# How to get your finances in order before you die

> Create a will, update pension nominations, plan for inheritance tax, and outline funeral wishes to avoid family disputes after death.
- Title: How to get your finances in order before you die · MoneyWeek
- Summary: Create a will, update pension nominations, plan for inheritance tax, and outline funeral wishes to avoid family disputes after death. Writing a will…
- Keywords: pension, inheritance tax, funeral wishes, fact file, rathbones, royal london, seven year rule, get, finances, order, die, MoneyWeek
- Source: MoneyWeek — https://moneyweek.com/personal-finance/get-finances-in-order-before-you-die
- Published: 2026-10-16T04:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: will, pension, inheritance tax, funeral wishes, fact file, rathbones, royal london, seven year rule
## Write your will
Writing a will lets you declare what happens to your assets after death, ensuring your wishes are carried out.

> The first thing is for people to get comfortable with the idea of having those conversations
## Update pension nominations
Check your pension inheritance wishes and how they will be undertaken to ensure your pension goes to the right person.

> It's useful to remember that the main purpose of the scheme administrator is to find out where you would have wanted that money to go
## Plan for inheritance tax
In the UK, estates over £325,000 are liable to inheritance tax at 40% unless you leave 10% to charity.

> The biggest misconception is that you need all these complex structures
## Outline funeral wishes
Create a detailed document for funeral instructions to avoid confusion after death.

> You can also prepare for how the funeral will be paid for
## Create a fact file
Make a list of financial accounts and online accounts for your loved ones to access after you die.

> Royal London has created a 'When I'm gone' document covering many of these areas that you can access for free
## Check your will
Review your will every few years and after major life events to ensure it reflects your wishes.

> The biggest misconception is that you need all these complex structures
## Update pension nominations
Ensure your pension nominations are current to avoid inheritance issues after death.

> It's useful to remember that the main purpose of the scheme administrator is to find out where you would have wanted that money to go
## Plan for inheritance tax
Use the seven-year rule to gift money to children without inheritance tax if you live seven years after the gift.

> The biggest misconception is that you need all these complex structures
## Outline funeral wishes
Include details about cremation, burial, organ donation, and religious preferences in your funeral plan.

> You can also prepare for how the funeral will be paid for
## Create a fact file
Include a list of financial accounts and online accounts for your loved ones to access after you die.

> Royal London has created a 'When I'm gone' document covering many of these areas that you can access for free
## Check your will
Review your will every few years and after major life events to ensure it reflects your wishes.

> The biggest misconception is that you need all these complex structures
## Update pension nominations
Ensure your pension nominations are current to avoid inheritance issues after death.

> It's useful to remember that the main purpose of the scheme administrator is to find out where you would have wanted that money to go
## Plan for inheritance tax
Use the seven-year rule to gift money to children without inheritance tax if you live seven years after the gift.

> The biggest misconception is that you need all these complex structures
## Outline funeral wishes
Include details about cremation, burial, organ donation, and religious preferences in your funeral plan.

> You can also prepare for how the funeral will be paid for
## Key takeaway

Writing a will, updating pension nominations, planning for inheritance tax, and outlining funeral wishes ensures assets are distributed as intended without family conflict.