Ben and Grace specialise in helping people build their financial knowledge and feel more confident managing their finances, both now and in the future.
Road to Responsibility
Road to Responsibility is an engaging experience designed to help you and your loved ones build financial confidence, both now and for the future.
Using the idea of a journey, it explores some of the twists, turns and unexpected events that life can bring, and the impact they could have on your finances and those of your family.
The Experience encourages open conversations about the future, helping you share your wishes and financial arrangements with the people you trust. That means if circumstances change, responsibility can be delegated more easily to someone who understands what matters to you, reducing stress, uncertainty and the need to make difficult decisions from scratch at an already challenging time.
What is your plan for the future?
While fictional, this timeline is based on situations we regularly encounter and shows why succession planning can make such a difference when life takes an unexpected turn.
Now
You are in charge of your finances
Everything is running to plan and there’s no need to worry.
5 years later
Your situation changes due to a family disagreement
You fall out with your daughter who is the executor of your will and who you envisaged would take over the family finances.
15 years later
You are taken into care
Unfortunately, you are diagnosed with dementia. Your spouse takes over responsibility for your finances as your attorney, but without a clear picture of your investments or your intentions for them, important decisions are delayed and your investments are left unchanged.
25 years later
You pass away
Your daughter remains the executor of your will. Although your spouse and son know about your pensions and investments, they don’t know where key information is held, the strategy behind it, or your wishes for distributing your assets, making an already difficult time even more stressful.
26 years later
Your assets are distributed
The assets are distributed in a way that creates avoidable inheritance tax issues, while investments are sold at the worst possible time during a market downturn. Unsure of your intentions and under significant emotional strain, your loved ones are left trying to navigate complex decisions when clear guidance could have made all the difference.
Who do you want to look after the family finances if you can't?
Deciding who understands the family finances and who could step in to take responsibility is an important part of planning ahead. It is a deeply personal decision, but open conversations can provide reassurance that your wishes will be understood and respected when it matters most.
Spouse
For many people, a spouse is the obvious choice. But what if they don't feel comfortable taking on the responsibility, or simply don't want it? Who would step in then, and would they know where to find the information they need?
Son or daughter
If you have more than one child, should they share the responsibility, or is one the more natural choice based on their experience or approach to financial matters? It's also worth considering whether family dynamics, relationships or emotions could influence decisions, particularly at what may already be a difficult time.
Friends
In some cases, someone outside the immediate family may be better placed to understand your wishes. A trusted friend can be an excellent choice, but as they are often of a similar age, it's important to consider whether they may eventually need support or help from others.
Professional
A professional can provide an objective, long-term solution, free from many of the emotional challenges family members may face. However, this comes at a cost, and the trusted individual you know today may not always be the person providing advice in the future.
What are the basics that your nearest and dearest will ask if you're not there?
How we can help
It’s not always easy to think about, but taking steps now can help protect your loved ones from unnecessary emotional strain later on.
Road to Responsibility Masterclass
Ben and Grace are two of our financial planners who specialise in helping people understand finances, whether that’s from a young age or for those less familiar with day-to-day money matters. During this Masterclass, they’ll help you think about what the future might look like and how you and your loved ones can be best prepared.
Already a client and keen to involve your family too?
No problem, simply book a face-to-face meeting with one of our financial planners at no cost. They’ll be happy to guide you through everything you need to know.
Dress rehearsal
It’s not always easy to think about, but what would happen if you could no longer manage the family finances? In a dedicated meeting, your financial planner can help you prepare for all eventualities.
Want your documents to be kept safe?
We offer a no-cost service to safely look after your wills, powers of attorney, letters of wishes and trust deeds until they are needed.
Meet the Road to Responsibility presenters
