One of the toughest parts of our work as financial planners is walking alongside families when they lose a loved one. The grief is hard enough. What makes it worse is when unnecessary complications are added on top—delays, legal battles, extra costs—all of which could have been avoided with a little preparation.
Here are a few key areas worth checking today:
Beneficiary Nominations
Far too often, life policy or retirement fund proceeds end up in the estate rather than in the hands of loved ones, simply because no beneficiary was nominated. This creates delays, legal fees of up to 3.99%, and needless stress. A signed beneficiary form is all it takes to ensure the funds are paid directly, usually within weeks, giving the family one less burden to carry.
A Proper Will
The absence of a signed Will creates enormous problems. Without one, the Master of the High Court steps in, dividing the estate equally between spouse and children, and in some cases locking children’s shares in the Guardian’s Fund. Not only does this slow everything down, but it often produces outcomes the deceased never intended.
If you own any assets in your name—property, cash, investments—you need a Will. Parents, in particular, have a responsibility to nominate guardians for their children. A Testamentary Trust within the Will can also ensure minors are properly cared for.
Keep It Updated
Life changes—marriage, divorce, grandchildren, offshore assets. Your Will should change too. Revisit it every two years and, importantly, make sure your family knows where it is kept. A Will no one can find is as good as no Will at all.
Offshore Considerations
If you own property or investments offshore, one South African Will may not be enough. Each jurisdiction has its own rules, and in some countries, heirs are forced by law. In many cases, it is cleaner to have a separate Will drawn up in that country. This allows local and offshore executors to act simultaneously, reducing delays.
Final Thought
None of us likes to dwell on death, but sudden loss happens all the time. A little effort now—checking beneficiaries, drafting or updating a Will, and seeking advice where needed—can spare your loved ones untold hassle at the worst possible time.
Do it for them.
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Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner
t. 083 261 9287
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- How Many Good Summers Do You Have Left?
- Retire With A Plan. Then Tear It Up.
- It May Be Time to Reconsider What Retirement Means to You
- We Love A Sale, Except When Investing
- The difference between saving and investing
- Where is our focus?
Read more on Salute Your Own Self at Client Care
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