Anne
Losing a spouse can be a devastating and overwhelming experience, and for many people, the thought of financial planning in the aftermath can feel overwhelming and insurmountable.
This was certainly the case for Anne, a recently bereaved widow in her late 50s, who was struggling to come to terms with her new financial reality.
In this case study, we will look at how financial planning helped Anne plan for retirement and find a renewed sense of purpose.
The Challenge
Anne had always relied on her husband to manage their financial affairs, and she wasn't sure where to start when it came to planning for retirement on her own. She was worried about having enough money to live on, protecting her own later life healthcare requirements, and preserving her wealth for her children and grandchildren.
She was also struggling to find a sense of purpose and direction in the aftermath of her husband's passing.
To address these concerns, Anne's solicitor referred her to us.
Anne wanted to create a comprehensive financial plan that would allow her to live comfortably, while also protecting her assets and preserving her wealth for the future. She also wanted to find a renewed sense of purpose and direction in the aftermath of her husband's passing.
The Results
After meeting with us, Anne learned that she was in a better financial position than she had initially thought. However, we also identified some areas where she could improve her financial situation.
First, we helped Anne make sense of her income and expenses, and understand her lifestyle options. We worked together to review her investments, pensions, and other assets, and Anne was able to gain a clear understanding of her financial position.
We also helped Anne find a renewed sense of purpose and direction in the aftermath of her husband's passing. We discussed her goals and aspirations, and Anne was able to identify new opportunities and passions that she wanted to pursue.
In addition, we helped Anne create a comprehensive financial plan that would allow her to live comfortably and protect her assets for the future. We worked together to review her pension and investment options, and Anne was able to make informed decisions about how to best plan for her retirement.
Finally, the planner helped Anne understand the impact of potential healthcare expenses in retirement. We discussed the different options available to her, such as relying solely on the NHS, private healthcare insurance, and long-term care insurance, and Anne was able to make informed decisions about which options were best for her needs.
Conclusion
By working with a financial planner, Anne was able to create a comprehensive financial plan that gave her peace of mind and confidence in her financial future.
She was also able to find a renewed sense of purpose and direction in the aftermath of her husband's passing. We were able to empathetically assist Anne in piecing together her financial life and helping her find the "new her" - at her pace.
The first half of our job was to help Anne make sense of her financial situation; the second half was to help her find a renewed sense of purpose.
Through the power of financial planning, Anne was able to take control of her financial plan and start writing the next chapter in her life.
Here’s What We’ll Do:
Step 1
Our first meeting will focus on your life, not your finances.
First and foremost, we will listen carefully and address your initial concerns. There are no silly questions; you have complete freedom to ask whatever you want. We'll give you the reassurance you need; your financial situation is probably better than you think.
Even in this difficult time, we will assist you in discovering a new sense of purpose. We want to learn about you and your goals. What do you think the future holds? What do you want to do with the rest of your life? What is most important to you? We discuss topics other than money and strive to make our meetings enjoyable, enriching, and interesting. It's all about you, not about us.
Step 2
Once we get to know you, we're then able to better understand your money.
We'll start by preparing a detailed picture of your financial situation. We'll gather information about your existing pensions, savings, and investments, as well as also work with probate, solicitors, and insurance companies. Most of us despise paperwork, so with your permission, we'll contact the companies involved to obtain the necessary information.
Then, using cutting-edge financial planning technology, we'll create scenarios and track investments to show you the various paths to achieving your goals. We'll then make recommendations and do the necessary work to get you on the right track.
Step 3
We believe that the key to successful financial planning is a long-term, ongoing relationship.
We'll review your plan on a regular basis to ensure you're on track to meet your goals. Only one thing is certain in life: change. If your needs, preferences, or aspirations change, our ongoing relationship allows for a detailed review at least once a year to ensure your financial plan is working to achieve the best results for you.
Contact Us
If you've never worked with a financial planner before, we'll guide you through the process.
If you have previously worked with a financial planner but believe it is time for a change, we can assist you in making that transition.