“The Top Five Regrets of the Dying”
I have been doing some light reading this month and have been reading the above recommended book by Bronnie Ware. She is a palliative care provider, quite by chance, and has written about her experiences with people at the end of their lives and what regrets they are left with.
Most of us don’t like to think about our death, and I know many clients who get upset talking about it and making a Will can be hard, but it is an inevitable part of life and so we should prepare for it as best we can, not only for the sake of our families, but most importantly for ourselves. Have we lived the best life that we can, for us?
Bronnie writes:
“Our society has shut death out, almost as a denial of its existence. This denial leave both the dying person and the family or friends totally unprepared for something that is inevitable. We are all going to die.”
“If we are to be able to face our own inevitable death with honest acceptance, before we have reached that time, then we need to shift our priorities well before it’s too late. This gives us the opportunity to put our energies into directions of true value. Once we acknowledge that limited time is remaining, although we don’t know whether it is years, weeks or hours, we are less driven by ego or by what other people think. Instead, we are more driven by what our hearts truly want. Acknowledging our inevitable, approaching death offers us the opportunity to find greater purpose and satisfaction in the time we have remaining.”
Three of the sections in her book cover:
- “Live true to your own heart. Don’t ever worry what others think. Success is having the courage to be you. “
- “Don’t work too hard. Try to maintain balance. Don’t make work your whole life. Don’t base your importance on what you own and what you do, but what is in your heart. “
- “Stay in touch with your friends – you imagine your friends will always be there, but life moves on. Suddenly you find yourself with no-one in the world who understands you or knows anything about your history.”
Some practical financial things to do now:
- Have you made a Will?
- Are your lasting powers of attorney done?
- What happens if you go ga ga?
- Have you thought about a funeral plan so that your funeral is paid for in advance, so the money doesn’t have to be found by your loved ones?
- Have you written down what you want to happen when you die? Do you want a funeral or a big party? Cremated or buried?
- Will your family be ok financially if you die? Do you need life assurance? Critical illness?
- Will you have a big inheritance tax bill for your loved ones to pay? Can you reduce it by some good planning?
