Nobody knows what’s just around the corner, and unforeseen events can occur any day at any time.
For instance, you could experience a house fire or suffer a medical emergency. Or your car could be written off in an accident, an expensive household appliance might break down, or you lose your job unexpectedly.
We can’t simply bury our heads in the sand and ignore these possibilities, so it pays to be prepared, at least as much as possible.
Not only will that mean you’re financially ready for the unexpected, it also means you’ll enjoy some peace of mind and confidence that unexpected events won’t knock you off course. You could also make life considerably easier for your loved ones if you’ve got your financial affairs in order.
So how can you make sure you’re prepared for an uncertain future?
Well, firstly, it’s worth creating an emergency fund – a pot of cash that you divert some money to every month. Ideally, this should at least be enough to cover your living costs for about three to six months. Over time, that will build up into a valuable safety net that can tide you over if an expensive crisis emerges.
You should make sure this is factored into your wider financial strategy, so you can put money in your emergency fund without compromising other areas, such as building up your savings and pension pot.
This is where a professional financial adviser can be invaluable, as they’ll take a holistic look at your finances and offer guidance that reflects your specific circumstances and objectives.
They’ll work with you to create a contingency plan to prepare you for scenarios such as a job loss or long-term injury, so you can be confident you can still make ends meet in such an event.
A professional adviser may also suggest different types of insurance that may be suitable for you, such as critical illness cover and income protection, as well as advising on life, home and health insurance.
Of course, we all hope we’ll never need any of these policies, but you’ll certainly be thankful that you have them if the worst does happen and you find yourself making a claim.
Another way to make certain you’re ready for the unexpected is to get your wishes in writing.
If you take out a legally binding will, you can state how you wish your assets to be distributed after your death, and appoint an executor to take charge of issues such as paying your bills, debts, inheritance tax and property sales.
You could also explore the option of setting up a trust, which allows you to appoint a trustee who will then hold the legal title to certain assets, such as money, land, property or investments, on behalf of a particular beneficiary, during your lifetime.
A further consideration is making a Lasting Power of Attorney, which lets you appoint one or more trusted individuals, such as a relative, close friend or professional, to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.
If you want reassurance that you and your family are ready for unexpected twists and turns, please get in touch with our friendly team of specialists.
We’re here to look at your situation and offer guidance that suits you, your circumstances and your wishes, so you can feel confident and prepared come what may.