Financial Help After Losing a Loved One | Plan4wealth Pakenham

After losing a loved one · Pakenham

When you've lost a loved one, we'll take care of the financial side.

Losing a loved one is one of life's hardest things — and suddenly there's paperwork and decisions on top of the grief. When you're ready, we quietly take on the parts we can — the super, the Centrelink, the claims and the forms — so you can look after yourself and the people who matter.

5.0 from 40+ Google reviews Bereavement & estate support Pakenham & South-East Melbourne 40+ years in financial services

After a loss

What you might be facing

You don't have to hold all of this on your own.

“Suddenly it's all on me”

If the person who handled the money is gone, facing it on your own can feel overwhelming. You won't have to do it alone.

“I don't know what's urgent”

What truly needs doing now, and what can wait? We'll help you tell one from the other, and look after the financial parts we can.

“The paperwork feels endless”

Super, Centrelink, insurers, the estate — it's a lot at the worst possible time. We take on everything we're able to, and get the rest ready for you.

“I'm afraid of a wrong move”

The big decisions almost never need making today. We help you avoid costly mistakes and give you room to breathe.

“What happens to my income now?”

Pensions, super, Centrelink changes — we work out what you're entitled to, so that worry is lifted.

“I just need someone in my corner”

Someone who has guided many others through this, and will stay alongside you the whole way.

What we do

How we help

Some things only you can sign or attend in person — but everything we can take on, we will, and we'll make the rest straightforward.

Deal with Centrelink

We sort your pension and any bereavement support you're entitled to, and update your details for you.

Deal with the funds

Your super, pension and any accounts held through us — including claiming a super death benefit, with the tax side explained.

Handle insurance claims

Where there's life or other cover in place, we manage the claim and the back-and-forth for you.

Prepare the paperwork

The forms and statutory declarations a death claim needs, ready for you to sign. Where a bank or solicitor needs you in person, we tell you exactly what to do.

Secure your income

We replace investments where needed and show you options — such as an annuity — to put your cashflow and assets on solid ground.

Tell you what's urgent

The few things that genuinely can't wait, sorted clearly from the many that can.

Help you decide what's next

Downsizing, a granny flat, the bigger picture — we help you weigh up the next steps when the time feels right.

Review your estate plan

We go through your own estate planning with you, liaise with your solicitor, and put things in place where we can.

Sort out any debt

If there's debt to deal with, we build a plan to handle it, tax-effectively, as part of getting things settled.

In your own time. Almost every big decision can wait until you're ready — and we'll make sure nothing important is missed in the meantime. Our job is to lift the load, not add to it.

Before, as well as after

Sometimes the kindest planning happens earlier

If you, or someone you love, is facing a terminal illness, we can help put things in order now — quietly and without fuss. For the person who is leaving, there's real comfort in knowing the people they love will be looked after. And for those who remain, it means far less to untangle later, at the time it matters most.

How it works

At your pace, always

1

A first chat, when you're ready

By phone, whenever suits you. No obligation, and we'll explain any fees up front.

2

We take things off your plate

We work out what's needed, deal with what's urgent, and start handling the parts we can for you.

3

We stay alongside you

For as long as you need — sorting your income, working through the next decisions, and helping you find your feet again.

Common questions

Questions people often have

I'm not ready to make decisions. Is that okay?

Completely. Very little truly needs deciding straight away. We'll handle anything that's time-sensitive and leave the rest until you feel ready.

My loved one always handled the money. Can you help me understand it?

Yes — it's one of the most common situations we help with, and there's no such thing as a silly question. We'll explain everything in plain English, at whatever pace suits you.

What happens to the Age Pension now?

Losing someone close can change your Centrelink position, and there may be bereavement support you're entitled to. We make sure it's all sorted, so it's one less thing to think about.

Do you deal with the will and probate?

That's your solicitor's role. We work alongside them and look after the financial side around the estate — and we'll get you ready for anything you need to sign or attend in person.

How much does it cost?

We'll explain any fees clearly at our first chat, before you decide on anything. The first conversation is complimentary and without obligation.

Is this financial advice?

This page is general information only. Personal advice for your specific circumstances is provided separately and in writing.

