The Next Chapter:
Financial Confidence for Surviving Spouses
Resources to help you prepare and organize
Downloadable Resources from The Next Chapter Seminar
THE PREPAREDNESS WORKBOOK
Use this workbook as a starting point for conversations with your spouse and the professionals who help you plan for the future. It will help you organize important contacts and documents, inventory financial accounts, map income and expenses, review insurance and beneficiaries, document digital access, and identify areas that may need attention.
The decisions surrounding the loss of a spouse can span finances, taxes, legal documents, and more. The resources below offer additional guidance on the first 90 days and the potential tax impact of becoming a single filer.
The First 90 Days
Checklist
The first few weeks after a spouse’s death can bring a long list of financial and administrative decisions. This checklist covers what should be taken care of now, and what can wait.
The Widow Penalty
Handout
When one spouse dies, household income may fall while tax brackets, deductions, and other thresholds change. This handout illustrates the potential impact.
Additional Resources
Wings for Widows is a nonprofit organization open to widows and widowers throughout the United States, regardless of age, income, assets, or how long ago their spouse died. There is no cost to access our financial education, and those who would benefit from individualized guidance may also request a Wings for Widows volunteer coach at no charge. No supporting documents are required to get started.
Request The Next Chapter Readiness Review
A personalized one-hour planning meeting tailored to your situation. Together, we’ll review your survivor income map, widow’s penalty projection (if applicable), and beneficiary audit to help identify planning opportunities and next steps.
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