What’s the best way to start getting my affairs in order?
"I’m turning 65 next month and I want to get my affairs in order, but I don’t know where to begin! I haven’t updated my will for years or saved money for my funeral, and it all seems a bit daunting. I’m not sure my family really know what to do either. Can you help me make a start?”
Margaret, Bristol
You're not alone in feeling a bit lost when it comes to planning for later life. Nearly a third of people over the age of 55 in the UK don't have a will, and that “daunting” feeling you describe is very common.
The good news is that, by making plans in a few key areas, you and your family can have some peace of mind. Here are four places for you to start:
1. Do you have an up-to-date will?
Having an up-to-date will is essential if you want your family to inherit your estate in line with your wishes, and it’s probably easier than you think to update or make one.
If your estate and wishes are simple, you could even write your own will using various free resources online. Just be aware that a DIY will is only valid if it meets strict legal requirements, so you may still need to seek independent advice.
For a more guided approach, professional will writing services are available. Look out for free services during Free Will Month – you can find more information about that here.
For more complex estates, including businesses or assets abroad, it is usually recommended to speak to a specialist solicitor. It is best practise to update your will every five years, or after significant life changes – just remember to seek advice if you need it.
2. Have you set up a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Arguably even more important than a will, a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) ensures that arrangements are in place should you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself.
In England and Wales there are two types of LPA: financial and medical. These documents give instructions regarding who can make financial or medical decisions on your behalf.
If you’re in Scotland, the two documents are known as Continuing Power of Attorney and Welfare Power of Attorney. Things are different again in Northern Ireland, where Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) still operates.
Should you become incapacitated without an LPA in place, your family could face a lengthy and complicated process to take responsibility for your finances or medical care. Fortunately an LPA is relatively simple and inexpensive to set up online – just remember to seek independent legal advice if you need it.
Read more about Power of Attorney here.
3. Have you planned for your funeral?
If there's one thing everyone in this industry agrees on, it's that funeral prices have gone up dramatically and are likely to keep rising. The average cost of a traditional burial hit £5440 in 2025, while the average cremation with a traditional service was £4200.
It's no wonder more people are choosing a no-frills approach like Direct Cremation, with this lower-cost option making up around 21% of all funerals in the UK.
If this sounds like a hefty bill for your family to cover up-front, you might want to look into options such as FCA-regulated funeral plans or whole-of-life insurance. These have risks and limitations, so it’s important to seek independent financial advice before making a decision.
Don't forget to talk to your family about your wishes too: this can help them make important decisions when the time comes.
Read more about funerals here.
(Funeral data sourced from SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026)
4. Have you thought about future care arrangements?
Most of us will eventually need to think about assisted living, care at home, or moving to a care home, so it's important to understand your options in advance.
Depending on your health, you may need nursing or specialist care (including dementia care). As with many aspects of later life planning, the cost of care can be worrying; at the time of writing, average residential care costs in the UK are £1,298 per week, with nursing care costing £1,535 per week. However, funding options may be available, depending on your circumstances – I’ll cover these in a future article.
Understanding costs and funding is essential, so it’s a good idea to discuss future options with your family and seek independent financial advice if necessary.
Read more about Care options here.
(Care figures from Carehome.co.uk 2026)
In my experience, most people feel uncomfortable thinking about later life planning. However, starting the conversation early and making some decisions in advance can really help your family when the time comes - and give you peace of mind in the meantime!
If you're new to The Legacy Expert, you can use our articles to guide you through the planning process. The contents page can be found here. Feel free to tell your family about this website too, so they can start their own research.
I will also be offering consultations for individuals, couples and families – follow this link if you’re interested.
Important: If you think you need specific financial or legal advice about any of the topics covered on this website, make sure you seek independent advice. I recommend heading to unbiased.co.uk to find a suitable advisor.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or financial advice. Details are accurate at the time of publishing, and no liability is accepted for any inaccuracies or future changes. Always seek independent advice before making financial, legal or medical decisions.
