The death of a spouse is enormously painful. When the loss occurred suddenly, the additional shock can leave the surviving spouse virtually paralyzed.

If you have recently lost your spouse, you may be the recipient of much well meaning advice from friends and relatives. When it comes to your finances, DON’T let anyone talk you into rushing to take any action. Other than paying final expenses, there is no reason to make any immediate financial decisions or changes. Give yourself some time to breathe before you tackle your new financial life.

We help you create a financial plan for your new life. The services we provide greatly depend on whether  or not you were a financial decision maker or participated in managing the family finances.

 If you have not previously been a decision maker, we:

• Educate, educate, educate!
• Help you gain confidence by being informed
• Make sure you understand your income sources, expenses, assets, debts, investment portfolio, retirement plans and insurance
• Help you create a comfortable spending plan
• Analyze your current investment portfolio to make sure it meets your risk comfort and income needs
• Confirm that you understand your investment manager’s strategy and fee structure
• Review your current estate planning documents and coordinate with your attorney for updating
• Review your retirement plan beneficiary designations for appropriateness

 If you are already a confident financial decision maker, we:

Whether you are a long time financial decisionmaker or have  just become one, we are there to help at this difficult time. And, we stay involved. We meet with you annually or when changes in your financial life occur. At that time, we review your financial plan, answer any questions you may have and suggest additional strategies where appropriate.