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
Widowhood often brings emotional and financial turmoil, leaving many unsure of where to turn.
Wings for Widows offers a lifeline to widows through personalized coaching and financial guidance.
In this episode, Eric Blake, along with guest Chris Bentley, MBA, CFP®, CLU®, BFA®, CRPC®, Founder and CEO of Wings for Widows, dive into the importance of financial preparedness and support for widows and widowers navigating the complexities of financial decisions post-loss.
You’ll gain valuable insights into the mission of Wings for Widows, learn about the coaching services they offer, and discover practical financial strategies to ensure stability during an emotionally challenging time.
Eric and Chris discuss:
The emotional and financial challenges faced by newly widowed individuals
The concept and impact of the “widow’s crisis”
Essential financial steps and resources for widows
Detailed coaching services provided by Wings for Widows
At the heart of Wings for Widows lies the vision and dedication of Chris Bentley. Chris’s journey to establish this organization was sparked by a profound realization during his tenure as a financial advisor. He recognized a widespread and critical gap in support for individuals in the throes of early widowhood—a time when the need for compassionate, professional financial guidance is most acute, yet startlingly underserved.
Chris Bentley, whose career spans roles as a veteran, entrepreneur, retired financial advisor, author, educator, speaker, and unwavering advocate for the widowed, was moved by the struggles faced by those who had lost a spouse. He observed firsthand the detrimental impact of navigating financial decisions without expert advice during such a vulnerable time. The mistakes made in the wake of loss, often under the cloud of grief and confusion, can have long-lasting repercussions.
Driven by a deep sense of purpose and armed with expertise and empathy, Chris embarked on a mission to change this narrative. In 2017, his vision took flight with the creation of Wings for Widows, a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to offering widowed men and women the critical financial coaching and education they sorely need. Chris has since devoted his life to this cause, transforming his insight into action, and in doing so, has built a beacon of hope and empowerment for countless individuals navigating the path of widowhood.
Through Chris Bentley’s leadership, Wings for Widows stands as a testament to what visionary dedication can achieve. His commitment not only addresses the immediate needs of the widowed community but also fosters a broader understanding and appreciation for the unique challenges they face. Chris’s legacy is one of compassion, advocacy, and unwavering support, ensuring that no one has to face the financial aftermath of losing a spouse alone.
