Death

“Death is nothing to us, since when we are, death has not come, and when death has come, we are not.”

Epicurus

It is said there are only three certainties in life: birth, taxes and death. And yet most of us do our best to ignore our inevitable demise, thereby failing to plan adequately for the family and friends we leave behind.  

This chapter explains practical and legal options to consider in planning what happens when you are no longer around.

"The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.” 

Marcus Tullius Cicero  

What do you need to know in the event you are the person who is not the "financial controller"in your relationship. If you, children or others are financially dependent on someone how will you cope if they are no longer able to provide for you?

“One of the hardest things you will ever have to do, my dear, is to grieve the loss of a person who is still alive”

Anonymous

Do you know your legal rights in the event you and your spouse separate? In times of extreme emotional turmoil you are also making financial decisions that impact on the rest of your life. 

Understanding the legal process and knowing what questions to be asking before you appoint a family lawyer will greatly reduce the potential for conflict during this process.

“When there are kids involved, there’s no such thing as divorce.” 

Carl Whitaker  

A divorce with children – especially minor children - is a minefield, juggling concerns of immediate emotional needs as well as the long-term welfare of the children.

Based on personal experience and extensive research we provide practical tips and issues to consider in preparing your financial and parenting orders.

“The thing about the Paralympics is, they're not only incredible athletes, but all of them have been through some sort of tragedy, whether it's from an accident, an illness or even a military injury.”

Bob Condron

How can you protect yourself against loss of income and the strain of medical bills whilst you are medically frail, mentally exhausted and still keeping on top of the normal day to day routines and responsibilities? 

“Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.”

Henry Ford

Unexpected dismissal from employment can arise in a number of different manners. Unfair dismissal, redundancy or an accidental error that resulted in a breach of your employment contract and so your employment was terminated. 

What can you implement to mitigate the potential risk should you no longer be employed.

“I’d rather look back at my life and say, ‘I can’t believe I did that’ than say 

‘I wish I did that’”

Anonymous

Unfortunately disasters can occur at any time to anyone, however, when you are a long way from home and in a country that does not speak your language the stress and emotional angst is made that much more horrific. Add additional financial costs and potential risk of medical treatment that is not at the same standards you are used to and it makes sense to plan for a potential disaster whilst travelling. 

It is often said if you cant afford travel insurance you cant afford to travel. Read this chapter before you travel and decide whether you agree.

“If you don’t drive your business, you will be driven out of business.”

BC Forbes

With the lower barriers to entry due to technology advances more and more people are turning away from traditional employment of 40 hours a week to follow their dream of being in control of their working life.  

However, while starting a business can work for some, it doesn’t unfortunately work for everybody. Passion, a good product, great location, customers and a growing business don’t always equate to a long term successful business.

Based on 25 years accounting and business advisory experience we review why it is important to consider worst case scenarios in running a successful business.

“All it takes is a beautiful fake smile to hide an injured soul and they will never notice how broken you really are.”

Robin Williams

Depression or a mental illness is unfortunately still one of the taboo subjects in western society. Often seen as a failing or a weakness the mind is one of the last true frontiers for humans to fully discover. 

Unfortunately, as a society we are often quick to write off any perceived differences in people who are unlike ourselves. This stigma is starting to change though with ex professional athletes and other people with public profiles being more open about their own experiences with depression and mental illness.  

Learn about insurance policies and also the impact stress does have on depression which is the faster growing reason for claims on Income Protection insurance.

“Home is where the heart is”

Anonymous

The loss of a much loved family home with potentially years of family memories can be one of the most stressful events in life. 

Boys and girls all likely grow up with different dreams around a family home however when you have achieved this goal and are proud of your achievements the unexpected loss of your home can be devastating.  

What can you do to prevent being a real estate agents dream client - a forced sale where they know they have a guaranteed sale.