Funeralguide2017

LATER LIFE PLANNING – WITH AB WALKER

FUNERAL director Julian Walker has spent much of his life helping those who have been bereaved. “Death is something no-one wants to think about and that’s natural,” says Julian, director of Berkshire funeral directors AB Walker. “But for many people pre-planning for later life brings peace of mind and financial security.” AB Walker is one of Berkshire’s oldest family businesses and is now run by the fifth generation of the same family. They have seen soaring demand for funeral plans. “Funeral plans are often bought by people as part of later life planning,” says Julian. “For many people planning their funeral in advance has become an established way of taking care of the future.” Often people have experienced the grief of bereavement and want to spare their families the stress of making funeral arrangements. Some are eager to ensure financial security by paying in advance to protect against increasing costs. For others, knowing that their personal wishes are documented in their funeral plan brings

satisfaction and peace of mind. These wishes can range from a simple decision regarding the choice of hymns to specifying clothes they want to be buried in or the subsequent disposal of cremated remains. “We can advise and assist with all the details,” says Julian. AB Walker offers a wide spectrum of later life planning services in partnership with Golden Charter. These legal services cover all aspects of financial provision including tax and estate planning. “It can be emotionally and financially draining to cope with arrangements and legal matters following a death,” says Julian. “Later life services are designed to give control over the future and protect relatives from financial worry and stress.” Services offered by AB Walker are developed to protect assets from a range of different issues that may arise in the future and to ensure that effective plans are in place for legacies. Having a valid will reduces the chances of family disputes and may result in controlling the amount paid in inheritance tax through the preparation of the estate before death. Many people falsely assume that

partners and children will automatically inherit property and assets, however without a will or an invalid will due to a change in circumstances may result in relatives not receiving what was intended. The increasing stress caused by issues involving social care costs, extended families, property values and the increase risk of dementia in later life can be eased by planning ahead and arranging lasting power of attorney. AB Walker has been part of the community in Berkshire for nearly 200 years. There is a branch in Thatcham as well as branches in Reading, Bracknell, Wokingham, Henley-on-Thames, Caversham and Maidenhead. “We regularly witness the impact on those left behind where no planning has taken place,” says Julian. “In the extreme, it can cause family disputes and conflict, avoidable financial burden or increased complexity and anxiety when trying to make appropriate choices. “We are here to help and to bring peace of mind.” Anyone who would like to discuss Pre-Paid Funeral Plans and Later Life Planning can contact Anna Rhys- Williams on (01635) 873672.

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