Advocate Sankie Morata CFP®, Chief Executive of Sanlam Trust

As 2025 draws to a close and the summer holidays approach, most of us start thinking about family time and taking a year-end break. But before you go fully into “out of office” mode, there’s a meaningful gift you can give yourself and your loved ones: a simple financial and estate planning check-in.

Advocate Sankie Morata CFP®, Chief Executive of Sanlam Trust says, “This time of year is the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and make sure your affairs are in order. Not because something might go wrong, but because knowing you’re prepared means you can live with confidence.”

Sanlam Trust has created a practical, easy-to-use checklist for you.

1. Is your will up to date, signed and safely stored?

Life happens and things change, sometimes quickly and unexpectedly. Marriage or divorce. Having or adopting a child. Buying or selling a property. New business interests. If any such changes happened in your life this year, make sure your will reflects them.

“Ask yourself if your will is signed and witnessed correctly. Have you told someone trustworthy where the original is kept, and is it being stored safely by a reputable wills provider, such as a trust company?” is Morata’s advice.

2. Are you covered for holiday travel?

Whether you’re driving across the country or flying abroad, make sure your vehicle and travel insurance are in place and up to date. This small admin task is routinely neglected but can become invaluable if life throws you a curveball or an accident happens.

3. Do you have enough liquidity in your estate and are you indemnified against the costs of dying?

Many people are surprised to learn that even well-structured estates can experience cash-flow pressure and be ill-prepared for the costs associated with passing away. These include executor fees, conveyancing fees, immediate expenses (keeping the lights on and the cupboards stocked for your family!) and more.

“A quick review of your estate plan and will now, can save your family unnecessary stress later,” cautions Morata.

4. Update your life cover, funeral cover and accident cover

Did your family structure or financial responsibilities change this past year, or did you take on more credit? Then your cover should change too.

“Life and funeral cover form a critical part of your estate plan, they help ensure your loved ones can maintain stability during a difficult time,” Morata explains.

5. Check your beneficiary nominations

Retirement funds and many policies don’t follow your will. They pay out directly to your nominated beneficiaries. That’s why it’s important to check:

• Are the right people listed as beneficiaries?
• Do your nominations still match your intentions?
• Have you updated these details after major life events?

“These are small updates that can have a huge impact on the ones you love,” says Morata.

6. Review your short-term insurance and personal possessions cover

Burglaries during the festive season are more common than most of us like to know. Make sure your household and personal items are still adequately insured, especially if you acquired valuable items this year.

7. Organise your important documents

Your will, policy documents, bond statements, investment summaries and business papers should all be stored safely and be easy to locate. You don’t need a complicated filing system, just consistency and accessibility.

8. Check your medical aid plan for the year ahead

Medical needs change. If you’ve had new diagnoses, dependants joining, or increased medical expenses this year, now is the time to reassess your current option and make sure it still suits your circumstances.

A fresh start begins with preparedness

While this time of year is all about winding down, a quick estate and financial check-in means one less worry and gives you greater peace of mind because it means entering the new year organised, informed and living with confidence.

Here’s to a festive season filled with ease, joy and peace of mind, plus a well-planned new year ahead.

ENDS