THE GMFSI LIFE EVENTS GUIDE
Life changes. Your financial plan should keep up.
Find a starting point for the financial questions that come with a new chapter.
Choose the situation that feels closest to yours. Explore what to review, then start a conversation when you’re ready.
Practical starting points for individuals, families, and business owners.
What is changing in your life?
You may be facing more than one change. Start with the one that feels most pressing.
Starting a family
Build a foundation for the people who depend on you.
A question to start with:
How would our household manage if an income stopped?
- Review household spending, debts, and emergency savings.
- Understand current life, disability, and workplace coverage.
- Discuss education savings and beneficiary arrangements.
Changing jobs or becoming self-employed
A change in work can change your financial safety net.
A question to start with:
What happens to my benefits, pension, and income protection?
- Check when existing workplace coverage ends.
- Review pension or group retirement plan choices before deadlines.
- Explore personal protection and savings priorities.
Buying a home or reviewing your mortgage
Connect your housing decision with your broader financial plan.
A question to start with:
How can we balance mortgage payments, protection, and savings?
- Review affordability alongside other household commitments.
- Compare your protection needs with existing coverage.
- Discuss debt repayment and long-term savings goals.
Approaching retirement
Turn a retirement date into a coordinated income conversation.
A question to start with:
How could my savings, pension, and government benefits work together?
- Outline your expected spending and retirement timeline.
- Gather pension and investment information.
- Discuss income sources, withdrawal priorities, and financial risks.
Starting or growing a business
Support your team while protecting your own financial future.
A question to start with:
What benefits and protection would fit our size and budget?
- Clarify employee benefits priorities and a sustainable budget.
- Review owner income protection and key business risks.
- Coordinate business and personal planning with your professional team.
Explore the Group Benefits Hub →
Discuss this life eventAfter the loss of a spouse or loved one
Take one step at a time, with room to pause.
A question to start with:
Which financial matters need attention first, and which can wait?
- Organize key contacts, policies, and account information.
- Identify immediate household cash-flow needs.
- Coordinate questions with the executor and legal or tax professionals.
Explore estate and legacy planning →
Discuss this life eventReceiving an inheritance or a lump sum
Give yourself time to connect new money with your goals.
A question to start with:
How should this money fit into my existing plan?
- Clarify near-term needs before committing funds.
- Review debts, savings priorities, and investment time horizons.
- Discuss any tax or estate questions with the appropriate professionals.
Supporting aging parents
Bring family responsibilities into your financial planning.
A question to start with:
How can we prepare for changing care and financial needs?
- Discuss family roles, priorities, and practical support.
- Review cash flow and available insurance information.
- Work with legal professionals on powers of attorney and estate documents.
Explore estate and legacy planning →
Discuss this life eventBring your question. We’ll help you find the starting point.
Name the change
Tell us what has happened—or what you expect to happen—and your timeframe.
Choose a priority
Start with the concern that matters most: income, coverage, savings, retirement, or employee benefits.
Agree on a next step
We’ll clarify whether you need more information, a focused review, or a broader planning conversation.
Common questions
Do I need a major life change to ask for help?
No. A question about your current insurance, investments, retirement, or employee benefits is enough to begin.
What if several life events overlap?
We’ll help you identify priorities and discuss how the decisions relate to each other.
Can you work with my accountant or lawyer?
With your permission, we can coordinate relevant planning questions with the professionals you already work with.
A new chapter deserves a clear next step.
You don’t have to work through every financial question at once. Start with the one that matters most today.
Complimentary initial Clarity Call · No obligation · Virtual appointments
This guide provides general educational starting points. Personalized financial recommendations require a review of your circumstances. Legal and tax matters should be reviewed with qualified professionals.