Tag: Death Certificates

Navigating Life After Loss – Part 1: The First Week (Ep. 67)

Navigating Life After Loss – Part 1: The First Week (Ep. 67)

Grieving the loss of a spouse is devastating. During that fog, there’s still paperwork, decisions, and urgent tasks demanding attention.

In this episode, we open up a three-part series called “Life After Loss.”  I start by focusing on the first few days after losing a spouse, sharing essential steps to help with emotional healing and practical planning.

Key takeaways:

  • How to prioritize both emotional well-being and urgent financial responsibilities in the first week of widowhood
  • The importance of requesting 20–30 certified death certificates and why it’s better to order more than needed
  • Who to contact immediately, including attorneys, financial advisors, Social Security, and employers
  • The impact of joint vs. individual account ownership and how that can affect access to funds
  • How estate planning and clear communication can prevent emotional and financial turmoil for surviving spouses
  • And more!

Resources:

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