Forty One Consulting - Financial Planning Advice - Protection

Protecting your family

Ensuring that your family is able to carry on if you are not able to support them is crucial for many people. If you, or your spouse or civil partner should die, or no longer be able to earn a living through illness or accident, it is essential that there is sufficient money to clear all debts and provide an income for the future; or at least until all dependants are able to become self-sufficient.

We can advise on the level of cover appropriate to your requirements as well as outlining the best form of insurance to meet your needs and then making the necessary arrangements for you.

We can advise on and arrange:

• Life assurance
• Critical Illness insurance; and
• Income replacement on injury or illness.

Later in life

Later in life, many people become ‘asset rich, income poor’. In other words they are living in a larger house than they need, but have only modest pension and other income. While they may be able to cover day-to-day living expenses, special one-off costs can be more difficult to meet. They may also wish to help younger generations and this requires liquid capital.

One option may be to downsize, but this will not always appeal to people who have lived in the same home for many years. An alternative is to release equity from the home itself, while continuing to live there. This can be arranged in a number of ways but we are in a position to help guide you to the most appropriate arrangement to match your needs. It is also very important to remember to involve your immediate family in the process as they will ultimately be affected by any decision made.

Equity Release: This is a lifetime mortgage or home reversion plan. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.

Another consideration is the possibility of needing nursing care in later life. Hopefully many of us will not need this type of care, but for those that do, the costs become quite considerable. Fortunately, there are ways in which we can help in such circumstances and would be happy to discuss this in more detail.

Protecting your business

If you run your own business, you will know that there are finance risks beyond those covered by commercial insurance policies. These include the financial loss your business could suffer were you, a partner, or a key employee to die or become severely ill and unable to work.

We can help you quantify the risk and then recommend solutions that aim to help your business weather the storm.

In addition, we can advise on employee benefits programmes that can help you protect your business by providing flexible remuneration packages aimed at helping you retain high calibre staff.

"I found that Elaine talk things through in an understandable way – without sounding condescending or too technical. She ensures that there are regular reviews and I know that if I do have an enquiry she will handle this efficiently and effectively. "

Mr. GEA, York