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The loss of a spouse is up there with the most challenging experiences you might face in this lifetime.
With the understandable barrage of emotions you might face, it is probably hard to imagine taking concrete steps to secure your financial future. But this is exactly the time to do just that. It is what will put you on the path to emerging from this loss with the tools, skills and strength to be at the helm of your finances moving forward.
It’s evident that money issues can be one of life’s biggest stressors — but it doesn’t have to be. Once you are ready to take control of your financial situation, there may be things you find you need more clarity and instructions on. There may be some bigger questions you have about your financial future, like how to make your money last.
You may also need help settling your spouse’s estate, transferring assets to your name, closing accounts, updating beneficiaries and planning for your future needs. For all of these questions, a financial advisor can help.
Various surveys show that nearly 80% of women will at some point become the sole financial decision-maker in their life. What’s more, many widows will spend several decades controlling their own finances.
To that point, half of all women who become widowed in the U.S. are under age 59. Since the average life expectancy for women is 79, that means those women often find themselves managing their finances by themselves for at least two decades.
While some women enjoy managing their finances on their own, others will prefer working with an advisor. For those seeking guidance on key issues like estate planning, tax planning and long-term financial planning and investing, it’s crucial to work with a financial advisor who understands your unique needs and goals.
A recent study conducted by UBS found that 85% of women manage everyday expenses, but only 23% take the lead when it comes to long-term financial planning. So, even though women are proactive with their day-to-day household finances, they don’t necessarily have experience making long-term financial-planning decisions and managing an investment portfolio.
You may already have an established a relationship with a financial advisor before your spouse’s death. If you like that person, then it’s time to schedule a meeting with them to get “reacquainted” and discuss what your future financial plans are now.
However, you may end up going to another advisor who feels like a better fit. If you do decide to make a change, know that you are not alone. To that point, 80% of widows switch financial advisors within a year of their husband’s death.
Why? Because in many cases, the advisor had a relationship with the deceased spouse and never fully involved the wife in the financial-planning and investing processes.
It’s…