It’s a difficult thing to think about, but it sits in the back of a lot of people’s minds. If something serious happened to you, your partner would already be dealing with a huge amount emotionally. The idea of them also having to scramble through papers, accounts and unanswered questions can feel really unsettling.
In our experience, that’s what people worry about most – not the finances themselves, but the thought of their partner feeling lost at the worst possible moment. And that’s exactly why a bit of clarity now can make such a meaningful difference later.
What your partner really needs: a clear place to start
When life feels overwhelming, people don’t need every detail straight away. They just need to know:
- What exists
- Where things are
- Who to speak to
A simple structure gives them the confidence to take things one step at a time rather than feeling they have to solve everything at once.
1. A high-level list of what you have
This isn’t about producing a thick document. A short overview is usually enough:
- Pensions
- Savings and investments
- Property
- Insurance policies
- Bank accounts
- Any loans or liabilities
Seeing everything in one place helps your partner understand the picture without digging through drawers or inboxes.
2. How the household runs day-to-day
This is the area that often causes the most stress. A quick list goes a long way:
- Which account pays the bills
- Regular subscriptions or direct debits
- Anything that renews automatically
- Where important documents are kept
Knowing this means they aren’t left guessing at a time when thinking clearly is difficult.
3. The people they can turn to
In our experience, the biggest relief for partners is knowing exactly who to contact. That might include:
- Your financial adviser
- A solicitor
- An accountant
- An executor or trusted family member
Having trusted names written down gives your partner a steady starting point, which can make an emotional moment feel far less overwhelming.
A simple way to bring this together
Most people find that one short page is enough – a “Where Everything Is” summary stored somewhere safe and accessible.
Nothing complex. Nothing overly detailed. Just enough information that your partner isn’t left trying to piece everything together when life already feels heavy.
A quick annual review keeps it all relevant and avoids a scramble later.
Porta’s take
This isn’t about planning for the worst. It’s about easing the load for the person you care about most, at a time they’d need that support more than ever.
A small amount of clarity now can remove a huge amount of stress later – and give you genuine peace of mind today.
If you’d like help creating your own simple structure or talking it through, we’re here.
Important information
This article provides general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information is based on our understanding of current regulations, which may change in future. Decisions about your finances should always be made based on your individual circumstances. If you’re unsure about the suitability of any course of action, you should seek regulated financial advice. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax planning, estate planning, trusts or wills. The value of your investments can go down as well as up, so you could get back less than you invested.
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