person deserve this gift?”

Being able to support your family can be both a joy and a nightmare. It’s a double-edged sword if you’re seen as having a comfy nest-egg as everyone seems to hit-up the Bank of Mom when they’re low on cash. Maybe you’re covering back-to-school essentials for the grandchildren, paying for school fees, covering the rent, or even providing a guarantee for a mortgage. Whatever the case, supporting adult children (and their children) is increasingly common, but shouldn’t come at the expense of your financial well-being. We’ve pulled together some practical tips on balancing family support with personal financial security.