How to prepare for death

It’s a topic that most of us like to avoid, but failing to prepare your finances for death could be a costly mistake, says Ruth Jackson.

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A straightforward will costs around £100-£200
(Image credit: monkeybusinessimages)

It's a topic that most of us like to avoid, but failing to prepare your finances for death could mean paying unnecessary tax bills, leaving assets to the wrong people and make an already difficult time for your relatives worse. Here's what you need to do to better prepare.

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Ruth Jackson-Kirby

Ruth Jackson-Kirby is a freelance personal finance journalist with 17 years’ experience, writing about everything from savings accounts and credit cards to pensions, property and pet insurance.

Ruth started her career at MoneyWeek after graduating with an MA from the University of St Andrews, and she continues to contribute regular articles to our personal finance section. After leaving MoneyWeek she went on to become deputy editor of Moneywise before becoming a freelance journalist.

Ruth writes regularly for national publications including The Sunday Times, The Times, The Mail on Sunday and Good Housekeeping, among many other titles both online and offline.