Losing a spouse could be one of the most difficult things you’ll ever face. But despite the emotional hardship, you can emerge from this loss stronger than ever, and more capable of managing your financial future. As you go through this challenging time, we are here as a resource.
We know that money can be one of life’s biggest stressors – but it doesn’t have to be. Once you’re ready to wrap your head around your financial situation, there may be things you find you need more clarity and instruction on, or there may be some bigger, overarching questions you have about your financial future, like how to make your money last.
As Certified Financial Planner™ professionals and Certified Grief Recovery Specialists®, we understand the complex emotional and financial challenges of losing your spouse. Dealing with a difficult personal loss while simultaneously addressing legal and financial issues that arise can be overwhelming.
We recently created the Financial Help for Widows – A Complete Resource Guide to help you navigate your financial life during the first year after your spouse’s death and to support you towards financial security and confidence as this new phase of your life begins.
Some women have always overseen the household finances; while for others, this role is completely new territory. Whatever your experience with money is, we are here to tell you that you can handle this. As tempting as it may be to shut down and withdraw during this painful time, you will have to make certain decisions about your finances that will either secure or jeopardize your financial future. You may need to settle your spouse’s estate, transfer assets to your name, close accounts, update beneficiaries and plan for your future needs.
There is so much to do, you may find yourself asking, what you should do first. The Financial Help for Widows – A Complete Resource Guide, offers the support to help you make good financial decisions during this challenging time. Remember, you do not need to get everything done immediately. In our guide, we help you prioritize the most important steps for you to take now and determine which ones you can worry about later. Our step-by-step guide filled with resources that help you:
- Gather and organize the information required to settle your spouse’s estate
- Prioritize financial matters and make financial arrangements
- Build a supportive team of professionals
- Create a plan to ensure that you can comfortably live out your retirement years and beyond without the fear of outliving your savings
In addition to addressing your financial future, your emotional and mental health is of paramount importance. Not only did you lose your life partner, but also the future that you had planned together. The help of a supportive team including an estate planner, a financial advisor, and a therapist will provide a safe space, while helping you to develop tools and strategies to help you navigate this transition and heal, emotionally.
Grief affects everyone differently, and at different times. It’s important not to go through this alone! Our resource guide was created to provide support and offer direction this overwhelming time.
