Why Désirée Nosbusch Writing Her Will Matters Far Beyond the Gossip Pages

The news that Désirée Nosbusch has made her will is now public – and that's a good thing. Not because I think the Luxembourgish actress has a morbid outlook – quite the opposite. It's because this move proves once again that smart minds are ahead of the curve when it comes to securing their wealth. The 59-year-old, known to many Kiwis from films like "The Edukators" or as a host of the Eurovision Song Contest, has apparently got her personal and financial affairs in order. At first glance, it sounds like tabloid fodder – but look closer, and it's a masterclass in estate planning.

A final will as an expression of responsibility

Of course, you might wonder: why even talk about a public figure's will? It's simple: because Desiree Nosbusch (the spelling varies, but it's the same woman) is making a statement. She's showing she takes responsibility not just on stage and screen, but for what happens after she's gone. In my years as a financial analyst, I've often seen even very wealthy people push the issue of inheritance aside. "The kids can deal with it later," they say. But that's exactly where the problem lies: without a clear will, state inheritance rules often take over – and they rarely align with your personal wishes.

Right here in New Zealand, where the law of succession provides specific frameworks and protections for family members, having a will drafted early can bring immense clarity, potentially minimise disputes, and help ensure your assets are distributed according to your values. Désirée Nosbusch clearly gets that. She's outlined not just her financial assets, but her personal wishes for her two children and her husband. This likely includes provisions for her properties, for instance in Luxembourg and possibly Switzerland, where she spends time.

More than just money: Focusing on intangible assets

What makes the Desiree Nosbusch case particularly interesting for all of us is that she doesn't just own "standard" wealth. As an artist and media personality, she holds intangible assets: her name, her image, rights to her performances and photographs. Who receives the royalties after her death? Can someone re-market her interviews? A will can address these questions too – and apparently, hers does. In an age where the lines between public persona and private individual blur, this aspect is not to be underestimated. I recall cases of deceased actors whose heirs spent years fighting over usage rights. Smart estate planning can avoid that.

To me, Désirée Nosbusch's decision to make her will now is also a signal to her colleagues in the industry. It shows you don't have to wait until you're 80 to think about getting things in order. In your mid-50s, when your career is at its peak and children might not yet be independent, it's the perfect time to put plans in place. It's not about fearing death, but about maintaining control in life.

What New Zealand investors can learn from the Nosbusch strategy

Let's broaden the view: The story of Desiree Nosbusch is a prime example of modern wealth planning. For years, I've advised clients to follow a three-part approach, which shines through here too:

• Timely document organisation: Your will, enduring power of attorney, and any advance care directive should be prepared early and reviewed regularly – especially after major life events like marriage, separation, or a significant change in assets.
• Including all assets: It's not just about bank accounts and KiwiSaver. You need to consider intangible assets like intellectual property, digital assets (social media accounts, cryptocurrency portfolios), and personal belongings with sentimental value.
• Leveraging efficiency: While New Zealand doesn't have inheritance tax, proper planning is still crucial for ensuring your estate is administered smoothly and according to your wishes, potentially saving your loved ones time, stress, and legal costs. A well-structured will that reflects your circumstances is key.

If you think this is only for the super-wealthy, think again. Sure, with multi-million dollar estates, the complexity is greater. But the principles apply to any level of wealth. Anyone who owns a home, has children, or simply wants a say in what happens to their affairs should take a leaf out of Désirée Nosbusch's book.

The underestimated role of professional advisers

An important side note: The fact that the actress has made her will doesn't mean she scribbled it on a napkin. On the contrary: especially for individuals with international connections, advice from specialised lawyers and wealth managers is essential. This opens up a huge field for the financial services industry. Professional trustees, private wealth lawyers, and financial advisers can provide crucial expertise here. The demand for such services is likely to grow – and someone who's putting their will in order now might also be thinking about broader financial advice. So, a smart move not just from Desiree Nosbusch, but also a signal that good education on these matters pays off.

Finally, I want to stress one thing: This isn't about dwelling on death. It's about bringing order to life. When a woman like Désirée Nosbusch, at 59, sorts out her legacy, it's not a sign of weakness, but of strength. She's taking control of her own story and, in doing so, easing the burden on those she loves. That's something we should all aim to do – celebrity status or not. Perhaps that's the most important lesson we can take from this seemingly trivial news item.