Writing a will in the UK is a relatively straightforward process, but it's essential to follow legal requirements to ensure it's valid and your wishes are carried out. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Decide Who Will Be Involved - Executor(s): Choose one or more people to carry out your wishes after your death. They will be responsible for managing your estate, paying any debts, and distributing your assets according to your will. - Beneficiaries: These are the people or organizations who will receive your estate (money, property, assets, etc.). You can leave specific items or sums of money to beneficiaries.

2. List Your Assets Write down all the important assets, including properties, bank accounts, investments, and any personal belongings (e.g., jewelry, antiques). This helps ensure everything is accounted for in your will.

3. Choose Guardians for Your Children (If Applicable) If you have minor children, name a guardian who will care for them in case of your death.

4. Decide How to Divide Your Estate Clearly outline how you would like your estate to be divided. For example: - Specific items (e.g., "I leave my watch to my son, John"). - Monetary amounts (e.g., "I leave £5,000 to my daughter, Emma"). - Residuary estate: the remaining estate after debts, expenses, and specific bequests have been settled (e.g., "I leave the remainder of my estate to my spouse").

5. Write Your Will You can write your will by hand, type it out, or use an online will-writing service. Ensure it includes the following: - A clear declaration that it is your last will and testament. - Full names of the executor(s) and beneficiaries. - A statement about how your estate should be distributed. - Any specific requests (e.g., funeral arrangements, personal items). It’s essential to make it clear, concise, and unambiguous.

6. Sign Your Will - You must sign the will in front of two independent witnesses who are not beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries. - The witnesses must also sign and date the will, confirming that they saw you sign it. They do not need to know the contents of the will, just that you are the person signing it.

7. Store Your Will Safely - Keep your will in a safe place, such as a bank safety deposit box or with a solicitor. - Inform your executor(s) of its location.

8. Update Your Will If Necessary If there are significant life changes (e.g., marriage, divorce, the birth of a child), you may need to update your will. You can make changes through a "codicil" (a formal amendment to your will), or you may choose to create a new will. ###

Additional Considerations: - Witnesses: The witnesses must be over 18 and not beneficiaries in the will. - Legal Advice: It’s a good idea to seek legal advice if you have a complicated estate, or if you want to ensure your will is airtight. - Making a Will Online: Many online platforms can help you create a will for a fee, providing templates and guidance to ensure your will is legally sound. ### Legal Requirements: - Witnessing: Two witnesses are necessary. - Signature: You must sign the will in front of the witnesses. - Mental Capacity: You must be of sound mind when making a will, meaning you understand the consequences of your decisions. Writing a will is essential to ensure your wishes are respected after your death, and having it done properly ensures that your estate is handled smoothly.

Life insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company where you pay regular premiums, and in return, the insurer provides a lump sum payment (called a death benefit) to your beneficiaries upon your death. It’s a way to protect your loved ones financially in case you’re no longer around to provide for them. There are a few different types of life insurance: Mortgage & Family Protection Life Insurance: Provides coverage for a set period (like 10, 20, or 30 years). If you pass away during the term, your beneficiaries receive the death benefit. If you outlive the term, there’s no payout. Steps to Set Up Life Insurance: Assess Your Needs: Determine how much coverage you need. This can be based on factors like income, debts, family size, and future expenses (like education or retirement). Choose the Type of Life Insurance: Decide between term and permanent life insurance based on your financial goals and how long you want coverage. Research Providers: Compare different insurance companies to find the best coverage at the best price. Look at their financial stability, customer reviews, and the specifics of the policy. Get a Quote: Request quotes from a few providers, either online or through an insurance agent. Your premium will depend on factors like age, health, occupation, and the amount of coverage you want. Apply for the Policy: You’ll need to complete an application, which will ask about your health history, lifestyle, and sometimes undergo a medical exam, depending on the policy. Review and Sign the Contract: Once you’ve been approved, review the policy details carefully. If you’re happy with the terms, sign the agreement, and you’ll start paying premiums to keep the policy active. Choose Beneficiaries: Designate who will receive the death benefit when you pass away (e.g., spouse, children, other family members, or a trust). You can change beneficiaries later if needed. After setting it up, you just need to continue paying premiums to maintain the policy.

