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Let’s be honest, the call to self-isolate and ‘flatten the curve’ of Coronavirus may at first have sounded like a welcome break from the daily routine of work and school drop-offs, and a chance to catch up on your favourite Netflix series.
But as the reality of lockdown finally settles in, the appeal of being confined for weeks on end with your nearest and dearest is probably dissipating, fast.
For many, being in such close quarters, with little room to escape the daily monotony is a recipe for cabin fever that will force many couples to look at whether they really want to be in their marriage or partnership for the long haul.
Whatever state you find your relationship in, Alex Simeonides, CEO of Capital Legacy, shares how planning your personal finances can get you through lockdown.
Reconnect through honest discussions
Some couples will take the time to reconnect, adapting to a new household routine and taking these life changes in their stride.
You may even be welcoming a new member to your family if you’re about to have a baby, because let’s face it, life goes on even during lockdown.
This could be a time for reflection about what you want for your future together as well as taking stock of your assets, property and investments.
It’s also a good time to discuss how you would want your assets to be distributed after you pass away and finally put any other wishes on the table in the form of a Will.
Maintaining open and honest communication with your spouse or partner during the coming weeks will be key to keeping your relationship status as ‘happy’.
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Don’t panic, plan
The stress of juggling home-schooling the kids with taking virtual conference calls, along with worrying about whether you’ll have a job in a few months’ time can take its toll on any relationship.
Throw in uncertainty around finances and the economy and your home can feel less like a refuge and more like a prison.
Simeonides suggests that, “If you’re at the stage of barely grinning and bearing it with your partner,don’t panic, plan.
Put together a ‘To-do’ list of what you can tick off to relieve the stress.”
Getting your personal finances in order and crossing tasks such as updating your Will off your ‘To-dolist’ can help reduce the things that trigger anxiety.
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Get 100% up to date
It is clear that lockdown can stretch fragile relationships to breaking point.
The Chinese city of Wuhan,Ground Zero for the Coronavirus outbreak, has seen a large spike in divorce cases after couples escaped from weeks of confinement.
As more and more countries across the globe go into lockdown, there has been a surge in enquiries about divorce.
If you are thinking about calling it quits in your relationship, either now or when lockdown is over, remember it’s critical to make sure your Will is 100% up to date to reflect your changed circumstances.
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