Get your spouse to the table (and I'm not talking about the dining room kind)

Like many financial professionals, I want couples to be at the table financial planning together. But the reality is one of the spouses is often the driver for financial matters in the relationship. And often, time and timing challenges make it easier to rely on "catch-up conversations," which can not end up happening.

Talking about financial issues and what might happen if a loved one dies is difficult. But even more difficult is what could happen if you do not. A client of mine remembers asking her husband one night what to do if he is dead. "It was just a passing conversation. Like, 'Do I pay the mortgage?" She said. "We never sat down and had a great conversation. I knew we had life insurance, but I do not know what to do with it. "

When her husband died in 08, she was still not sure what to do.

" I realize too late that I am involved in the planning, "my client said." you do not think it will happen when your husband is 49 ".

I see as part of my role to help change that. But couples should not expect a financial advisor to start doing the work. You can:

• Get the conversation takes the road and discuss what you want if the unfortunate were to happen
• Use free tools like Value Calculator life human LIFE Foundation. or their life insurance needs calculator to estimate of your needs.
• Stay cool on financial matters of the family by creating an action plan and meet monthly.

When everyone is informed, it can make a big difference during a very difficult time in anyone's life.

Peter Lewis, CHFC, owns the Lewis Group, a subsidiary of General Agency Life Insurance Company Massachusetts, Sapient Financial. You can contact him at peterlewis@finsvcs.com