Case Study

We were overfunded
and underliving

Introduction

Richard and Elaine, aged 67 and 65, were retired professionals with £1.5 million in combined assets. They had always lived frugally, afraid of overspending and leaving their children with less.

Before

Consistently spent below their means “just in case”
Had more than enough but feared economic downturns
Their adult children were financially independent, yet they still hoarded wealth
Had no plan for legacy, gifting, or enjoying life now

After

Identified as “Got Too Much” — with their bucket overflowing by over £700,000 at life expectancy
Began annual gifting to family, including early help with house deposits
Took their first long-haul holiday in over a decade
Created a plan to reduce inheritance tax liability through lifetime planning

Process

Conducted detailed modelling with future expense scenarios
Used “Bucket” framework to illustrate lifetime oversupply of assets
Built a strategy for annual gifting and charitable donations
Reviewed estate planning opportunities with their solicitor

Conclusion

Richard and Elaine no longer live with scarcity thinking. By seeing they were already overfunded, they’ve begun living more fully, supporting their family earlier, and reducing future tax burdens.