1. “How should we adjust my financial plan now that my time horizon may be different?”
This is the cornerstone. A shortened or uncertain timeline changes everything—from how you draw income to how you think about legacy. Your advisor should help you refocus your plan around what matters most to you now, whether that’s spending more freely, protecting your family, or rethinking long-term goals.
2. “What changes should I consider for my estate plan and healthcare directives?”
A serious diagnosis should trigger an immediate review of wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations. Your advisor can help coordinate with your estate attorney to ensure everything is current, legally sound, and reflects your wishes clearly—while you still have full capacity to make decisions.
3. “Is my distribution strategy still the best fit for my current needs and priorities?”
You may want to accelerate income, reduce tax drag, increase gifting, or simplify your financial life. Your advisor should revisit your withdrawal strategy, asset location, insurance coverage, and cash reserves—and help you stress-test them against evolving medical needs and lifestyle goals.
4. “How can we make things easier for my family or caregivers, if they need to step in?”
This includes organizing account access, clarifying roles (trustee, executor, agents), creating a “letter of instruction,” and ensuring there’s a roadmap that someone else can follow. The goal is to reduce stress and confusion during a time that’s already emotionally charged.
5. “Are there opportunities to live more fully now—with purpose and peace of mind?”
This may be the most important question—and one that good advisors won't shy away from. Whether it’s funding a dream trip, giving to people or causes you care about, or simply affirming that “you can afford to say yes” more often—your advisor should help you make values-aligned financial decisions that support joy, meaning, and freedom.