Whenever you're ready, we're here

When you'd like a hand, book a complimentary 15-minute phone chat, or simply call us. We'll listen first, explain any fees up front, and take things from there at your pace. (It's general information, not personal advice.)

Book a chat

Or call us on (03) 5941 5955 · Mon–Thu, 8:30am–5:00pm

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5.0
Based on 43 reviews
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Elaine Dickson profile picture
Elaine Dickson
4 weeks ago
Very happy with how everything is followed thru
Dale Jamieson profile picture
Dale Jamieson
3 months ago
Best advice we have had in regards to our personal finances.
Recommended to lots of friends who have all been equally impressed with the knowledge and personal attention they have received.
Well done to you all and thanks again
Karly Theodore profile picture
Karly Theodore
4 months ago
Mary was so lovely and great to chat to. She gave me all the information I needed to plan accordingly. Highly recommend the team at Plan4Wealth.
Roslyn Smith profile picture
Roslyn Smith
8 months ago
I am so pleased that a friend put me on to plan4wealth in Longwarry,
Mary and Aiza are amazing with fantastic financial guidance, thanks to them I’m living my best life,
Thank you very much
Carole Davis profile picture
Carole Davis
9 months ago
Mary and her staff are always attentive and wonderful to deal with...
Tracey Tabinor profile picture
Tracey Tabinor
11 months ago
I had my 15 minute (40mins) free chat with Mary, and I have to say, she was very approachable, spoke in language that was easy to understand, no finance jargon, and gave me some tips to put into place straight away, without any obligations. However, I went back to them with about 4 questions, and didn’t get a response. I followed up a week later and still no response. 🤷🏼‍♀️
Response from the owner 10 months ago
Sorry Tracey, mums in palliative care. I’ll reply when I can x
Darren Hnatiw profile picture
Darren Hnatiw
11 months ago
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Outstanding support and guidance

Mary from Plan4Wealth went above and beyond to help me understand exactly what I should be doing and why. She explained everything clearly and made the entire process easy to follow. I truly felt supported and informed every step of the way. Highly recommend Mary at Plan4Wealth to anyone looking for trusted financial guidance!
Sam B profile picture
Sam B
12 months ago
Spoke with Mary to get a sense of our hopes for retirement in a couple of years and if we were on track. I’ve been avoiding researching retirement as it was confusing, scary and contradictory when I did look online. Mary was lovely to talk with, extremely knowledgeable, explained in a way I understood, and took all the confusing parts out, leaving me with the utmost confidence in our retirement plans. We will definitely reconnect with Mary when we are ready. Highly recommend! Thank you Mary 😊 Sam & Dean
ashlee dow profile picture
ashlee dow
12 months ago
Mary was excellent to talk to about our finances and investments. She had great advice and was very down to earth without being pushy. We will definitely be back in touch with her when we are nearing retirement to help us manage our retirement portfolio. Highly recommend getting in touch with her if you are wanting honest advice around your finances.
Sharon Bowman profile picture
Sharon Bowman
1 year ago
What can I say, Mary is so easy to talk with she listens to my wishes then plans to make them happen. The whole team at Plan 4 Wealth are just amazing.
Thank you so much
Katherine Henry profile picture
Katherine Henry
1 year ago
Mary Benton gave me the time I needed to explain my circumstances and guidance where needed. I felt confident and capable of following her recommendations and reassured about some things I already had in place. Highly recommend Mary, she was great to talk to
Mary is PHENOMENAL. In one short meeting she has helped to guide me through the set up of my business, what to prioritise with my goals and also forward planning out the next steps in my financial journey. Thank you! So excited to work with you.
Over many years we have enjoyed an excellent relationship with Mary, Azia, Cathy and the team at Plan for Wealth both on a business and personal level. Our catch ups, be they by telephone, video or face to face, continue to be very professional, informative relaxed and enjoyable. The advice and support given by Mary and her team has always been second to none.
We have complete faith in their level of expertise and ability in this field and would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending them as the go to professional and sound advisory consultancy.
Michael and Glenda Milligan
Hiran Rathnayaka profile picture
Hiran Rathnayaka
2 years ago
Initial consultation with Mary re:our finances were a huge success. She was able to advise us on things (at no cost)we can do to accomplish our finance goals and guide us on our retirement plans. Looking forward to working with Mary and her team soon again. Highly recommended.
Narelle Burdett profile picture
Narelle Burdett
2 years ago
Fantastic chatting with Mary. Very easy to relate too and most helpful for my requirements and put me on the right track. Highly recommended from me. Thank you.
Karen Lucas profile picture
Karen Lucas
2 years ago
I was feeling very nervous about my upcoming retirement, but after speaking with Mary and implementing her advice, lm now looking forward to my future
G Tamilan profile picture
G Tamilan
2 years ago
Had a chat with Mary about my finances. She is wonderful explaining each and every option I have. And her guidance/ assistance is crystal clear, lovely to chat with her. I'm looking forward to working with her in the future.
Sophie Leete profile picture
Sophie Leete
3 years ago
I can not speak highly enough of Mary and Plan4Wealth. During my initial (free) consultation with Mary, she provided advice which I could action straight away and did not require her services. In addition, Mary was very knowledgable on other more complicated matters and I will have no hesitation in utilising her services to progressing those investment options down the track. I highly recommend.
Lucon Foster profile picture
Lucon Foster
3 years ago
We have benefited greatly from the advise Mary gave us. She listened to our views and our plans for retirement and understood with compassion and empathy. She has laid out a simple yet effective plan we are now following in order to meet our financial goals for retirement. There's still loads for us to do but Mary has set us on our way with some clear and achievable milestones to reach these goals.
Very professional.
Very understanding.
Very clear with the direction given.
Karen Dart profile picture
Karen Dart
3 years ago
Im very happy with Plan For Wealth, Mary was able to help me sort through how to best secure/use my assets and made me feel comfortable enough to ask questions 😊
Bec Potalej profile picture
Bec Potalej
3 years ago
I received such helpful advice and offered insight into options I didn’t know were accessible for me. I’m super grateful for my call! Thank you!
Lara Murray profile picture
Lara Murray
3 years ago
Had a 1 hr session, received property financial advice for the present and for the future that made sense and I liked how personable Mary was. Easy to talk to. Have already highly recommended her to others!
Daniel Fowler profile picture
Daniel Fowler
3 years ago
Had a 30 minute chat with Mary this afternoon about my finances. Im looking forward to working with her in the future.

