Should I make any major financial decisions in the first year?

Generally, no. Selling a house, moving, large gifts, or buying products marketed as "stable income for widows" should wait. Stabilize first. Decide later.

What is a Social Security survivor benefit?

A surviving spouse may be entitled to a benefit equal to up to 100% of the deceased spouse's full retirement age benefit, depending on the survivor's age at filing and other factors. The interaction with the survivor's own benefit is one of the most under-optimized parts of Social Security.

Widows & Widowers

You're navigating the hardest year. We can help carry the financial weight.

The first year after losing a spouse is one of the most disorienting periods in a financial life. There are tasks that need to happen quickly, and there are decisions that should not be rushed. Knowing the difference matters.

Woman in quiet reflection in soft natural light.

What we help with, in the first 90 days

Death certificates, account retitling, and beneficiary processing.
Social Security survivor benefits.
Pension and annuity survivorship elections.
Healthcare and Medicare adjustments.
Coordinating with the attorney on probate and trust funding.
Cash flow stabilization.

What we help with, in the first year

A revised retirement income plan reflecting the new household.
Tax planning for the year of death.
Updated beneficiaries on every account.
Updated estate documents.
A long-term investment allocation.
The legacy and giving conversation, when you're ready.

Estate Planning CoordinationLearn more →Retirement Income PlanningLearn more →Social Security PlanningLearn more →

Frequently asked questions

Generally, no. Selling a house, moving, large gifts, or buying products marketed as "stable income for widows" should wait. Stabilize first. Decide later.

When you're ready, we'll have a quiet conversation.

No timelines, no pressure — just a fiduciary you can lean on.

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