5 Reasons You Need to Include Protection in Your Financial Plan
Financial Protection Adviser Adrian Benjamin explains why this element of your financial plan is so important
When you think about your financial future, you probably focus on building your savings, growing your investments, or saving for retirement. But MWA's Financial Protection Adviser Adrian Benjamin, says there’s a crucial part of financial planning that many people overlook, protection.
He says protection planning means putting safety nets in place in case life takes an unexpected turn. Whether it’s income protection, critical illness cover, or life insurance, having the right protection in place is one of the greatest acts of care you can give to yourself and your loved ones.
Below, Adrian sets out five reasons why you should consider making protection an essential part of your financial plan.
1 | Protect Your Family’s Standard of Living
Imagine this: Sam and his partner Emma had built a comfortable life with their two children. When Sam suffered a sudden stroke at 42, he was unable to return to work. Without income protection, their only option was to rely on state benefits - which fell far short of covering their mortgage, bills, and childcare. Within months, they were forced to sell their family home.
This is the heartbreaking reality for many families. Having protection in place could have safeguarded their lifestyle, allowing them to focus on Sam’s recovery instead of financial stress.
Ask yourself: if the worst happened tomorrow, could your family carry on without your income?
2 | Peace of Mind When the Unexpected Happens
None of us have a crystal ball. Serious illness, accidents, or even death can strike at any time. But having protection in place means you don’t have to lie awake at night worrying what if.
Take Rachel, a self-employed graphic designer. She thought she was “too young” for serious illness cover, but after developing cancer at 36, her policy paid out a lump sum that covered her treatment costs and helped her keep her business afloat.
Protection doesn’t prevent bad things from happening — but it does protect you from the financial fallout. That peace of mind is priceless.
3 | Safeguard Your Business and Career
If you’re self-employed or a business owner, you are your business’s most valuable asset. If illness or injury stops you from working, your entire business could collapse.
For example, James ran a successful plumbing business but had no income protection. When a serious back injury put him out of work for nearly a year, he lost contracts, struggled to pay suppliers, and was ultimately forced to close the business he’d spent a decade building.
Business protection or self-employed income protection would have saved him from financial ruin.
4 | Protect Your Children’s Future
If you have children, you probably dream of giving them the best opportunities in life — helping them through university, supporting them onto the property ladder, maybe even helping them with a wedding one day.
But what if you weren’t around to see those dreams through? Life insurance ensures that even in your absence, those you love most can still pursue their hopes and goals.
Think about this: protection isn’t just about money — it’s about making sure your children have the future you always wanted for them, even if you can’t be there yourself.
5 | It’s More Affordable Than You Might Think
Too many people assume protection is out of their reach — but the reality is that premiums can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you arrange cover while you’re healthy.
A quick conversation with a professional adviser could help you find a protection plan that fits your budget and provides the peace of mind you deserve.
Final Thoughts
Life is unpredictable — but your family’s security shouldn’t be. At MWA, we believe protection is the cornerstone of a resilient financial plan. If you’re interested in finding out how to ensure your loved ones are looked after financially, no matter what happens, please get in touch.
Our friendly advisers are ready to help you understand your options, tailor a plan to your needs, and put those vital safety nets in place.
Book a free consultation with Adrian or one of our helpful advisers today here
Adrian Benjamin is a financial protection adviser based in London.
Adrian joined MWA in 2025, bringing with him 10 years’ experience working internationally for the largest Investment and corporate banks in the world including NatWest, Barclays, RBS, UBS, and HSBC. He has also worked as a Financial Consultant for Bloomberg, Visa, Accenture and Deloitte. Adrian now specialises in Financial Protection where he helps people protect themselves, their families and businesses. He believes Financial Protection is the bedrock of all financial advice and is passionate about helping families maintain their wealth for future generations. Outside of work, Adrian is a huge basketball fan and supports London Lions.
