While Valentine’s Day has come and gone, February remains widely recognised as the month of love. As we wrap up the celebrations, it’s an ideal time for couples to look beyond flowers and date nights and instead focus on deeper conversations about long‑term protection, planning and legacy. Increasingly, modern couples understand that safeguarding each other’s future is one of the most meaningful expressions of love.
Planning Ahead Is an Act of Love
Life is unpredictable. Estate planning helps couples make sure that if the unexpected happens, their partner and family are financially protected and supported. It’s not only for older couples or those with significant wealth any couple who shares assets, children, or responsibilities can benefit from having a plan in place.
Where insurance fits in
Insurance plays a practical role in protecting loved ones:
- Life cover helps ensure your partner can maintain their lifestyle if you’re no longer there.
- It can cover debts, day-to-day expenses and education costs.
- It also helps prevent loved ones from having to sell assets during an already difficult time.
“For couples, life insurance is really about protecting the life you’re building together,” says Matthew Green, Head of FNB Underwritten Life Product. “Younger clients carry greater financial responsibilities, and those under 40 now hold 39% more cover than older clients at the same income level. Married couples who receive FNB’s integrated advice also have 27% more cover, showing how the right guidance strengthens a family’s financial security. Life cover is a practical but powerful way to show care long after Valentine’s Day.”
The fiduciary side: making it official
Fiduciary planning turns good intentions into clear, legal decisions:
- Having a valid, up to date will
- Making sure beneficiaries are correctly listed
- Planning for children and dependants
- Ensuring a professional is appointed to manage your estate
- “A will and a estate plan translate your wishes into certainty,” explains Carin Meyer, Product Head Wills and Deceased Banking at FNB Fiduciary. “For couples, it means the things they value most, family, home, legacy are protected and honoured according to their wishes.”
- A well-considered Will and Estate Plan reduce stress, delays and family disputes when it matters most.
- The biggest act of love
- Ensuring your affairs are in order for when you’re no longer around one of the most significant acts of love. Finalising the estate of a family member is often delayed when administrative matters were not addressed while they were alive including SARS submissions, motor vehicle registrations and other important updates.
- Taking care of these details now spares loved ones from additional emotional and administrative burdens later.
- Looking beyond February
- As the month of love draws to a close, couples are encouraged to start meaningful conversations about financial protection, future planning, and legacy. Love isn’t only about the moments we share today it’s also about ensuring the people we care about are protected tomorrow.
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