Let’s be honest - no one likes thinking about wills, power of attorney forms or what happens to your pension after you’re gone. It’s uncomfortable. It can feel morbid. And frankly, most of us would rather spend our time doing something - well, almost anything - else.
But here’s the thing - getting your house in order isn’t about planning for the end. It’s about taking decisions that can free up valuable headspace to live more fully right now.
Why it’s worth doing (even if it feels daunting)
Putting off estate planning is completely normal. The forms look complex, the terminology sounds intimidating, and the whole process feels like something ‘future you’ should deal with.
But the benefits go far beyond ticking boxes or satisfying legal requirements. It’s about peace of mind - for you and for the people who’d otherwise be left making difficult decisions at an already difficult time.
And I know from personal experience. I put off this ‘pre-death admin’ for a good while. But once I wrote my ‘to go’ list, broke things down into manageable tasks and started ticking them off - I felt a whole lot better, I can tell you. Once the guilt of not tackling things was lifted… it was actually really liberating!
Plan ahead to avoid future stress
|
Life can change in an instant. Melanie shares her story to show how putting things in place can help take the pressure off when things get tough. “I feel like I can breathe again now I’ve got everything sorted”“This year has been a real turning point for me. When my 87-year-old mum, had a major health crisis and we had to rush her into hospital, everything seemed to shift at once. One moment she was managing, and the next I was juggling full-time work with trying to be everywhere she needed me to be. Her mobility, her eyesight, her memory - all of it has been declining, and the constant worry that something might happen when I wasn’t there became overwhelming. Getting carers in place, and then finally receiving the power of attorney after months of waiting, made such a difference. It meant I could look after her properly, without workarounds or sleepless nights wondering whether I’d missed something. Going through all of this with her has really shown me how important it is to have your own affairs in order. When life changes suddenly - and I’ve seen how quickly that can happen - the last thing you want is added stress or confusion. Sorting these things isn’t morbid - it’s a kindness to the people who will one day have to step in for you. Once things settle down, getting my own will and arrangements in place is at the top of my list. I want my children to have that same sense of calm I felt when I had all the paperwork done for Mum - that feeling of, okay, I can breathe again now.” |
Your checklist for peace of mind
Here are a few key things worth tackling to make sure everything’s in order - so you can move on with the good stuff.
- Write or update your will
Even if you think your situation is straightforward, a will ensures your money, property and possessions go where you want them to.
Read about protecting your savings and making a will - Appoint a power of attorney
Choose someone you trust to make decisions for you if you can’t. There are different types - one for finances and another for health and welfare - and it’s worth setting both up early.
You can find more information about setting up a Power of Attorney here.
It’s a good idea to appoint an overall legal power of attorney that covers all your finances, not just your Fidelity accounts. It’s also worth knowing that a power of attorney can only be used once it has been registered, and only while you still have the mental capacity to make decisions yourself. It’s not nice to think about but, equally, putting it off until it’s too late can cause untold complications down the line.
To set up a Power of Attorney on your Fidelity account, you’ll need to send an original or originally certified copy of the original document to Fidelity Pensions Management, Beech Gate, Millfield Lane, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 6RP. They’ll then be able to:
- Provide dealing instructions on your account (switching, adding money, and selling investments)
- Discuss your account(s) with us, and
- Request copies of reporting documents, such as statements
- Receive online access to your account with your permission to use your login details, though this isn’t something we recommend
- Nominate your beneficiaries
This lets your pension provider know who you would like to receive your remaining workplace pension savings when you pass away. You can name one person, several people, or even a charity and say how much (as a percentage) you’d like each to receive.
It’s important to know that beneficiary nominations sit outside your will, which is why they need completing and reviewing separately - even if you already have a will in place.- Log in to PlanViewer (or activate your account if you’ve not got round to it yet).
- Go to ‘Manage my plan’ (or the Profile icon in PlanViewer if you’ve got the app).
- Click on ‘Manage beneficiaries’ and follow the steps.
- Keep your documents somewhere safe
Gather your key papers - your will, property deeds, insurance policies, pension details - and keep them somewhere safe and accessible. Tell someone you trust where they are.
- Check joint assets
Review how your property and accounts are owned. It can make a big difference to what happens automatically if one of you passes away.
- Have the conversation
Talk to your family about what you’ve arranged. It might feel awkward, but clarity now saves confusion later.
You might also want to use this moment to share any funeral preferences you have - whether that’s choosing a church or non-religious service, burial or cremation, particular songs or readings, or even personal touches like dress code. It helps those you’ve left behind make sure your wishes are carried out. And that’s often very important.
- Review your ‘paperwork’ regularly
Big life events - marriages, divorces, new grandchildren - are good prompts to check your documents are still up to date.
- Ask for help if you need it
The DIY approach isn’t for everyone. If that sounds like you, you might like to think about taking financial advice.