When it comes to estate planning, the biggest mistake isn’t getting something wrong – it’s doing nothing at all.
Too many people think:
“I’ll get to it later.”
“My family will sort it out.”
“It’s too complicated, I’ll just leave it.”
The truth? Doing nothing is often the most expensive choice you can make.
The Financial Cost
Without proper estate planning:
- Inheritance Tax – HMRC can take 40% of anything over your allowances
- Unnecessary legal fees – Probate becomes longer, more complicated, and more expensive
- Forced asset sales – Heirs may have to sell property or investments to pay tax bills.
The Emotional Cost
Without clear instructions:
- Family disputes are far more likely
- Stress is added at an already difficult time
- Your wishes may not be honoured
The Missed Opportunities
Estate planning isn’t just about avoiding problems – it’s about creating opportunities:
- Passing more wealth to the next generation
- Funding education for grandchildren
- Supporting charities you care about
- Structuring trusts for long-term family benefit
A Real Example
We were approached by a family after a relative died without a will. The estate paid over £250,000 in unnecessary IHT and legal fees, and siblings fell out over who should get what. It could have been avoided with less than a day’s work a year earlier.
The Hartey Wealth Management Edge
We integrate estate planning with your financial plan, so your money is protected, passed on efficiently, and used exactly as you want.
With ISO 22222 and BS 8577 standards, you know every detail is watertight.
If your estate planning is still on the “one day” list, make today that day.
