Good grief

The death of a loved one is such a personal point in our lives and one that each of us experiences very differently. Inching forward, one must take things at a pace that is right for them. Taking a month, a day and sometimes even just an hour at a time is often enough as the brighter days come. 

There are few words for this time but having people by our side can offer enormous comfort. It is the mix of both emotional and practical support that helps us greatly in moving forward and beginning our path to feeling whole again. 

Equilibrium financial planners understand that often the most practical level of support and preparation delivers the greatest level of emotional comfort. 

This can be the biggest life event ever experienced. If you are fortunate enough to have a financial planner that is committed to putting your life and the lives of those you love at the centre of the planning experience, there are no other surprises at this moment. As much as you never want this time to arrive, together with your planner, you will have already worked hard to minimise the immediate burden for the surviving partner or loved ones.

Immediate pain relief 

When we work with clients, we deal with the key questions. This allows you to take comfort in knowing that you have enough money to live on if you are the first to be left behind. For some, you may be looking for reassurance that your standard of living will not need to change and that plans to support your children or other family members can remain in place. 

Laser-focused wishes 

It is no accident that your work with us has been laser-focused on articulating and recording wishes. Time spent in this space is the real investment when it comes to supporting those left behind. Not just deciding, but also articulating what it is that you want, who you want to support, which amounts you want to go to whom and when, is the foundation for all the planning work. 

We guide you in creating a letter of wishes to support your Will that outlines to your family the thinking behind it. This brings a new level of peace of mind and comfort. 

We question whether you want your Will to be the last word your family reads from you. The aim is to provoke thought and inspire you to pen your own personal message of love – a heart-warming opportunity to put it all down in writing by drafting a ‘Letter of Love’: a final message to your family to ease their pain (perhaps just a little) and which may even bring a smile to their faces. 

Courage in the conversation 

Nothing about your wishes will come as a great surprise to anyone. Why? Because we hold a ‘dress rehearsal’ for when the time comes. We initiate the conversation around the table with those that matter, we explore every ‘what if’, anticipate the possible situations and give you the courage by having the conversations now. 

Person over paperwork 

We help get the paperwork in order, we confirm where copies of key documents are kept and that pensions papers are in place to make sure those loved ones remaining are supported with income. Inheritance tax planning is addressed, giving you confidence that all your paperwork is supporting the wishes you took the time and care to create. 

 And… 

Planning doesn’t end when the documentation is in place. By returning once again to the person behind the planning, we ensure that passwords are updated and accessible, that the executors understand their roles, their duty and the wishes expressed. Taking complete care of the person often means covering the little things that make life easier. 

As time goes by 

Should you be the one left behind, time does pass and when you are ready, we can continue our guidance, as we have done throughout, to help you to continue to make a difference with your money. 

You may be managing money for the first time and if so, we will be here to gently assist and walk you through the options and opportunities open to you. A new world of investment can be opened to you in a way that is accessible and enjoyable. 

As you learn to live with grief in your life, you naturally move into what can feel like a new territory. Of course, no grief is good, but some things can make living with it more palatable. When it feels like the rug has been pulled from under your feet, stability is key and the focus and energy go towards re-establishing a firm footing; to feel comfortable and confident in this new stage of life. 

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. If you’re a client you can reach us on 0161 486 2250 or by getting in touch with your usual Equilibrium contact. For all new enquiries please call 0161 383 3335.