Let’s start with a tough question: When was the last time you talked about what happens after you’re gone? Not just with your lawyer or accountant, but with your own kids—or even your potential future family?
If your answer is “never” or “I’m too young for that,” you’re not alone. A staggering 67% of millennials and Gen Z adults say they haven’t even started an estate plan. But here’s the plot twist no one saw coming: in 2025, these so-called “taboo” conversations are colliding head-on with the most modern movement in parenting—family-building through tech.
Estate Planning Isn’t Morbid—It’s the Ultimate Family Tech Hack
Inspired by Casey Cohen’s recent Business Insider story, in which he candidly describes how he talks to his grade-school daughter about the family estate plan, we’re seeing a cultural shift. Cohen, the CMO of The Estate Registry, points out that frank, early conversations remove stigma and provide a sense of security that last will readings just can’t match.
But here’s where things get really interesting: The NextGenParenting community is rewriting the script on not just when to talk about legacy, but how—using tech at every turn. People are merging estate planning with fertility journeys, understanding that building your family and your legacy go hand-in-hand.
Why Fertility Tech and Estate Planning Are Two Sides of the Same Coin
Think about it: Today’s aspiring parents aren’t just using ovulation calculators or genetic testing apps—they’re making family-planning decisions that ripple into legal, ethical, and financial territory. This is especially true for:
- LGBTQ+ couples navigating donor agreements
- Solo parents using at-home insemination kits
- Blended families with digital health records and embryos stored in clinics
A 2024 Pew Research study found that 42% of Americans starting families through tech (including at-home methods) had not considered how their estate—or guardianship for a future child—would be legally managed if something happened to them. That’s a huge data gap, and one that can have lasting consequences.
The Conversation That Changes Everything (and How to Start It)
What makes Cohen’s approach so SINGULAR? He doesn’t wait until his daughter is too old—or until a crisis hits. Instead, he builds financial literacy and family transparency from day one. Data shows that children who have open discussions about finances and legacy issues are 68% more likely to feel empowered and secure about their future.
But what if you’re just beginning your parenting journey—maybe even still in the fertility planning phase? Surprisingly, you’re in the BEST position to embed transparency and security from the ground up.
- Start with your parenting “why.” Why are you building a family? What values do you want to pass on? This sets the stage for everything from budgeting for at-home insemination kits to choosing legal guardians in your estate plan.
- Document your decisions digitally. From medical directives to fertility journeys, secure cloud storage is your friend. Modern tools let you leave digital legacy statements, organize key health records, or update emergency contacts with the swipe of a finger.
- Share openly with future co-parents or donors. If you’re using advanced reproductive tech, clarity about rights and expectations is a must, both legally and emotionally.
Tech Companies Are Leading the Charge
The surge of at-home fertility solutions is giving families more control than ever before. Companies like MakeAMom, for example, don’t just offer medical-grade insemination kits—they also emphasize education and privacy. Their at-home kits (CryoBaby, Impregnator, BabyMaker) aren’t solely about conception; they’re about empowering families to make informed choices, safeguard their reproductive journey, and maintain confidentiality at every step.
This kind of value-driven tech is critical because, as MakeAMom reports, their users achieve a 67% average success rate—not far from some clinical options. But here’s another data point: More than half report that peace of mind (knowing their journey is private and well-documented) is as important as a positive pregnancy test.
Estate Planning for the Digital Family: 3 Data-Backed Moves
Inventory Your Family-Building Assets: Embryos, donor agreements, insurance policies, insemination kits—these are all part of your “digital estate.” List them, discuss them, and update them as your family grows.
Leverage Privacy Tech: Use platforms that offer end-to-end encryption and plain packaging (like MakeAMom’s discreet shipping) to protect sensitive reproductive information.
Schedule Your “Family Plan” Day Annually: Combine discussions about wills, fertility plans, and future guardianships once a year. Set a recurring calendar reminder—data shows that families who check in yearly are three times more likely to keep plans up to date.
The Takeaway: Future-Proofing Your Family, From Conception to Legacy
If 2025 has taught us anything, it’s this: Parenting today is about integration. You’re not just choosing tech for ovulation; you’re choosing tech that safeguards your family’s future.
So, whether you’re at the start of your fertility journey or preparing your child for adulthood, remember—openness and smart tech choices go hand-in-hand. Don’t wait for a crisis to start the conversation. Ask yourself: Are you building a family plan that’s as innovative as your conception journey?
Ready to level up your family’s future? Check out MakeAMom’s suite of resources for tips on secure, informed, and empowered parenting—because your legacy starts before your baby is born.
How are you integrating tech into your family planning—and are you talking about your legacy as openly as you could? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation!