Clear Money Guide
What this guide covers
A quick view of the questions and evidence developed below.
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Updated July 1, 2026.
Losing a spouse is overwhelming. Money tasks can feel urgent, but most decisions do not have to be made today. This guide gives you a simple first-90-days checklist, the advisor questions to ask, and the fee checks to run before you hire anyone.
Short answer (2026): In the first 90 days, handle benefits, account access, cash flow, and tax coordination first; pause investment changes until your documents are clear. If you interview an advisor, ask for a written service calendar, verify conflicts in Form ADV, and compare fees in dollars before signing.
First 48 hours (only what’s urgent)
- Choose a point person (family or trusted friend) for calls and calendar.
- Secure death certificates (10–12 copies from the funeral home or county).
- Notify employer HR (benefits), pension administrator, and life insurer only to start claims.
- Freeze or monitor online access to joint accounts; enable alerts.
- Do not move investments or make big tax decisions yet.
Days 3–10 (benefits & essentials)
- Order credit bureau alerts; consider a temporary credit freeze.
- Call Social Security to review survivor benefits and timing.
- Start life insurance and employer benefit claims; gather policy numbers.
- List all accounts (bank, investment, 401(k), IRA, HSA, mortgage), titling, and beneficiaries.
- Open a dedicated folder for documents; save everything as PDFs.
Days 11–30 (accounts & paperwork)
- Retitle joint accounts; begin inherited IRA/401(k) paperwork (don’t rush elections).
- Update beneficiary designations on your own accounts and insurance.
- Meet a fiduciary, fee-only advisor; ask for a service calendar and written scope.
- Sketch a 90-day cash plan (income, bills, benefits timing).
Days 31–90 (tax & investment alignment)
- Coordinate with a tax pro on filing status, withholding, and any estimated payments.
- Map investments to your new goals; simplify fund lineups before year-end where appropriate.
- Create a one-page plan: accounts, beneficiaries, cash targets, investment policy, to-dos.
What to avoid
- Rushed rollovers, annuity purchases, or complex products.
- Large gifts/loans before you know your benefits and tax picture.
- Anyone unwilling to put fiduciary duty in writing and to show fees in their Form ADV.
Scripts (copy/paste)
Employer HR
Hi — I’m calling regarding survivor benefits for [Name]. Please email a checklist of available benefits, deadlines, and required documents. I’ll reply with the death certificate and any forms needed.
Life insurance
Hello — I need to start a claim for policy #[Number]. Please send the forms and list of required documents. I’ll provide death certificates as soon as they’re available.
Advisor shortlist
Hi — I’m seeking a fiduciary, fee-only advisor for a 90-day widow(er) plan. Please send your service calendar, fees (including any platform fees), and how you’ll coordinate taxes. I’m comparing two firms this week.
Helpful tools
- AUM Fee Calculator — know your all-in cost if you consider AUM.
- Hourly Scope Estimator — plan a small, focused engagement.
- Find a Financial Advisor (Hub) — questions to ask and red flags.
30–60–90 Day Plan
| Timing | Priority Tasks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–30 | • File life-insurance claims • Notify banks; begin retitling joint accounts/beneficiaries • Contact pension/annuity administrators (if any) • List all accounts, policies, debts, and autopays | Keep a single spreadsheet; store documents in one folder. |
| Days 31–60 | • Review cash flow & set up 3–6 months emergency fund • Confirm survivor benefits eligibility and timelines • Identify tax items for this year (with a CPA) | A one-time plan or hourly session can help quantify choices. |
| Days 61–90 | • Build/refresh your written plan (investments, withdrawal strategy) • Update estate documents (will, powers of attorney, beneficiaries) • Consolidate/clean up accounts; set a quarterly review cadence | Consider a flat-fee planner if you want ongoing support. |
Documents to Gather
- Death certificates (multiple originals), marriage certificate
- Life insurance policy numbers/claim forms
- Will/trust, powers of attorney (new ones will replace old)
- Account statements (bank, investment, 401(k)/IRA, HSA), mortgage/loans
- Pay stubs, employer benefits, pension/annuity info, last 2 years of tax returns
Benefits & Accounts to Review
- Survivor benefits: employer pensions/annuities; inquire about options/timing
- Social Security survivors benefits: call SSA to discuss eligibility/timing
- Health insurance: COBRA/marketplace/Medicare coordination
- Beneficiaries & titling: update IRAs/401(k)s, TOD/POD, transfer on death where applicable
Taxes & Investments
- Your tax filing status may change next year; ask a CPA about timing and withholdings.
- Don’t overhaul investments immediately—set an investment policy once your plan is clear.
- Ask about potential basis step-up on taxable assets and how to document it.
Should You Hire an Advisor?
- Hourly / One-time plan: best for a focused roadmap without ongoing fees. See our hourly guide.
- Flat-fee planning: ongoing support with predictable cost. See flat-fee advisors.
- AUM: bundled management + planning if you want hands-off. See AUM fees explained.
Compare models in our financial advisor cost guide.
How to Choose & Vet
- Ask for fee-only fiduciary status in writing.
- Get a written scope & deliverables (what’s included vs add-ons).
- Verify with FINRA BrokerCheck and SEC IAPD.
- Bring these 15 questions to ask a financial advisor.
If you prefer a small hourly engagement, copy these email templates.
What to Postpone
- Large investment changes or annuity purchases
- Selling the home or making big gifts
- Irrevocable moves before you understand taxes/benefits
Related: how to find a fiduciary • financial advisor cost • flat-fee financial advisor • financial advisor hourly rate • AUM fees explained • questions to ask
Handling employer stock? See RSUs & stock options.
FAQ
Do I need to act immediately on investments?
Usually no. Focus on cash, benefits, and documents first; make portfolio changes after you have a plan.
How many death certificates should I order?
Often 10–15 originals are sufficient for claims and retitling (varies by situation).
Should I hire an advisor right away?
Consider a one-time plan or hourly session in the first 30–60 days; move to flat-fee if you want ongoing support.
Where do I start with survivor benefits?
Contact Social Security and any pension/annuity providers to review options and timing.
(Educational only; not financial, tax, or legal advice.)
If you are the surviving spouse: the decisions that affect you personally are mostly irreversible rather than urgent — the Social Security claiming order above all. The surviving-spouse checklist routes each one to the page that answers it. No asks, no referrals.