Every year, each of our firm spends several days on professional training. Maintaining our CFP certification alongside our Dutch Wft certifications allows us to deliver qualified advice on financial planning, investments and private pensions. For us, it is a hygiene factor: without it we would lose our license and permits. For you as a client, it is the difference between something you can look up yourself, which may be suboptimal at best and outright wrong at worst, and advice that fits your life. Most things about money have two sides of a coin, and it takes knowledge and experience to fit both into your situation.
Recently I attended an estate planning class. In between plenary sessions I shared experiences with fellow professionals and learned from colleagues, several of whom have more experience in this field. It is a good example of why we keep investing in ourselves.
Half of us have no will
Estate planning is important and often overlooked. A recent survey by RTL Z showed that more than 60% of respondents did not have a will. A will is not mandatory, but it is practical and can save a lot of unnecessary inheritance tax.
What a will can do for you and your loved ones
- Control: a will lets you appoint an executor who is at the steering wheel when it comes to settling the inheritance. Without one, your heirs have much less room to manoeuvre, and sometimes a judge even has to get involved to get things done.
- Tax: carefully recorded wishes can prevent unnecessary inheritance tax, for example by making optimal use of available exemptions.
- Tailored solutions: the statutory rules do not always fit your situation. Think of unmarried partners without a cohabitation agreement, blended families or minor children.
Take the step, together with trusted advisers
A will is drawn up by a civil-law notary. We help with the bigger picture: what are your assets, what do your wishes mean for your pension, life insurance and taxes, and what suits your family best? That way, financial and legal choices work together.
A good start is simple: list your assets and wishes, discuss them with your loved ones, and schedule a conversation with your adviser and notary. Review your will after major life events too, such as marriage, the birth of a child, divorce or the sale of a business.
Arranging this now brings peace of mind, for you and for those you leave behind. Would you like to know where you stand? Feel free to get in touch.