In 2024, I became a widow at 42. The grief was overwhelming—yet life demanded that I keep going raising two children, managing a career I’ve built over two decades as a financial advisor, and facing a future that had changed in an instant. Through this journey, I’ve learned that healing is not linear. Support, preparation, and self-compassionate essential. My hope is that these insights offer more guidance and comfort to anyone walking a similar path—and that my experience, both personal and professional, can help you navigate the emotional and financial complexities of widowhood.
1. Give Yourself Permission to Grieve
Grief is deeply personal—there is no “right” way to experience it. Some days will feel manageable; others may feel impossible. Allow yourself to feel what comes without judgment. Whether you need solitude, distraction, or connection, honor your needs and avoid comparing your journey to anyone else’s.
As a widow, I’ve lived this truth. As a financial advisor, I’ve seen how grief can cloud decision-making and create pressure to “do something” before you’re ready. I find other than making sure we process your accounts to regain access to funds, any decisions moving forward can wait and we will take it at your speed. Take time for yourself to absorb your grief in ways that fit your needs—journaling, quiet reflection, or simply pausing to breathe. Every widow’s experience is different, and you need space to process, find reprieve, and eventually decide what you want as you move forward.
2. Relationships Will Shift—and That’s Okay
Loss changes social dynamics. Some people will show up in unexpected and beautiful ways; others may pull away. This is not a reflection of your worth or your grief. People respond to loss differently—it’s just how life works. Focus on those who offer genuine support and understanding and give yourself grace as these changes unfold.
Professionally, I’ve worked with many widows who feel isolated or misunderstood. Personally, I’ve felt the sting of silence from people I thought would be there. But I’ve also been lifted by others who stepped in with compassion and consistency. Let your circle evolve. You deserve support that feels safe and sincere.
3. Seek Support That Fits You
Help is out there—counselors, grief coaches, online communities, and local support groups. Social media hosts private groups where widows and widowers share advice and encouragement. Explore different options until you find what resonates. You are not alone, and many of us in this unwanted "club" want to help you navigate it. I often connect clients with resources beyond financial planning—because healing requires more than spreadsheets and statements. Emotional support is just as vital as financial clarity. You deserve both.
4. Get Professional Guidance on Financial Decisions
Navigating estate paperwork and financial decisions can feel overwhelming. A knowledgeable estate planning attorney and financial advisor can help you settle the estate and make informed choices for your future. Don’t feel pressured to make major financial moves or purchases right away. Give yourself time and grace to reset, create new goals, and figure out what you truly want.
As a financial advisor of 20 years, I’ve helped many widows through this process. I understand the emotional fog that can make even simple decisions feel impossible. That’s why I approach financial planning with empathy and patience—helping you prioritize what matters most, protect what you’ve built, and help create a path forward that honors your past and supports your future.
There is no timeline for grief—and no deadline for these decisions. It’s an individualized process. Whether it’s reviewing beneficiary designations, understanding inherited assets, or building a new budget, I’m here to help guide you with clarity and care.
Moving Forward While Honoring the Past
Grief is a journey no one chooses, but with support, grace, and self-care, it is possible to move forward while honoring the past. Healing is not linear or quick—but it is possible.
If you’re newly widowed and unsure where to begin, know this: you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve walked this road, and I’ve helped others walk it too. My experience as a widow gives me insight; my role as a financial advisor gives me tools. Together, they allow me to help support you in both heart and mind.
You are not broken. You are not alone. And you can rebuild a life and new goals that feel meaningful to you. It's a process and I'm here to help.
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