A mother-of-four who has been supporting her 92-year-old mum with her end of life planning is spearheading a new initiative to encourage more people to take estate planning seriously.
Estate planning expert Caro Syson says her own experiences have exposed just how unprepared many families are and how vital proper planning can be.
Ms Syson, from St Albans, Herts, says it is easy to see how quickly managing a loved one’s estate can become “overwhelming and stressful” and wants families to tackle issues such as Powers of Attorney, Wills and finances before the end arrives.
Latest figures suggest around 27 million people in the UK still do not have a Will, with an estimated £4.5 billion sitting unclaimed in bank accounts.
These issues will be central to Ms Syson’s Your Final Matters workshop, a one-day event designed to help attendees future-proof their final wishes through a practical, joined-up approach to later life planning.
“I’ve been supporting my 92-year-old mum, Brenda, with everything from Wills and pensions to tax returns, powers of attorney and funeral planning. It’s lived experience rather than theory, and I want to share what I know with others facing similar situations,” she says.
“It’s easy to see how it could all become so overwhelming when you see how many strands of her life we’ve had to pull together.”
The workshop brings together key elements of estate planning, including wills, powers of attorney, inheritance tax, pensions, equity release, probate, funeral wishes and digital legacy, into a single, accessible framework.
Aimed primarily at 40–65 year olds who have become the ‘responsible one’ in their family, the event is designed to demystify increasingly complex legal and financial responsibilities. It is also particularly relevant for those who are divorced or newly managing affairs independently.
Attendees will receive a comprehensive 70-page workbook to help organise essential information, alongside 40–50 digital resources covering checklists, guidance and digital legacy planning for both individuals and small business owners.
Joining Ms Syson is award-winning planning expert and author Steve Bish of S Bish Estate Planning, who warns that the UK faces significant gaps in basic preparation.
“Millions still don’t have a Will or powers of attorney in place,” he says.
“While more than one million Lasting Powers of Attorney were registered in 2023 alone, many people taking on these roles don’t realise the scale of responsibility, often more than 50 hours a week, and the legal implications involved.
“Too often, people end up throwing money at the problem. With the right information, that doesn’t have to be the case.”
The event takes place on 20 April at Shendish Manor near St Albans. Tickets are priced at £250, with a 20% discount available for family members attending together, including lunch.
“This workshop combines retirement and end-of-life planning,” Ms Syson adds. “When someone dies, it’s not just the grief, it’s the paperwork, the questions and the uncertainty.
“Having the right information, and knowing how to leave your estate in the best possible shape, can help reduce stress and anxiety for your loved ones during life’s most difficult moments.”
For more information about the event visit: https://yourfinalmatters.co.uk/about_me
