In this guide, you’ll learn the key considerations, work through a practical example and find useful next steps. Take your time and use the free worksheets to put ideas into practice.
What you’ll take away
- Collect documents safely
- Protect digital access
- Create a timeline
Collect documents safely
Gather identification, income, property, debts, pensions, tax and benefit information.
Protect digital access
Review passwords and account security without accessing anyone else’s accounts.
Create a timeline
Record important dates, agreements and upcoming bills.
Get independent support
Seek legal and safeguarding help if there is pressure, coercion or abuse.
What to gather
- Identification and income evidence
- Assets and liabilities list
- Important correspondence
Putting your learning into practice
Use the guidance above to identify the information you need and the questions to investigate. Consider:
- Collect documents safely.
- Protect digital access.
- Create a timeline.
- Get independent support.
This is general financial education, not a personal recommendation, an assessment of suitability or an invitation to buy or arrange a financial product. Check current official information and obtain appropriate professional advice for individual circumstances.
Further help
For up-to-date rules and support, see this UK guidance resource. Check which rules apply in your part of the UK.
Keep learning
Use a worksheet to explore your own figures, or browse another topic in the guide library.
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