A is for Accomplishing What Needs to Be Done for Widows
A is for Accomplishing What Needs to Be Done for Widows

Becoming a widow is painful, devastating and stressful. You will not only experience emotional sorrow with the loss of a loved one. You now have to face financial and legal decisions on your own.
Taking care of your financial affairs is an important priority as a widow.
Here is a list of things you will need to do after becoming a widow:
- As soon as it is practical, make an appointment with your attorney, financial advisor and accountant.
- Gather all important documents such as death certificate, birth and marriage certificates, powers of attorney, insurance policies, will, employee benefits, social security, veteran’s benefits, etc.
- Notify your banking institution(s) of your spouse’s death.
- Contact insurance companies to change beneficiaries if necessary.Have your financial advisor change joint investments.
- Change name with health insurance company and auto insurance company.
- Put credit card in your name or get a new one and cancel the joint card
- Change titles with the motor vehicle department and any other jointly owned property.
- Request a social security benefit if you are eligible.
- Prepare an estimate of all of your expenses including any children’s education expenses and financial liabilities.
- Designate a new Health Care Power of Attorney for yourself.
- Update your will.
- Before you invest any life insurance money you receive, make sure you have a financial advisor that you can trust. Its important for them to take time to explain the pros and cons of your investments to help you towards long term financial security.
- Establish a support network with people you have confidence in and can help you during this critical point in your life. They can be professionals, a family member or a trustworthy friend.
While most people are honest and trustworthy, there are scam artists out there that will try to take advantage of a grieving widow. Never give your personal or financial information to anyone that you did not contact first.
Answers from AZ