Thinking about the potential death of a spouse is probably one of the most heart-wrenching and uncomfortable things to do. But do you know what’s even worse? Being caught unprepared as you wade through what feels like insurmountable grief. And considering the difference in life expectancies of men and women, widowhood is a possibility you need to take seriously.
Receiving an inheritance is something most of us only dream of. We imagine what we’d do with the windfall and how it could impact our future. But when it comes down to it, the news that an inheritance is actually coming your way is usually accompanied by conflicting emotions—everything from grief to shock to gratitude to confusion. Losing a loved one is hard, but inheriting money can be a blessing. An inheritance can improve your financial situation and offer peace of mind, and it can also remind you of your loved one’s legacy and how much they cared for you.
No one plans on the death of a spouse, but unfortunately, it is something that many of us will experience at some point in our lives. It can be truly devastating to lose a loved one, and during that time, it can be hard to talk about much of anything, let alone finances. That’s one of the reasons why I feel so passionate about helping widows create a positive financial future after the tragic loss of a spouse.
My clients always ask me how I manage my own money as if it’s a secret that I keep to myself. The thing about money management is that people often feel like no matter how much they learn about the latest techniques and trends, they’re never quite doing it right, that there’s always some better way to save or to invest.
In the midst of ever-present uncertainty, the last thing you want to feel unsure about is your retirement savings. Sure, market turmoil, a personal tragedy, or a natural disaster could affect your nest egg. But remember, these events are largely out of your control. The real dangers to your retirement plan are the little-known and often ignored threats that could cause you to lose what you have diligently worked for.
You’ve worked long and hard to grow your wealth, so going at your financial plan solo may not be the best idea. After all, developing strategies and tools to do that can be both daunting and time-consuming—and we know you don’t need to put anything else on your plate. This is where enlisting the help of a financial advisor could make a world of difference.
When was the last time you updated or reviewed your estate plan? Perhaps more importantly—do you have an estate plan that includes all the necessary documents and covers all your bases? If not, you’re not alone. In 2021, only 44% of adults aged 55 and older have an estate plan.1
Your life is in constant motion. And, as your life situation changes, your goals may change or you may experience a transition that forces you to take action. Your financial plan should reflect your life. Financial planning is not a one-and-done deal but, rather, a long-term relationship that helps you take control of your future by providing ongoing support and advice.
Selecting a trusted financial partner to work with is one of the most important decisions you can make for your financial future. Whatever you hope to achieve, it’s our mission to simplify the complexities of your financial life so you can focus on what matters most.
When you look at your overall financial picture, what do you see? Do you have a unified, strategic, and focused portfolio with every piece of the puzzle working together to get you to a specific goal? Or do you have a 401(k) here, an IRA there, a Brokerage Account somewhere else? Do you remember why you purchased certain products or opened particular accounts, or is your financial plan all over the place?