Case Study: How We Helped a Client Move Forward After the Death of Her Husband

By Carolyn Howard

Our firm has a deep understanding about how traumatic events like the death of a spouse can send our brains into a tailspin. So when one female client, Molly, came to us for help shortly after the death of her husband, we could clearly see she needed help organizing her future.

Molly had many questions, the most prominent being how on earth she was going to manage her finances now that her husband was gone. First and foremost, we eased her mind by assuring her that we were there to help.

The Goal

Our overall goal for this client was to help her move forward after the death of her husband. Molly’s financial situation was complex, and her husband had been managing their finances entirely without her involvement.

We knew she needed general help with:

  • Understanding her expenses

  • Calculating her income needs in the present and in the future

  • Taking charge of her finances

Molly was also completely in the dark about the details that go along with managing finances; we wanted to shine a spotlight on everything she needed to know.

Where to Start

Because Molly’s husband had done everything, she didn’t know where to start. To help, we gave her a checklist of which issues to tackle, and in what order. Our checklist has specific numbered, detailed tasks for things like reporting a spouse’s death to government agencies, transitioning joint accounts and property titles, canceling credit cards, filing insurance claims, and holding on to appropriate financial records.

How We Resolved Molly’s Financial Questions

Next, we answered specific questions about how to move forward with Molly’s finances. Here are some of the questions she asked and the guidance we provided.

1. Can I afford to stay in my home?

First, we gave Molly a worksheet to help her calculate exactly whether or not she could afford to stay in her home. Then we went over the worksheet together to help her tally her monthly income and living expenses, her mortgage principal and interest, homeowners insurance, and property taxes.

2. Who should I contact for tax and legal guidance?

3. Should I do this on my own?

Widows and widowers should never navigate the death of a spouse alone. Instead

  • Get professional help with finances.
  • Get professional help for your emotional well-being.
  • Connect with widowsvillage.org, a wonderful organization founded by widows for widows. 

Don’t forget—you’re not alone. There are many wonderful resources and opportunities to connect with others on the same journey.

4. How do I organize my life so my loved ones can manage my finances if I’m incapacitated?

The best way to help your loved ones manage your finances when you’re unable to is by maintaining a detailed contact list of all the professionals (e.g., tax preparer, financial planner, insurance broker) with whom you consult for guidance.

The Outcome

This client’s situation is a wonderful example of our firm’s ability to help those in need.

After losing her husband, Molly didn’t know where to start to put the pieces of her life back together. To help, we worked with her on checklists and worksheets to review her current situation and understand the best ways for her to move forward.

Molly had specific questions about whether she could stay in her house, who to contact for help on certain topics, how to reach out for more help, and how to prepare her loved ones if she became incapacitated. We patiently answered all of her questions and gave her resources to contact.

In the end, our client had a much better understanding of how to manage her finances and her future. And we assured her that she could come to us anytime for help.

Reach Out—We’re Happy to Help

We work with a diverse group of clients with distinct needs. If you’ve recently had a traumatic event in your life similar to this case study, know that we’re here to evaluate your situation and help get you on the path to a bright future. If you're a recent widow seeking support to reorganize your life, be sure to explore this valuable free resource.

To get in touch with us, schedule an introductory call online, call us at 877-328-4037 or email info@seacureadvisors.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

About Carolyn

Carolyn Howard is founder and managing member of SeaCure Advisors, a financial services firm committed to developing custom-tailored financial plans to help clients meet their specific goals and needs. Carolyn specializes as a retirement planning consultant for teachers, small businesses, and nonprofits. She loves educating others to understand their personal finances as they go through life's transitions. And as a widow herself, she understands the challenges women face as they go through widowhood and is motivated to help clients see light in a dark tunnel of grief and hold their hand through this difficult journey.

Carolyn has been featured in The Boston Globe, Money Magazine, and Dow Jones Wire and quoted in The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, among other publications. She is passionate about volunteering and staying active in her community through a number of organizations. 

Note: Securities Offered through AAG Capital, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Accurate Wealth Management, LLC an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered through Accurate Advisory Group and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents in all appropriate jurisdictions