Great guidance and assistance, and lovely to chat with and have already put the wheels in motion for stage 1 of our plans

Highly recommend
Dr John Stewart profile picture
Dr John Stewart
3 years ago
My wife, Sue and I have been using the services of financial planner Mary Benton for 20+ years now. I have two adult children who both use Mary Benton.
Mary is skilled as a financial planner and has a good way with people.
Cathy Lizza is the person in the plan for wealth team, who handles insurances. Likewise, I can say that Cathy is very skilled having worked in this area for 20+ years and is a nice person with efficiency.
Aiza is the face of the business. You will speak with her when you phone.
again a person who is good at her job and efficient.
I am happy to recommend Mary, Cathy and Aiza
Mary, Aiza and her team are always so helpful and make suggestions that we may not be aware of. They know the investment and Centrelink landscape so well. Thanks to Aiza for all the help with forms and centrelink. We have been with Plan 4 Wealth for around 2 decades and feel we have a great relationship. Would highly recommend the team. Just amazing!!
Katrina Kennedy profile picture
Katrina Kennedy
4 years ago
I had a preliminary chat with Mary yesterday.
I found her very friendly and helpful and more importantly easy to understand.
I have no hesitation in recommending Plan4wealth and will be returning to use their services in the future.
Ron Steinwall profile picture
Ron Steinwall
7 years ago
Mary has been a big help over the years and has a great command of all things financial. She is kind, and friendly. She will help you with investment planning, super portfolio construction and wealth building. Mary also has great knowledge of all Centrelink rules and regulations and the whole super, retirement, SMSF, tax and compliance related issues. Mary’s staff: Aiza and Cathy are also a great support for most and any back office related issues and provide a good interface between you and any service providers you might use, such as fund managers, insurance companies and the like.
Marcus Adams profile picture
Marcus Adams
7 years ago
Mary has assisted a number of my clients. Not only is she very caring, her strategic recommendations have proven to be invaluable for them.
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