Understanding Mortgages and Projections for 2025 in the UK

A mortgage is a loan specifically used to purchase property or land. It is typically issued by banks, building societies, or other financial institutions. In exchange for the loan, the lender takes a legal interest in the property, meaning they have the right to repossess it if the borrower fails to repay the loan as agreed. Mortgages are one of the most common ways for individuals to purchase a home, as they allow them to borrow a significant sum of money while repaying it over a long period, often up to 25 years or more.

Looking ahead to 2025, there are several economic factors that will shape the mortgage market in the UK, including interest rates, housing prices, and government policies.

1. Interest Rate Trends:
   • As of early 2025, the Bank of England’s base rate has been a key determinant in mortgage pricing. Projections suggest that rates may stabilize after a period of volatility in the wake of post-pandemic recovery efforts and the cost-of-living crisis.
   • It is expected that fixed-rate mortgages will continue to be popular as consumers seek predictability in their payments. While the Bank of England is not expected to rapidly increase interest rates after 2025, inflation and economic conditions could still lead to interest fluctuations.
2. Housing Market Outlook:
   • House prices in the UK have seen significant growth in recent years, driven by demand and limited supply. By 2025, housing prices are expected to level off, though regional differences are anticipated. While some areas, such as London and the South East, may see continued growth due to demand, other regions may experience slower growth or even price corrections.
   • The continued imbalance between housing supply and demand will be a factor in the future housing market. Government schemes aimed at increasing affordable housing could help to mitigate this issue, but substantial growth is unlikely in the short-term.
3. Mortgage Affordability and Lending Criteria:
   • With economic pressures on households continuing, affordability will remain a key challenge. Lenders may tighten lending criteria in response to fluctuating housing prices, which could make it more difficult for first-time buyers to secure mortgages. However, innovative mortgage products aimed at offering affordable solutions could emerge.
   • The continued impact of inflation and higher living costs may further limit people’s borrowing capacity, though government support and policies may offer some relief.

Conclusion

Mortgages are a central component of homeownership in the UK, offering a structured way for individuals to purchase property over time. With evolving interest rates, economic factors, and government initiatives, the mortgage market is expected to undergo significant changes by 2025. Homebuyers and investors will need to remain vigilant to market conditions and take advantage of available products that best suit their needs. While the market may stabilize in the coming years, mortgage affordability, interest rates, and new housing policies will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of home financing in the UK.

Arranging a will is important for several key reasons:

1. Control Over Your Estate: A will allows you to decide who will inherit your assets, from money and property to personal items. Without a will, your estate is distributed according to the law, which may not align with your wishes.
2. Protecting Loved Ones: You can ensure your loved ones are cared for by naming guardians for children or dependents. You can also make provisions for pets, ensuring they are looked after.
3. Appointing Executors: You can name trusted individuals or institutions to handle your estate. This ensures that your wishes are followed and your estate is managed properly.
4. Avoid Intestacy: If you pass away without a will, the state determines how your estate is divided, which might not be how you would have liked. This is known as "dying intestate".
5. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your wishes will be respected provides peace of mind, both for you and your loved ones. It ensures that you’re not leaving difficult decisions to others during a stressful time.

The Importance of Arranging a Will, Life Cover, Income Protection, and Critical Illness Cover

In life, there are few things more certain than death and illness. While we cannot predict what the future holds, we can take steps to safeguard our loved ones and ourselves against the unknown. Among these steps are arranging a will and securing life cover, income protection, and critical illness cover. Each of these elements plays a vital role in ensuring that you and your family are taken care of, financially and legally, when the unexpected occurs.

Protecting your income with Income Protection, with special guests Sam Wilson & Morgan Watkins, Protection Specialists at Fortune Financial.

www.fortunefinancial.co.uk