January 9, 2026
When life changes suddenly — through bereavement, divorce, or redundancy for example — it can feel as though all your certainties have disappeared. In those moments, speaking to your Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) might not be the first thing you think of, but it can make a meaningful difference.
Talis IFA Nicolle Sodey explains why.
“I’ve supported several clients through bereavement, separation and redundancy over the past year,” she says. “Their situations were all very different, but each of them felt their financial confidence had been shaken. When you’re already dealing with emotional upheaval, worrying about money is the last thing you need. Because I know my clients well, I can quickly review their position and give them the reassurance that they’re financially OK.”
One client in their late 50s, made redundant three times in a decade, wanted to retire at 60. By reviewing their pension pots and planning to maximise contributions and tax reliefs over the next two years, Nicolle was able to confirm they could still achieve the retirement lifestyle they wanted.
Other clients have been concerned about the potential rise in Inheritance Tax (IHT) liabilities once pension pots are included from April 2027.
“I’ve had several single, widowed and non-married clients worried about their previous strategy of holding money in pensions for their own benefit and leaving residual funds to beneficiaries. This approach may no longer be the best course of action due to the IHT changes from April 2027,” Nicolle explains. “By understanding their goals and the legacy they want to leave, we can adjust their plans. For some, making regular gifts from surplus income is appropriate — these fall outside the seven-year rule and can help reduce the value of the estate.”
Nicolle has also helped clients rethink how they use their pension income. Some couples who’ve been in long-term relationships have opted to get married/entered into a civil partnership after our discussions.
“It all depends on your priorities,” she says. “Many clients with a final salary pension haven’t touched their other pots because they don’t need the income and don’t want to move into the 40% tax bracket. But when they consider that leaving those funds untouched could mean a 40% IHT charge later, it opens up new conversations about using that money during their lifetime.”
If you’ve recently lost a partner and are worried about how that will impact your finances, your IFA can help you to feel more secure.
“Adding financial worries to the emotional toll of bereavement, and the burden of dealing with estate matters, can make life really uncomfortable,” acknowledges Nicolle. “One of the first things I usually remind people is that it typically takes around a year to feel that your finances have stabilised after a bereavement. So it’s wise not to make any knee-jerk decisions that might affect your finances long-term. Once things have settled, we can consider what needs to be done.
“If you are worried about short-term income, it might, for example, be worth considering drawing down a lump sum from your pension or looking at equity release from your property. But these options are best considered as part of a strategic review of your finances. Drawing down more than you need can impact your income tax, and releasing more equity than necessary can also have unforeseen consequences.
“The key thing is to talk to your IFA about your concerns. Often, I can provide reassurance and the comfort of knowing that a little reorganisation is all it takes.”
Building a long-term relationship with an IFA gives you the support of an expert who understands you, and can give you the advice and guidance that will help you make more confident financial decisions now and in the future.
Circumstances change, but an IFA who understands your financial situation, your goals, and your attitude to risk will help you to take life’s challenges in your stride. Finding an IFA who you feel comfortable with is the first step. As Nicolle says, the better she knows you, the better able she is to help, especially when life throws you a curveball.
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