Anne Cawley

Through both personal experience and that of our clients, I understand that the death of someone dear to you is traumatic. At such a difficult time it can be overwhelming to discover just how many practical arrangements there are to take care of, at a time when you may want to just hide yourself away and do nothing. For others, the feeling of having to do something, to keep busy means putting additional pressure upon themselves at a time when they may already be feeling so low. Generally in a relationship, whether that be as a couple, a partnership or a family unit, someone takes the lead role for a particular task and we frequently find that this is the case when it comes to finances. Many people have never personally had to deal with the financial arrangements, someone else has always dealt with it. But when that person is no longer there, the feeling of having to understand everything their loved one learned over many years can be completely overwhelming. Financially this may now mean that they and / or their families will have to contend with significant changes to their overall financial situation and security.

Following decades of guiding those recently bereaved through the emotional and practical maze of matters, our experience helps to support and prioritise in the short term. Then, when the time is right we can help to review and plan your financial future.

There is plenty of help and guidance available now through organisations and the internet, but we are often told by our clients that this can be too overwhelming at times and that applying it to their own personal circumstances can be difficult. The most frequent feedback we receive is to say that by making clear what needs to be done now and what can be left for another day, by guiding them through the process of change and allowing them to concentrate on their future and that of their families, has been the most valuable help.

If you know someone who has recently lost someone dear to them, who may be struggling with financial matters, then why not get in touch with us. We will provide an initial, no cost, no obligation discussion. If nothing else, it may simply clarify any tasks that should be taken care of and, if relevant, re- assurance may be given to take just one concern away at such as stressful time.