Trust – The Simply Retirement Podcast

Navigating Life After Loss – Part 2: Financial & Legal Aspects (Ep. 68)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | September 3, 2025

In Part 2 of our Navigating Life After Loss series, I share compassionate, practical advice for the critical first weeks after losing a spouse. I walk through the legal, financial, and everyday matters that can feel overwhelming, offering clear action steps to bring order during a difficult time. From meeting with an estate attorney and understanding probate versus living trusts to retitling property, updating beneficiary designations, and addressing debts, we help you focus on what matters most.

You’ll also learn how to protect against fraud, safeguard your privacy, and manage your loved one’s digital and social media presence. This conversation is about more than tasks; it’s about helping you prepare, prioritize, and protect your well-being while working through one of life’s hardest chapters.

Key takeaways:

Why meeting with an estate planning attorney early can prevent costly delays and probate complications
The importance of retitling property, vehicles, and accounts in your name to avoid future issues
How Social Security payments and survivor benefits work, including timelines and required forms
Steps for handling debts, protecting against fraud, and safeguarding your spouse’s digital footprint
When a living trust may be worth considering for privacy, efficiency, and avoiding probate
And more!

Resources:

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The Simply Retirement Roadmap™ Process (Ep. 2)

By TheSimplyRetirementPodcast | August 9, 2023

Planning for retirement is an essential part of our financial journey, but it can be daunting and uncertain at times.

That is when working with experts may be an ideal option, but it’s crucial to have clear details of how the process will be.

In this episode, Eric Blake introduces the Simply Retirement Roadmap process. The process aims to simplify retirement planning and alleviate one’s future concerns. Eric details every stage of the process and the topics discussed in each interaction. Additionally, he explains the benefits of working with Blake Wealth Management and the importance of creating a long-term relationship.

Eric discusses:

The concept of Simply Retirement and the origins of the Simply Retirement Roadmap Process
The Simply Retirement Process and how it alleviates concerns about working with a financial advisor
The purpose and content of the first meeting
The second meeting where Eric presents a roadmap with specific recommendations for improving financial position and achieving retirement goals
The four key areas of retirement planning
The three key questions in retirement planning
The implementation process and decision-making steps after creating a retirement plan
And more!