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Nobody likes to think of themselves as being vulnerable, but the reality is that all of us will likely experience periods of vulnerability at some stage in our lives. Vulnerability can be caused by a range of factors, such as physical or mental illness, bereavement, the end of a relationship, or significant financial pressures.
People may move in and out of periods of vulnerability, it may be fluctuating, short term or longer term. But for most people it is a stage of life, rather than a fixed state of being. However, ensuring people have access to the right support at difficult times in their life, is not always straightforward.
As the largest provider of financial advice in the UK, we are committed to ensuring that people have the help and support they need, when they need it and how they need it, particularly at times of vulnerability. We believe that needing support is normal – and that planning is a strength. Being prepared for whatever life may throw at you can help you get through the difficult times.
At a glance
- Vulnerability is common and can happen to anyone and at any time.
- It can be triggered by a number of things, but major factors include health, life events, low resilience, or reduced capability.
- Advice can help by slowing decisions down, creating clarity and helping to prioritise what really matters.
What is vulnerability?
The Financial Conduct Authority has defined four key areas as potential triggers of vulnerability. These are health; life events; resilience; capability.
When health gets in the way
Periods of ill-health can be key drivers of vulnerability and happen at any stage. Coping with a physical or mental illness, or a disability or sensory impairment can make dealing with finances far more difficult.
When life changes suddenly or unexpectedly
Life events such as bereavement, relationship breakdown or the loss of a job can all increase a household’s reliance on income.
It’s not only the emotional impact of bereavement, but the practical that can take a toll and add huge stress. Meanwhile, the end of a relationship or the loss of a job can be both a financial and emotional shock, as well as emotional. Reorganising finances at a time when you are mourning loss can add to the stress of the situation.
Staying resilient
While resilience is a buzzword in investment, it can be easier to say than to achieve and lack of resilience can be a key driver of times of vulnerability. For example, having little in the way of savings, or variable income or high levels of debt can all contribute to low emotional resilience and therefore lead to vulnerability.
Capability and coping
Having low confidence with and about money can leave people vulnerable. For those with literacy or numeracy issues, weak digital skills or for whom is English is not a first language, dealing with finances can also seem overwhelming.
A focus on vulnerability
Over the next 12 months we will publish a series of articles aimed at identifying some of the situations which can trigger periods of vulnerability. We will provide guidance on steps that can be taken to help protect yourself and prepare for the unexpected. We hope through these that we can support people when they most need it and throughout the many different challenges that life can throw up.
We will begin our series by looking at managing your finances in bereavement – for many of us one of the most difficult times we face emotionally and often financially. This will cover the support available to people and guidance on taking steps to protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of death.
Over the coming months, we will examine issues around anxiety and money and the role that planning can play in helping deal with times of mental ill health and stress.
Other topics we will discuss include why caring responsibilities can leave you vulnerable; and when a relationship breaks down, hope you can help protect yourself and get back on your feet financially.
Later in the year we will focus on the importance of planning ahead in the event of mental or physical incapacity. While nobody wants to think about either themselves or their loved ones suffering from mental or physical ill-health or incapacity, most of will experience it in our families at some point in our lives.
SJP financial adviser Dan Buckland will talk to us about what it means to be neurodivergent in a financial world – and how this can be an advantage in his dealings with clients.
Ahead of the end of the year, we will take a look at the topic of festive resilience when finances are stretched. We all know Christmas can be a difficult time in many ways, not least financial. So how can you ensure you stay financially resilient at this festive time?
In the new year we will address taking those first small steps to build financial confidence and how we can support you.
And one close to my heart – decision fatigue and how it can leave you vulnerable. I will be discussing this very real phenomena - what it means, the impact and how people can take steps to address this and get the support they need at difficult times.
Dealing with money feels harder during moments of vulnerability – and it can be. But in those times, good financial advice can help by creating breathing space, reducing decision pressures and ensuring that people are listened to and supported. It can also help to reduce complexity and ensure people are treated fairly and with respect.
Vulnerability can change over time, that’s why it is important that support is ongoing and can adapt to what you need. Needing support is normal, planning is a strength.
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