While I haven't been in your shoes, I do understand that you have experienced an array of emotions. Sadness one day, anger the next. At times you feel lonely even when surrounded by a group of friends. Then comes the guilt. You find yourself feeling guilty for looking forward to an event or certain opportunities that you wouldn't have experienced as a married couple. The emotional roller coaster you're on is exhausting and leaves you feeling confused and overwhelmed. It's normal to be overwhelmed.
If your husband was the "financial person" in your marriage, when he passed, you became the "financial person" by default. You know that the responsibility for the details, organization, and management of your financial matters, is now entirely yours. If you're a recent widow, you're probably wondering where and when to start. Even if you aren't a recent widow, you owe it to yourself to make sure you are organized, educated, and have a plan for your financial future.
Another normal emotion is fear. Are you afraid of making a bad decision or changing things that your husband had in place? Fear, sentimental reasons, and the sense of great responsibility toward your finances may cause you to feel like you should leave everything as it was when he was managing it.
Despite the advice of your well-intentioned friends and family, are you unsure of what to do?
You understand the importance of money. However, your happiness isn't based on your net worth. Intangibles like your relationships with family and friends, maintaining good health, and being happy are what really matter.
Having enough income to live your life, doing the things that are important to you, represents financial security in your book. You want to spend time with the people you've chosen to bring into your life, yet maintaining your independence both with your health and finances is your goal. The last thing you want is to become a burden on your family.
Even when the economy and your investments are doing good, you have lingering concerns about the future. Political issues and world events weigh heavy on your mind. Common sense tells you that these concerns are out of your control.
Your common sense also tells you, that it's wise to focus on things within your control. When it comes to your finances, you get to choose who you'll look to for advice.
One of my favorite childhood memories was playing "school" with my sister and our cousin. I was the teacher. Years later, I'm still teaching. My years of experience and knowledge are a good reason to hire me. A great reason to hire me is because I love helping others learn, grow, and gain confidence in their finances and in life.
Financial planning is a collaborative process that we'll take at your pace. I'm patient and I'll encourage you to ask questions. Also, I'm not above learning from you! My goal is to make you feel comfortable. I speak in language that is easy to understand and isn't full of financial jargon. I serve you first, by listening to you. I serve you next, by making certain that I understand your goals and concerns. Your goals and concerns are my concern.
I've always encouraged prospective clients to interview other advisors. I believe that you need to feel comfortable with the person from whom you'll be receiving advice. If you aren't totally comfortable with your advisor, you'll find it difficult to implement your plan. It's in your best interest to hire the financial professional with whom you feel at ease.
Serving widows is one of my core specialties. For nearly two decades, I have served widows by delivering financial advice and strategies which empower widows to make educated decisions about their finances.