Every now and again something happens which acts as a timely reminder of why we do what we do.

I received an unexpected phone call earlier this week from a client’s wife. Without any form of introduction her opening words were “Giles said if anything happens to me, just ring Richard. He’ll know what to do. So that’s why I’m ringing, Giles died 2 days ago.”

When I went to see her I received the ultimate compliment…

At the end of our meeting, she felt able to praise our service and how we had been able to help her begin to cope with her recent loss. I was able to be there for her (both emotionally and in a professional capacity) when everybody else seemed to be treading on eggshells and not really sure what to say or do.

A fundamental part of being an IFA is addressing difficult issues (death, disability, divorce, etc.) and it is no different when someone has died.

A straight to the point, no frills, compassionate “this is how things are now” chat ensued as I told her what she needed to hear, not what she wanted to hear. I know what to do, who to contact (and in what order), what can be expected, how helpful different organisations might be and what they will require.

“Everybody wants something” she stated, “you are the only one actually giving, helping me and giving guidance”.   A compliment I was happy to accept.

For the IFA community planning for death is an integral part of what we do. When it happens, we are better placed than most to deal with it.

Richard Witcombe has been a financial adviser since 1979 and is a director at Proposito Financial Planning.