Most of us don’t like thinking too far ahead. Life’s busy, there’s always something more urgent. But if you want to avoid stress down the line, there are a few things worth sorting early. These aren’t the most exciting jobs, but they’ll make your life a lot easier later on. Or at least a lot less chaotic.
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Wills, wishes, and the serious stuff
It’s not the cheeriest topic, but having a will in place is honestly one of the kindest things you can do for the people you care about. It doesn’t matter if you don’t think you’ve got much to leave behind. A will makes it clear what you want, who gets what, and avoids arguments or confusion. You can get it written professionally or do a basic one yourself online. Either way, it’s better than nothing. Same goes for any medical wishes. If you have strong feelings about care decisions in the future, write them down somewhere safe.
Think about the cost of saying goodbye
No one likes thinking about funerals. But the truth is, they’re expensive, and someone has to sort them. That’s why more and more people are looking into pre-paid funeral plans. It might feel weird to plan your own send-off, but it takes the weight off your family later. You get to choose what you want, and you’ve already paid for it, so no one’s left scrambling or stressing about money. It’s a small decision that makes a big difference when the time comes.
Your pension isn’t just a work thing
It’s easy to think of pensions as something your employer deals with, but if you’re self-employed or switching jobs, it’s worth keeping track. Even if retirement feels miles off, your future self will thank you for chipping in now. You don’t have to throw loads of money in all at once. Just start somewhere, even a small amount each month. Check if you’ve got old pensions floating around from previous jobs too. You’d be surprised how easy it is to forget about them.
Emergency savings are non-negotiable
Life throws curveballs. Boilers break, cars fail MOTs, jobs get shaky. That’s why having a bit of money set aside for the unexpected is key. Aim for a few months of expenses if you can, but don’t let that number scare you. Even saving a little regularly builds up. Try to keep it in a separate account you don’t touch unless it’s a real emergency. That way, it’s there when you need it, and you’re not stuck putting it all on credit.
Plan the fun stuff too
It’s not all doom and gloom. Planning for the future can include the good bits. Holidays, big birthdays, a dream home, or time off work to do something new. Having goals keeps you motivated and gives you something to look forward to. Write them down. Work out what they’ll cost. See how they fit in with the rest of your plans. Life’s for living, after all.