Why you need a will: if you’re married and you die without a will, your husband will inherit some of your assets but that’s not true if you live with your partner.

Updated 26th April 2011.

If you’re married or in a civil partnership you may feel that you don’t need a will and, it’s true that your husband or civil partner would inherit if you died without one. But they wouldn’t necessarily inherit everything you own – especially if you have children. It could mean that the family home has to be sold or – worse – that your husband has to sue your children to remain there. If you’re living together (but aren’t married) you should definitely draw up a will as you have little or no rights if your partner were to die.

More »

Some couples aren’t aware of how they can effectively double their inheritance tax threshold and what they need to do.

Updated 26th April 2011.

In 2007 the chancellor effectively doubled the inheritance tax threshold for married couples and civil partners but many people don't know how this could work for them. As long as one spouse or civil partner was still alive when this announcement was made (October 2007), the inheritance tax allowance can be effectively doubled.

More »

You need life insurance if you have joint debts with your husband or partner or children who are financially dependent on you

Updated 26th April 2011.

If you don't have any debts with your partner and don't have children (or they're grown up and don't depend on you financially), you can save money by not buying life insurance. But if you do have a joint mortgage or other debts, you probably do need some life insurance. There are different types of life insurance and some types of policy are more expensive than others.

More »