Evaluating and Selecting a Financial Advisor
Too many people ask the wrong questions or don’t know which questions to ask of a potential financial advisor. This article will provide a detailed process of how to properly evaluate and select a professional financial advisor. This post takes the critical points and lessons learned from my 20...
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Newly Widowed Checklist – The First 3 Days
This blog addresses only the prioritized and necessary steps to take, when possible, within the first 3 days after a spouse, partner or significant other dies. These necessary steps are assembled into a checklist I call the First 3 Days Checklist. Not everything must be done as soon as possible. A...
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Arizona Property Tax Exemption for Widows
No one likes to pay thousands of dollars in property taxes each year, especially when they don’t have to! Here in Arizona, qualified widows, widowers and disabled individuals can save up to $4,188 in annual property taxes through an exemption allowed in Arizona law. Qualifying for this exemption...
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Social Security Planning for Widows: When to Start Taking Benefits?
A clear understanding of a widow's claiming options for various Social Security benefits may result in much higher lifetime benefits. Start with the basics here...
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What is Widow Brain (aka Widow Fog)?
Losing a spouse is one of life’s most challenging experiences, both emotionally and psychologically. Loss can trigger a range of emotions, from sadness and anger to confusion and loneliness. While these feelings are entirely natural, many widows also encounter a phenomenon known as widow...
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Retirement and Income Planning for Widows
Retirement planning for widows (and widowers) can be challenging, but it’s not insurmountable. Through proper planning and guidance, an empowered widow will know what is needed to achieve and then maintain financial security for her lifetime. The widow’s professional team, often made up of a...
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The 2019 SECURE Act and its Impact on Widows and Widowers, Part I
The SECURE Act was signed into law on December 20, 2019. Inherited IRAs and other retirement accounts now have new distribution rules that may create more taxes over a shorter period of time and less wealth for the beneficiary. Also the required start date for distributions from an owner's own IRA or retirement account has changed. Read more...
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Tracking Passwords, User IDs, PINs and Security Questions
If your spouse passes away, can you access their laptop or the dozens or hundreds of online accounts and memberships they may have? This is a huge challenge for the surviving spouse. Learn how to track this information before it's too late!
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What Documents Must a Widow Gather? It Sure Would Be Nice to Have a Checklist!
Having the right tool for a particular job is very important. There are many document checklists available for those who experienced the death of a family member, but the Widowed Community Document Organization Checklist is focused only on widows and widowers. Our checklist deals with the task of collecting documents and doesn't add in confusing or inappropriate guidance on subjects that require analysis or are not time sensitive.
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What is a POD or TOD Account and Do I Need One?
How can I use a POD or TOD account to avoid the legal probate process? Can any account be turned into a POD or TOD account? What are the downsides of using a POD or TOD account?
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Additional Financial Planning Tools for the Recently Widowed
New Widow’s Complete Checklist
A comprehensive step-by-step checklist covering vital financial, tax and legal issues during your first year as a new widow
Widowed Community Financial Planning Blog
Financial Planning Knowledge, Wisdom and Know-How for High Net Worth Widows and Widowers
WC Wealth Reminders™
Timely reminders to help you manage important tax, legal and financial tasks as well as protect and maintain your home and vehicles
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