I hope it comes as a shock to nobody reading this that, inevitably, you are going to die.
Death is one of those taboo subjects that sits up there with money.
As a Financial Planner, I deal with both on a regular basis.
Before that makes it sounds like I’m a part-time assassin (which I’m definitely not, for any police officers who might be reading this), it is simply because death and finance are often closely related.
In a typical year, one or two of our 300 or so clients might die. As we work with individuals who are usually in their fifties or older, with many retired clients, perhaps this should not come as too much of a surprise.
Death is also often a reason that clients come to speak to us in the first place.
The death of a parent can result in an inheritance; how should this be spent or invested for the future?
One spouse dying can prompt the other to need residential long-term care; what is the best way to pay for these care fees?
An unexpected death can leave a widow or widow in need of expert financial guidance; moving from never thinking about money to being the sole person responsible for a household budget is often a big step, particularly when bereaved.
This week is Dying Matters Awareness Week.
Because we only get one chance to have our dying wishes met, the theme of the fifth annual Dying Matters Awareness Week is “You Only Die Once”, using the social media hashtag #YODO, hence the title of this blog.
Dying Matters have come up with five things you can do to live well and die well.
1 – Plan your future care and support
2 – Write your will
3 – Register as an organ donor
4 – Record your funeral wishes
5 – Tell your loved ones your wishes
It is so important to make wishes know when it comes to the subject of death.
If you feel uncomfortable talking about death to a close family member, give us a try.
We can promise to offer an impartial and understanding ear as you talk about your future wishes and we can, of course, help you build a Financial Plan which enables you to live well.
