Let’s be honest — planning for later life isn’t as exciting as planning your next holiday. But it is a bit like planning a trip… a very long trip… with a few unexpected layovers, surprise detours, and a lot of paperwork. So grab a cup of tea (or something stronger), and let’s talk about ageing well.
Life Goals: Control, Comfort, and Zero Stress
You deserve to enjoy your later years in a way that suits you — whether that means spending time in your garden, celebrating family milestones, or staying connected with your community, online or off.
Take a moment to ask yourself:
- Is my current home supporting my mobility, mental wellbeing, and the way I want to live?
- Would downsizing now make life easier before the stairs start feeling like a mountain?
- Am I financially prepared if life takes an unexpected turn?
Top Tip: Think about your health, home, relationships, and sense of independence. Add in easy access to shops, transport, healthcare — and maybe a good local café or pub — and you’re in a strong position to make informed choices for the future.
Contact our Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors in London
To speak to one of our private client team for advice, please contact us on 020 7870 2736 or complete our online enquiry form.
Clean Clothes, Clean Conscience
Planning ahead means you won’t have to stress about:
- Who’s handling the laundry, grocery shopping, or personal care.
- Managing long-term health conditions.
- Or explaining to your kids what a gas bill even is.
This is about maintaining your independence, without needing to chase anyone on Facebook to remind them about picking up your prescriptions.
Show Me the Money: Finances, Pensions & Slicing the Tax Beast
Dodging the Tax Ninjas:
- Avoid the GROB trap (Gifts with Reservation of Benefit — HMRC’s favourite trick).
- Don’t even think about hiding assets — it’s called “deprivation of assets,” and the council isn’t buying it.
Care Costs:
- Care home annuity? £250,000 might secure you a comfortable room with polite carers.
- Not enough funds? The council will step in, but you’ll end up in whatever facility they choose. Plan ahead.
Pensions, Insurance, and ISAs: Plan Ahead for a Comfortable Future
- Keep your private health insurance active — you’ll be glad when you can actually get an appointment this year instead of being stuck in a waiting queue.
- Make sure your pension is in good shape. The earlier you start, the less you’ll have to worry about later (and the more you’ll enjoy the “not working” phase of life).
- Consider ISAs to save tax-efficiently for the future. They’re like a little financial secret that can pay off big later on.
- Don’t forget to review your insurance policies regularly — whether it’s life, home, or long-term care. It’s better to know you’re covered than be left scrambling when things go sideways.
A bit of planning now means you’ll be relaxing in comfort later — without the worry of what’s next.
For Financial Planning Wizards:
- Seek help from SOLLA (Society of Later Life Advisers).
- And check out the Chartered Insurance Institute if you’re feeling brave.
Let’s Talk Downsize (Yes, You Have Too Much Stuff)
That teapot collection? It might not make the cut. Downsizing is often an emotional process, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming:
- Give yourself at least 3 months to tackle it.
- Share stories, laugh, cry — but leave the silverware drama behind.
- Charities, auction houses, and senior move specialists are great resources to help you along the way.
- Moving to a new place? Set up broadband, utilities, and floor plans ahead of time so you’re ready to settle in.
Make it enjoyable: Dress up, reminisce, and hire someone to handle the heavy lifting (or the piles of books!).
Helping Your Children Plan Their Future
By giving your children accurate information—whether you’ve set funds aside for care, or how your estate will be divided—you’re empowering them to make smart financial choices now.
You don’t need to share every detail or hand them a balance sheet, but at the very least:
- Tell them where your important documents are stored
- Share your solicitor’s contact details
- Provide logins or access instructions for key accounts
- Discuss how your estate plan works with their own (especially if you’re gifting property or making them trustees or executors)
Final Words of Wisdom
- Make a moving plan — emotionally and logistically.
- Have an LPA in place.
- Plan your funeral so no one argues about the flowers.
- Keep money accessible and your affairs in order.
- Dying abroad? Repatriation can be costly—make a plan or consider staying closer to home.
- Claiming benefits? Be sure you understand your entitlements.
- Most importantly? After all that planning…
Take a holiday. You’ve earned it.
For more information on how to plan for the next chapter, check out our guide on the next steps in retirement.
Speak with One of Our Experts
Our Private Client team is here to help you plan for a secure future, whether you’re preparing for retirement, considering care home options, or organising your end-of-life wishes. We offer guidance to ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Our team can assist with:
- Planning for long-term care needs and funding options
- Appointing trusted executors to manage your affairs
- Protecting the future of your family, including vulnerable beneficiaries
- Establishing trusts to ensure your assets are handled according to your wishes
- Minimising tax liabilities for a more efficient estate distribution
- Ensuring your end-of-life wishes are respected and upheld
We’re here to make these complex decisions easier, so you can enjoy your retirement with confidence.
📞 Contact Rose Varsani on: 0207 387 2032
📧 Or email: pvarsani@lewisnedas.co.uk
Disclaimer:
This blog is for general information and interest only. It does not provide legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. If you’d like tailored legal guidance, please contact us directly.