What You Need To Know If You’re Living Solo
Thoughtful planning for those navigating life independently
Living without a spouse, children, or nearby family is increasingly common—but that doesn’t mean you have to navigate the future alone. In fact, people who are living solo often benefit the most from intentional, personalized planning.
Whether you’ve never had children, are widowed or divorced, or your trusted circle lives far away, the key question becomes:
If something happened tomorrow, who would speak for you?
As a Certified Executor Advisor, I work with individuals who want to protect their autonomy, make informed decisions, and feel confident that their voice will be heard—even if they’re unable to speak for themselves one day. This article will give you insight on how to start.
What It Means to Live Solo and Plan Proactively
Being independent doesn’t mean being unprepared. If you don’t have family to rely on—or don’t want to rely on them—your support system and decision-making framework may look a little different.
Proactive planning ensures that your values, preferences, and goals are respected. And when no immediate family is in the picture, it’s even more important to formalize your wishes and designate people you trust.
Who Will Act on Your Behalf—If You Can’t?
If you experience a medical emergency or become temporarily—or permanently—unable to make decisions, someone will need to step in. And if no one’s been legally named, that responsibility will likely fall to a public trustee or court-appointed guardian.
That’s exactly what happened to Alan, a retired teacher who had lived independently for years. When he had a serious fall and was hospitalized, it quickly became clear that he had no formal Enduring Power of Attorney in place. His nearest relative was a distant cousin he hadn’t seen in over a decade—and the hospital had no one to consult for care decisions. It took weeks to sort out who could legally manage his finances and speak on his behalf, delaying his rehab and increasing his stress during an already difficult time.
Alan’s experience is, unfortunately, not unique. But it’s avoidable—with a little planning.
You’ll want to assign trusted individuals—or professionals—to these key roles:
- Enduring Power of Attorney: Oversees financial matters, bill payments, and legal responsibilities.
- Medical Directive: Makes health and lifestyle decisions when you’re unable to.
- Executor: Administers your estate, pays off debts, files taxes, and distributes assets as outlined in your will.
These responsibilities are often assigned to family members, but when that’s not an option, you can choose friends, neighbours, or professional service providers—as long as they’re legally appointed.
Planning Where—and How—You Want to Live
Housing decisions are deeply personal. And for those living independently, it’s wise to think ahead while you have the freedom to choose.
Ask yourself:
- Is my current home suitable if my health or mobility changes?
- Am I open to downsizing, co-living, or moving into a community setting?
- Would I prefer to stay at home with the right support in place?
Exploring these questions in advance allows you to plan on your terms—rather than reacting to a crisis. It also helps you identify what services or individuals might need to be part of your future support team.
Client Spotlight: Joan’s Story
Joan, a retired librarian in her 70s, recently downsized into a retirement community after more than three decades in the same home. Before the move, she reached out to review her plan and ensure it reflected her new living situation.
We updated her Enduring Power of Attorney and Medical Directive, clarified her executor’s role, and adjusted her personal care preferences to fit her new environment. With everything in place, Joan shared: Moving was a big decision, but having everything else sorted made it feel like I was doing the right thing at the right time.
Build a Team You Can Trust
When you’re living on your own, having a support network you trust is essential. Many of my clients create what I call a “circle of support”—a mix of individuals and professionals who can step in when needed and help carry out their wishes with confidence.
This team might include:
- Long-time friends or neighbours who understand your values
- A professional fiduciary or legal advisor
- A Certified Executor Advisor to help guide planning and decision-making
- Care coordinators, end-of-life consultants, or other support services
Client Spotlight: Heather’s Story
At 72, Heather—a retired nurse living without nearby family—wanted to be proactive about her future. She chose the Essentials Package to get clear on her options and put key documents in place.
With guidance, she appointed a trusted friend as her Representative for her Medical Directive and selected a professional fiduciary to manage her finances and serve as executor. After we wrapped up, Heather said, “I didn’t realize how much peace of mind I’d feel just knowing everything is in place—and that it’s all written down properly.”
You don’t need to have all the answers at the beginning—you just need a solid starting point. Even a small, well-informed circle of support can make a meaningful difference. And the most important ingredient? Trust.
Keep Your Plan Current and Clear
Creating a plan is a strong first step—but it’s not something you do once and forget. As your life evolves, your documents and decisions should evolve with it.
A move, a shift in finances, or even changing relationships can affect who you’ve named and how your wishes are carried out. That’s why I offer an Annual Estate & Legacy Plan Review—a structured, low-pressure opportunity to revisit your plan and make sure everything still reflects your current reality and goals.
Client Spotlight: David’s Story
David, a 68-year-old retired business owner, started with the Comprehensive Legacy Package to get everything in place. With no children and siblings living out of province, he wanted clarity and structure for the friends he had asked to manage his affairs.
We built a plan and scheduled regular reviews to keep everything current. After one of those check-ins, David said: “This gave me real peace of mind. Now I know things are organized—and that I’ve made it easier for the people I care about.”
A quick annual review can prevent confusion later—and gives you confidence that your plan continues to serve you well as life changes.
Preserve Your Voice, Protect Your Wishes
Living solo means you have more freedom—and also more responsibility to ensure your wishes are respected. The good news is, with a clear plan and the right people in place, you can enjoy peace of mind today while protecting your future independence.
Ready to Begin?
I support individuals who are living independently in creating proactive, thoughtful plans that reflect their goals, lifestyle, and values. Whether you need to start from scratch or refine existing documents, I can help.
- Start with the Essentials Package – A focused session to identify your needs and next steps
- Or choose the Comprehensive Legacy Package – A full-service planning experience with ongoing support
Ready to take the first step toward a plan that truly works for you—now and in the years ahead? At NEXsteps, we’re here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and expertise.
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Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and is not legal, financial, medical, or tax advice.
