Financial Guidance After the Loss of a Spouse

When grief and financial decisions collide, you don’t have to navigate the path forward alone.

Have you recently experienced any of these situations?

You go the bank and they don’t see your name on things. The manager starts talking about death certificates and trusts. You want to run out of there screaming.

The unopened bills are starting to pile up.

Someone from the IRS called you and said that you owed thousands of dollars. How will I pay that?

Your husband handled the investments, the business, the company 401(k)’s. What should you do first?

The clock is ticking and you are getting more anxious by the day

“If your heart is racing a bit after reading this list, you’re not alone. There is an upside to this and one that may also lower your blood pressure. This is your opportunity to take control and agency over your life and your future you. And that feeling is the way to overcome all of the bad feelings. The added bonus is that it may even take your mind off of your grief.”

Feeling overwhelmed and out of your element?

That’s not unusual. In a number of studies of married couples ages 40 to 70 years old, it was the husband that handled most of the financial affairs for the family. Why? These studies cited the woman’s lack of interest in finances, complete trust in her spouse, or the desire to do anything else in the world besides talking about investments, retirement planning, or any other extremely dry matter.

How we can help

Immediate Concerns

Organize important documents

Address urgent financial issues

Understand accounts and obligations

Prioritize next steps

Long-Term Confidence

Build a complete financial picture

Develop an action plan

Create a practical timeline and checklist

Coaching to help you transition into your own control

What to Expect

We begin by listening, then help you organize the facts, understand where things stand, and identify practical next steps.

Step 1: Your Personal Financial Reflection.

Complete our confidential questionnaire.

Step 2: Participate in a Discovery Conversation

We’ll discuss your situation, concerns, and priorities.

Step 3: Let’s Understand your Financial Organization

Together we’ll build a clear picture of your financial life

Step 4: Create your Action Plan

We’ll create a practical roadmap for moving forward.

Step 5: Help you implement the Action Plan

We help you move from planning to implementation, with practical guidance as decisions are made.

Why Hartfield & Company?

Losing a spouse brings with it countless decisions at a time when making decisions may be the last thing you feel ready to do.

Having the right team will help you sort out what’s important and what is just noise to be dealt with later.

We bring life experience, financial experience, and the patience to help you regain control of your financial life.

When you call, you’ll likely speak first with my wife, Sheryl. She understands how uncomfortable or awkward it might feel and she will help you take that first step.

Call us at 949.264.2443 to schedule your complimentary consultation.