What if I die? That’s the question

Ensure your family is provided for in case of death

MOST people will rather choose to avoid any question starting with the words “What if . . . .”

Why would they react that way? Yes, most of us would prefer not to hear the actual reply, as it could mean that we need to start facing reality. Unfortunately, the greater majority would prefer to think that “it” can only happen to other people.

I am sorry to burst your bubble, but it certainly can happen to you.

Let’s start with the first and also the most certain of all possibilities. What if I die today? Now please give this some careful thought and answer yourself with complete honesty. I can assure you most people have never given this matter any careful thought at all.

Let us try and help you with some serious questions that might arise:

ý Will my family/dependants have sufficient funds to continue the lifestyle that they have grown accustomed to?

ý Will my children still be able to continue their university/college studies if I am no longer there to cover the expense?

ý Will my family be forced to sell the family home – or will the bank repossess it, if they can no longer afford to pay the monthly bond instalments?

ý How will my family be able to settle all my outstanding debts?

ý Will there be sufficient cash in my estate to settle the estate duties with SARS or will they be forced to sell my property to settle it?

ý Will there be sufficient cash on hand to pay for my funeral or will my loved ones be running all over to borrow money from relatives and friends to obtain the funds to be able to lay me to rest in a dignified way?

One can add quite a few more questions to the list above. The saying goes that there are only two certainties in life – and those are death and taxes. So the fact is not IF I die, but WHEN I die.

Other scary questions that one should consider are:

What happens if I become temporarily or permanently disabled and cannot work to earn an income? Please, again refer to questions one to four above and give yourself some honest answers. What if you suffer a serious illness or trauma? I can assure you there is no time to wait for a financial institution to consider a loan application when you or one of your loved one is admitted to the trauma unit of a hospital awaiting the funds to pay for open heart surgery – or for any other serious condition.

What if . . . I discover at retirement that my company pension scheme does not provide me with sufficient income to be able to survive?

As recommended on several occasions, it has become an absolute necessity to appoint an honest, reliable and fully qualified financial adviser to assist you to eliminate all these fears from your list.

For absolute peace of mind regarding your and your family’s financial future, call us on office number 087-805-7712 for a confidential appointment or visit our offices on the hill, at number 20 Southwell Road, Port Alfred.