The language of death is full of clichés and euphemisms, and rarely do any of them offer the comfort someone truly needs when someone close to them dies.
One of the kindest things you can do for someone who is grieving is to give them a hug and allow them the space they need to talk about the person who has died and how they feel – depending on the circumstances, overwhelming sadness could be coupled with a sense of relief and possibly guilt, which can be a confusing mix.
While we’re not trained grief counsellors, we do understand that it can be difficult to make practical decisions when you’re grieving, and we’re here to offer help and guidance both immediately after the death and in the years that follow.
In the US, the average age at which someone loses a spouse is a devastatingly young 59. So, financial planning could be more important than you may think, especially if your wealth circumstances change as a result of the death.
Practical financial planning can’t take away the emotional hardship you may experience when a loved one dies, but working with a planner could bring peace of mind.
Here are five ways we can help.
1. Creating a plan for the immediate and long-term future
When a loved one dies, it can be difficult to think straight, which can make dealing with practical affairs harder than ever. In the immediate aftermath of the death, we could help you:
- Apply for probate
- Decide how best to cover funeral costs.
Once the short-term practicalities are under control and you’re ready, we can help you begin to consider the long-term circumstances. These conversations may include:
- Whether your household income will decrease after their death, and how this might affect you
- The affordability of your future plans, including retirement and later-life care considerations
- Any windfall you may have received from the deceased person, if applicable.
Grief can cause you to feel incredibly lonely and confused, but we’re here to help you when faced with important financial decisions.
2. Claiming a life insurance payout
If your partner had life cover, you may be eligible for a payout when they die. This money could be extremely helpful for covering essential expenses, such as paying off debts or funding a funeral.
However, you might not know:
- Whether your partner had life insurance in the first place
- The provider they chose
- How much a potential payout would provide
- How long it might take to obtain the funds.
We can help you discover all the details and, where applicable, make a claim.
Although there’s no guarantee that their life cover provider will pay out, The Life Insurance Association reports that providers paid out S$5.08 billion in claims and maturity payouts to individuals and families in Singapore in the first quarter of 2026.
3. Calculating and paying Inheritance Tax
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is an essential conversation for families with substantial wealth in the UK.
As of the 2026/27 tax year, spouses and civil partners don’t pay IHT, but anyone else who inherits money could be liable if above the nil-rate band of £325,000.
Working out which assets are liable for IHT, and how to pay it, can be complex. This is especially true if the inheritance is part of a larger estate that has been divided among several individuals, who may all live in different countries.
We will help you calculate any IHT liability and work through any nuances with you.
To learn more about how we can help, read our guide about the new Inheritance Tax and pension rules from 2027 – or call us for a chat.
4. Designing a budget that works for your new circumstances
When your financial situation suddenly changes, it can be hard to know how much you can afford to spend.
We’ll help you create a clear budget that shows what you can expect. In addition, cashflow planning software can stress-test your plan and give you a clear route forward. So, you have the confidence you need to make everyday spending decisions without constantly worrying about your future.
5. Weighing up big decisions and avoiding rash choices
In the grip of grief, people are prone to make big life-changing decisions.
Selling your home is an important emotional and financial decision, and not something to rush into in the belief that it will help you to “move on”.
As well as prompting ideas to sell your home, you may also consider retiring from work – with a heartbreaking reminder of how fleeting life can be, you may think about throwing it all in and embracing other opportunities.
Many employers will grant you the leave you need after the death of a close relative or life partner. So, rather than feeling that you must rush back to work, take the time to think about your options and what matters most as you begin to adjust to your new normal.
That said, you may discover that your colleagues and the rhythm and reliability of work bring a degree of stability and comfort.
Whatever you’re considering, we can act as a neutral sounding board and help you understand the financial consequences of the decisions you’re weighing up.
Just be sure to take all the time you need and don’t rush into anything you may come to regret.
Here to help provide financial peace of mind
Nothing can take away the devastation of the death of someone you love. But unnecessary stress can exacerbate the hardship you experience, especially where money is concerned.
If you’re recently bereaved and would like expert financial advice on how to navigate life after the death of your partner, please get in touch.
