07/04 - Category: Family, Health & Wellbeing, Planning Ahead

“It's choice - not chance - that determines your destiny.” -Jean Nidetch

I recently attended the funeral of a man I knew who died suddenly in a fatal accident. As he was the father of five young children, the occasion was devastating. What hit me hardest about the whole event was the fact that his children have been left fatherless at so young an age.

I also thought about the horrific impact his death would have on his wife too. Not only is she coping with the loss of her best friend, life partner and father to her children but he was also the primary provider.

I don’t know whether they had a plan in place to provide for such tragedy, but I do know that most of us tend to live our lives with a healthy sense of optimism. To this end personal tragedy in the form of death or terminal illness is not something we spend too much time contemplating. Sadly it’s not until such events touch us personally that we are forced to face the consequences.

As a parent, protecting my children’s future is high on my priority list. So updating my Will is an essential part of this. It’s not the most pleasant of topics to consider, and I admit I can become quite anxious when thinking about it. But it gives me peace of mind to know that by doing so, I have ensured my loved ones will not be exposed to any further stress (not to mention legal bills) that might result from confusion over my financial affairs.

It can be a good idea to revise your Will regularly to reflect changes in your life such as marriage, birth or divorce. Before drawing up your Will it is recommended you seek advice from a professional Trustee company or a solicitor.

So many of us delay planning for such events, but the futures of our loved ones should not be left to chance.

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