By Andy Wearing - May 2025

Creating a robust financial plan is about more than numbers-it’s about ensuring your financial house is in order, and stays that way, so you can live a life that’s rich on your terms. The following “what if” scenarios are designed to help you think deeply about your priorities, risks, and opportunities as you consider putting a financial plan in place. Reflecting on these questions will help you and your adviser build a plan that adapts to life’s changes and supports your definition of a rich life.

Personal and Family Considerations

What if…

• You or your partner were unable to work due to illness or injury? How would your family’s lifestyle and financial security be affected?

• You or a loved one required long-term care? How would you fund it, and what impact would it have on your other goals?

• You passed away unexpectedly? Would your family be able to maintain their standard of living, and are your wishes for your estate clearly documented and funded?

• Your children or dependants needed financial support for education, property, or other milestones? Have you planned for intergenerational transfers or gifts?

• You or your partner separated or divorced? How would your assets and income be divided, and what would the impact be on your future plans?

Income and Lifestyle

What if…

• Your main source of income stopped tomorrow? How long could you sustain your lifestyle, and what safety nets are in place?

• You wanted to retire earlier than planned, or reduce your working hours? Would your current savings and investments support this?

• You received a windfall (inheritance, business sale, bonus)? How would you use it to enhance your life and financial security?

• Your expenses increased unexpectedly (e.g., due to inflation, family needs, or lifestyle changes)? Is your plan flexible enough to cope?

Investments and Wealth

What if…

• Markets experienced a significant downturn? How would your portfolio and financial plan weather the storm?

• You wanted to invest in something new (property, business, alternative assets)? How would this fit with your existing plan and risk profile?

• You discovered your investments weren’t aligned with your values (e.g., ESG, ethical investing)? Would you want to make changes, and how would this affect your returns?

• You needed to access capital quickly? Are your investments liquid enough to provide funds without disrupting your long-term goals?

Tax and Estate Planning

What if…

• Tax rules changed significantly? Is your plan resilient to changes in income, capital gains, or inheritance tax?

• You wanted to pass wealth to your family efficiently? Have you considered trusts, gifting strategies, or other structures?

• Your Will or Powers of Attorney were out of date? Would your wishes still be carried out as intended?

• You became incapacitated and couldn’t manage your affairs? Who would make decisions on your behalf, and are they prepared for the responsibility?

Business Owners and Executives

What if…

• You wanted to sell your business or step back from day-to-day operations? How would this affect your personal finances and future income?

• A key person in your business was lost (illness, death, departure)? Would the business and your personal finances be protected?

• You needed to extract more value from your business (tax-efficiently)? Are you making the most of available allowances and structures?

• You faced a legal or regulatory challenge? Is your personal wealth protected from business risks?

Ongoing Review and Adaptation

What if…

• Your goals or circumstances changed significantly? Is your plan reviewed regularly to adapt to new opportunities or challenges?

• You lost touch with your plan or adviser? How would you ensure your financial house remains in order?

Next Steps

At Oak Four, we help you explore these scenarios and many more, guiding you through the complexities of financial planning so you can focus on living a life that’s truly rich-by your own definition. Our process is designed to uncover what matters most to you, build a plan that’s robust and flexible, and keep you on track as life evolves.

Ready to get your financial house in order? Let’s start the conversation.