Lowes Magazine Issue 130

COMMENT

Put Your Affairs in Order: A Call to Secure Your Legacy

Our time on this earth is finite and when it does end, those we leave behind are going to have an awful lot to deal with. This could be made very difficult and take a lot of time if your affairs are not in order. If you have ever been on the receiving end, following the death of a parent or other relative, you will know this. Even when everything is well-organised, the process of obtaining probate, and managing and distributing an estate, still represents a substantial amount of work for those you leave behind. When financial affairs are not organised or not easy to establish, it can take many years and can destroy families. Simply engaging with a financial planner can make all the difference, helping to bring some order, or at the very least, a first port of call for those you leave behind. Our services go beyond managing investments and mitigating taxes; we recognise that safeguarding your legacy is just as crucial as helping you to accumulate your wealth. The first thing we do is encourage everyone to have a valid, up-to-date Will in place which can be located when required. A Will serves as a roadmap for your loved ones, outlining your wishes and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your intentions. It’s a simple yet powerful document that can provide peace of mind and prevent unnecessary issues and conflicts down the road. Creating a Will doesn’t have to be a daunting task and nowadays, can be done from the comfort of your own home. Simply email us at enquiry@Lowes.co.uk with “Will” in the subject line, and we’ll refer you to someone who can guide you through the process. Whether you’re a young professional or a retiree, having a will is a fundamental step in protecting your legacy and easing the burden on your loved ones. Another legal document that can mean the difference between unwelcome and unbearable for your family is a Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). An LPA allows you to appoint trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf in the event that you become incapacitated. It’s a vital tool for ensuring that your wishes are honoured, even if you’re unable to communicate them yourself. You can create an LPA online at gov.uk/power-of-attorney or alternatively, if you would like us to refer you to someone who can guide you through the process, please get in touch. Putting your affairs in order is not just about preparing for the inevitable; it’s about taking control of your legacy and ensuring that your loved ones aren’t unnecessarily burdened after you are gone. The time spent on creating or updating your Will and establishing Lasting Powers of Attorney could be one of the best investments you can make for your family, providing clarity and guidance ultimately saving them substantial cost, inconvenience and anguish at what would already be a very distressing period.

For over fifty years we have been helping clients to build, protect, and pass on their wealth for future generations. Whether it’s optimising tax-efficiency or implementing investment solutions tailored to your goals, we are here to support you. By taking a holistic approach to financial planning, we aim to empower our clients to achieve their long-term objectives while safeguarding their legacy for the next generation. If you haven’t yet engaged with Lowes, your circumstances have changed, or you simply feel you are due a financial health check, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Ian H Lowes, Managing Director

Lowes.co.uk

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