National Grief Awareness Week, from 2 to 8 December, reminds us that difficult times can affect anyone, often unexpectedly.
While a financial planner can’t ease the emotional burden of losing someone you love, they can provide guidance and reassurance, helping you feel secure and confident about your financial future.
In the final case study of the series, find out how working with Delaunay Wealth gave Barbara and her partner much-needed reassurance when it mattered most.
Barbara’s partner contacted us when organising his financial affairs before he died
In summer 2015, we received a call from Barbara’s late partner. He was unwell and the prognosis wasn’t good – he knew he was unlikely to survive beyond the end of the year.
With only months to live, he was keen to organise his affairs. Primarily, he wanted to ensure his investments were properly managed and that Barbara would be well looked after.
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“I met Lloyd before my partner died, and when I saw him afterwards, I felt very, very reassured by him,” Barbara says.
“He was extremely supportive and made it really clear that his absolute aim was to make sure that I was financially secure. I actually appointed him after that meeting because he gave me complete confidence. It was a very, very difficult time and he really was incredibly supportive throughout.”
Action
After Barbara’s partner passed away, our priority was to help her feel secure and supported in managing her financial future.
This started with cashflow planning, which gave Barbara a clear picture of her current assets and income and helped her visualise how much wealth she had to live on.
“Working with Lloyd definitely gives me peace of mind about the future. Apart from the fact that everything has been well managed […] I know that he’ll be able to fill me in on anything I ask him about, explain what’s happening, or reassure me if I’m worried about something.”
Watch: Barbara tells her story
Alongside managing Barbara’s investments, we also provided financial coaching.
It’s natural to feel anxious about money and the markets, or to check your portfolio more often than necessary. So, we guided Barbara in tuning out the noise and focusing on the long-term plan rather than short-term market movements.
Read more: 4 useful ways a financial planner could help you and your clients navigate volatile times
“I’m able to carry on with my life without worrying about what’s happening with the markets or checking my balance all the time. I just leave it entirely to them (Delaunay Wealth).”
Result
Working with Lloyd has given Barbara peace of mind and control over her financial future.
“The best piece of advice Lloyd has given me is not to worry about fluctuations in the market or panic if I see my investments going down, as this is just the way the market works. It’s a cycle and what goes up will come down and probably go up again. He definitely makes me feel very confident about that so that I genuinely don’t worry about it at all,” Barbara explains.
Now, 10 years on, she continues to feel secure knowing her finances are being well managed, and that she can turn to Lloyd for trusted advice whenever she needs reassurance.
Confident that others will receive the same thoughtful, professional care, Barbara has recommended Delaunay Wealth to her family and friends.
Key takeaways
- Early financial planning matters. Planning ahead, even in difficult circumstances, ensures loved ones are protected.
- Cashflow planning can provide clarity and reduce stress. By understanding your assets and income, you can visualise the wealth that is available to support your lifestyle and goals.
- Behavioural guidance builds confidence. Learning not to react to market fluctuations or check investments constantly can protect both financial and emotional wellbeing.
- A trusted financial planner provides reassurance. Ongoing access to a professional who listens and responds builds lasting peace of mind.
Get in touch
Loss is never easy, but the right financial support can give you – or your clients – the confidence to navigate uncertainty and focus on what matters most.
If you have clients who may benefit from careful financial planning, or would like support for your own financial future, we’re here to help.
Email mail@delaunaywealth.com or call us on 0345 505 3500.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate cashflow planning.
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