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Despite a hectic social life, Brian graduated in engineering sciences with a 2.1 degree. He was lucky enough to find a job with his local council's waste control department, where they had just started to investigate 'green' waste control.

His starting salary was £12,000 and initially he did not qualify for any benefits, such as pensions and life assurance. He did qualify for accident insurance, but wasn't really concerned about any of the benefits. "Too young for pension, anyway" he had said, when the personnel officer had explained, apologising for the 'no benefits' policy. His main concern was to juggle his social life and income. Sharing a flat; and therefore the rent, with two university friends helped.

He wasn't totally without funds. His grandparents had given him £6,000 as a combined 21st birthday and graduation gift, which they insisted he 'put away' until he needed to buy a house, or something similarly important. He had finally chosen to invest the whole amount into two cash ISAs: one opened in the previous tax year and one opened in this tax year.

Shortly after joining the council his financial fortunes peaked briefly again, courtesy of the National Lottery. Brian had been part of a work syndicate since joining the council, and six months in to his employment the syndicate had won £108,000 with five numbers and the bonus ball, Brian's share was £9,000. After paying off debts of £3,000 he put the balance into a building society account; he didn't want to lock this money away.

Although Brian quite enjoyed investigating waste disposal from the point of view of green issues, it hadn't been his intention to go down this work route. He felt the only way to get back on track was to continue his studies and research for a doctorate. His current work and research provided an excellent starting point.

During one of his research trips to university, he meets Judith, who is engaged in similar research, and they start seeing each other regularly.

Around about this time Brian's grandfather, George, dies leaving his estate to his wife, Mildred. Within nine months, alas, Mildred has also died, leaving the estate to be divided equally between the children.

Brian's 25th birthday sees him and Judith moving into a small house together, where they stay for two years before buying a small house, in Brian's name, using his grandparent's gift to help with the deposit, and the remainder of their savings to furnish and decorate.

Brian organises a capital and repayment mortgage of £90,000 over. They agree that Judith's contribution to the family finances will be 20% of the repayments plus all the food and drink. Brian will cover the rest, which amounts to £450 per month, including the balance of the mortgage payment. Everything goes through smoothly, the only outstanding item being the building society's recommendation to establish a mortgage protection policy which, quite frankly, they have forgotten about, and filed the illustrations and application forms away with the completed mortgage papers.

Brian is now a senior planning officer earning £27,000 and Judith is lecturing at the university, earning £16,500. They are both members of non-contributory pension schemes which provide an element of life assurance cover.

Seven years after leaving university he learns he is to become a father, the baby being due on Judith's 26th birthday. Judith gives up work earlier than expected due to medical complications, but still hopes to return to work as soon as possible after the baby's birth. They marry just before the baby's birth.

Review of previous planning

Following George and Mildred's death

Pension provision for Brian and Judith

Protection requirements

What should they do now

REMEMBER You should not use any information contained on this page as the basis of any action until you have discussed matters with your financial adviser.