Grief is personal – Support should be too

Practical support, understanding and time, when it matters most

By Catherine Scard

Grief affects everyone differently. While there are two certainties in life — death and taxes — loss is something we never truly get used to. At an already difficult time, there is often a great deal of paperwork and administration to manage, which can feel overwhelming.

Clients respond to loss in very different ways. Some are pragmatic and treat everything as a transaction. Others bury their heads and tell themselves they will deal with it later. Some simply get through each day without knowing how they managed it at all.

I have been a financial adviser for over 20 years, and I genuinely love what I do. I enjoy learning about my clients’ lives — everyone has a unique story and different needs. One thing, however, is never easy: supporting a client who has lost a loved one. I often say I wear many hats. I’m not just an adviser; at times I am a counsellor, a confidant, a friend, and part of the wider support network.

Many people feel alone during bereavement, as though they have no one to turn to and must cope by themselves. This simply isn’t true. Having the right people around you can make an enormous difference — whether that means help with forms and administration, a shoulder to cry on, or guidance in planning for the future. People often share things with me that they wouldn’t feel comfortable discussing with family. This can give them a safe outlet to grieve and the space to make plans they never imagined they would need.

I often see situations where one person in a relationship has managed the finances. When that person dies first, the partner left behind can feel completely lost. My advice is to find someone you trust and feel comfortable working with. Explain your full situation, ask questions, and make notes if you think you may not remember everything later. This allows you to work together to build a financial plan for the future. If it feels right, involve other family members. Most importantly, don’t allow yourself to be rushed — take time to consider any recommendations made.

Once a solution is in place, continuing to work with your adviser on an ongoing basis is key. This ensures your plan remains appropriate for your changing circumstances and future goals. Over time, this relationship builds trust and gives reassurance that someone is looking out for your best interests when you have already lost so much.

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Lester Brunt Wealth Management is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website at www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Lester Brunt Wealth Management is a trading name of Lester BruntWealth Management Ltd.