Protecting your loved ones is not just about earning enough money to live comfortably. It's also about knowing that you will be protected financially if you fall ill and can no longer work, and that your family will be protected when you are no longer there to look after them.

It's tempting to think an accident or long-term sickness won't ever happen to you, however it's worth thinking about how you would cope, if for example:

• You became seriously ill and were faced with an extended stay in hospital.
• You suffered a serious or terminal illness and couldn't work.
• You couldn't look after yourself any longer and needed to pay for nursing help or to modify your home.

There are lots of different types of insurance protection available which aim to help you cope financially in certain circumstances. Look at our insurance protection explained section for more information.

Although no one likes to think about their own mortality, if you want to protect your loved ones after you have gone it is important to make a will, so that your property and any other assets go to who you want.

You have worked long and hard to provide for your loved ones and may wish to leave them something after you have gone. As part of your planning it makes sense to think about inheritance tax. Visit this section to find out if it may affect you. Click on the headings below to find out more.