Widowhood Financial Wellness
- Laura Warta, CFP®, ChFC®
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
The First Step After Loss – Do Nothing
Losing a spouse is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can go through. In the days and weeks after, you may feel as if the ground beneath you has shifted. Everyday routines feel unfamiliar. Even simple decisions like what to eat for dinner can feel overwhelming.
Amidst this fog of grief, it’s not unusual for well-meaning friends and relatives to offer advice. You might hear things like:
“You need to take care of the accounts right away.”
“It’s time to downsize or sell the house.”
“You should move closer to family.”
These voices may come from a place of love, but they can create unnecessary pressure. The truth is; the very first financial step after losing your spouse is to do nothing.
Why “Do Nothing” Is Actually Doing Something
In the immediate aftermath of loss, your mind and heart are in survival mode. Decisions made under this kind of stress are often reactive, not thoughtful. Acting too quickly – whether it’s selling a home, cashing out investments, or making big lifestyle changes – can lead to mistakes that are difficult or even impossible to reverse.
By choosing to pause, you are giving yourself the gift of time. You are creating space to:
Breathe.
Grieve.
Begin to heal.
“Doing nothing” doesn’t mean ignoring responsibilities – it means delaying major financial moves until you are ready to approach them with a clearer mind.
What Can Wait, and What Cannot
You might be wondering, “If I shouldn't do anything, what about the bills and paperwork piling up?” The good news is that most decisions can wait. Mortgages, investments, property sales, and even Social Security elections do not need to be rushed.
There may be a few practical tasks, such as making sure essential bills are paid or notifying insurance companies of the passing, that should be handled sooner. But the weighty financial decisions – the ones that impact your future – can and should be delayed until you feel steadier.
Where a Trusted Advisor Fits In
This is where having a compassionate, experienced guide matters most. As a Certified Financial Planner® professional specializing in working with widows, I walk beside clients during this tender stage. My role is to help you sort out what truly requires attention now and what can safely wait until later.
When you sit down with an advisor who understands widowhood, you give yourself permission to slow down. Instead of reacting to every piece of advice or every envelope that arrives in the mail, you can set those decisions aside and focus on what matters most: your healing.
A Gentle Next Step
The loss of your spouse has already forced a new chapter upon you. You don’t need to write the whole story right now. You only need to take one small step: schedule a conversation with an advisor you trust.
Together, we can create a safe space where your grief is honored, your questions are answered, and your financial future is approached with patience and care.
Remember: it’s okay to do nothing at
first. Sometimes doing nothing is the wisest, bravest choice you can make.
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This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial, legal, or tax advice. While some financial decisions may be deferred during times of grief, certain matters may require immediate attention. Each situation is unique, and you are encouraged to consult with a qualified financial professional to help determine the appropriate course of action. Keating Financial Advisory Services, Inc. (KFAS) is a Registered Investment Advisor. Advisory services are provided only where KFAS is appropriately registered or exempt from registration. Please verify all credentials and qualifications before engaging any financial professional.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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