speak with a financial advisor after the loss of a loved one
We’re here to help
overwhelmed by finances in the wake of a loss?
Finding Strength in the Midst of it all
Losing somebody close is among the most difficult experiences many of us face in our lives. Not only is it a deeply emotional time — it’s also often a very busy time. There are funeral arrangements to make and estate plans to execute, all while you’re still grieving. It can feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.
Our advisors are always here for you. We are happy to help.
we’re here every step of the way
OUR PROCESS
We’ll get to know you and help you understand your current financial situation, develop a prioritized action plan, and be with you through it all.
Whether or not you were previously involved in managing your finances or a family member’s finances, our goal is to support you and empower you with the knowledge to feel confident about your financial future.
Working with Team Hewins after the death of a loved one can help you:
Identify the immediate financial action items and navigate the next steps.
Accomplish some steps that may seem overwhelming, like calling an insurance company to inform them of your loved one’s passing.
Coordinate with third parties like your CPA and estate attorney, so that things are well-coordinated and not happening in silos
Gain a deeper understanding of your new financial position, including changes to your income and expenses.
we’re here every step of the way
OUR PROCESS
We’ll get to know you and help you understand your current financial situation, develop a prioritized action plan, and be with you through it all.
Whether or not you were previously involved in managing your finances or a family member’s finances, our goal is to support you and empower you with the knowledge to feel confident about your financial future.
Working with Team Hewins after the death of a loved one can help you:
Identify the immediate financial action items and navigate the next steps.
Accomplish some steps that may seem overwhelming, like calling an insurance company to inform them of your loved one’s passing.
Coordinate with third parties like your CPA and estate attorney, so that things are well-coordinated and not happening in silos
Gain a deeper understanding of your new financial position, including changes to your income and expenses.
which professionals should be on your financial team?
Collaboration is key
Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional experience that can also bring significant financial challenges. Working with the right team of professionals can provide additional support during this difficult time.
But which professionals should be on your financial team?
Working with a financial advisor after the death of a loved one can often help you lighten that load.
At Team Hewins, we have CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals who specialize in helping clients manage their finances after the death of a spouse, parent, partner, or other loved one.
preparing financially for your family’s future
Working together for your success
Imagine planting a seed, nurturing it with care, and watching it grow into a strong, vibrant tree. Just like a tree, your financial future requires careful planning and nurturing.
Managing finances after a spouse’s or loved one’s death means more than just addressing immediate concerns. We’ll work with you to create a holistic plan that lays the foundation for your long-term financial growth and help you determine what needs to be done next.
This will likely include:
- Gathering your estate planning documents, such as your trust.
- Notifying financial institutions, life insurance companies, and Social Security.
- Working with your CPA on the filing requirements in your spouse’s year of death.
- Understanding upcoming expenses and changes in income.
- Revisiting your retirement plan.
- Drafting a budget that allows you to both enjoy life now and save for the future.
- Making a plan for any inheritance whether it’s cash, insurance or real estate.
- Developing an investment strategy and diversifying existing investment accounts.
- Leveraging tax-planning strategies to minimize your tax liability.
Whatever area of personal finance you need help with, we’ll be there for you, working at a comfortable pace for you.
preparing financially for your family’s future
Working together for your success
Imagine planting a seed, nurturing it with care, and watching it grow into a strong, vibrant tree. Just like a tree, your financial future requires careful planning and nurturing.
Managing finances after a spouse’s or loved one’s death means more than just addressing immediate concerns. We’ll work with you to create a holistic plan that lays the foundation for your long-term financial growth and help you determine what needs to be done next.
This will likely include:
- Gathering your estate planning documents, such as your trust.
- Notifying financial institutions, life insurance companies, and Social Security.
- Working with your CPA on the filing requirements in your spouse’s year of death.
- Understanding upcoming expenses and changes in income.
- Revisiting your retirement plan.
- Drafting a budget that allows you to both enjoy life now and save for the future.
- Making a plan for any inheritance whether it’s cash, insurance or real estate.
- Developing an investment strategy and diversifying existing investment accounts.
- Leveraging tax-planning strategies to minimize your tax liability.
Whatever area of personal finance you need help with, we’ll be there for you, working at a comfortable pace for you.
what happens to finances when someone passes?
take care of today, plan for tomorrow
During the grieving process, it’s crucial to understand what happens to one’s finances after death and to take appropriate steps to manage them and plan for tomorrow.
This might include:
Immediate Financial Action Items
Identify any urgent financial matters that need to be taken care of and begin taking steps to address them.
These may include notifying banks and credit card companies, locating essential documents such as wills or trusts, and securing your loved one’s property.
Taking these steps calmly and systematically can help you manage the immediate aftermath effectively.
Informing Insurance Companies
It’s important to contact insurance companies to inform them of your loved one’s passing.
This can include life insurance policies, health insurance, and even homeowner’s insurance.
Providing the necessary documentation and understanding the claim process can ensure that benefits are paid out and any ongoing policies are appropriately managed.
Coordinating with Third Parties
Coordinate with third parties such as estate attorneys to better understand the estate plan and your role within it.
These professionals can help interpret any wills and trusts, navigate probate court, and ensure that the deceased’s wishes are carried out according to legal requirements.
This collaboration is essential for a smooth transition of responsibilities.
Understanding Your New Financial Position
With someone’s passing, loved ones have to begin the process of adjustment.
Take time to understand your new financial position, including changes to your income sources and expenses.
This may involve adjusting your budget, understanding any inheritance, and managing new assets or liabilities. A clear picture of your financial landscape will help you make informed decisions moving forward.
contact our financial advisors today
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with everything on your plate right now, working with a financial advisor after the death of a loved one may help ease the burden.
Let us support you and help you through this difficult time.
Next: Choose a time that works well for you, and our relationship manager, Luke Hayes, will be in touch with you to personally understand your needs and prepare for the “Big Decision Clarity” session. Let’s turn this complex decision into your next confident step forward.
Additional info:
Learn more about our team | approach | frequently asked questions
Book your clarity session today!
(We’ll reserve 45 minutes to address your most urgent questions)
meet our financial advisors for widows and loss
Our financial planning specialists are here to support you during this difficult time. We’ll guide you through each step of managing your finances, ensuring you have the help you need to navigate this challenging period. Just reach out, and we’ll walk through it together.
Carolyn Kelly, CFP®
principal, lead FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Karl Schwartz, CPA, CFP®
principal, senior FINANCIAL ADVISOR
South Florida
Thuong Thien, CFP®
principal, senior
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Philip Herzberg, CFP®, CDFA®, CTFA, AEP®
LEAD FINANCIAL ADVISOR
South Florida
grief and loss resources
Learn More
Want more insights into what is involved in the financial planning process after the death of a loved one? Find comfort and support in our online resources for grief and loss. This includes immediate actions to take after a spouse’s death, who to contact, immediate legal and financial matters, and pro tips that will help you comfortably navigate the next steps in your life.
We’re here for you when you need it most.
8 Essential Pieces of Financial Advice for Widows
Losing a spouse is one of the hardest things anyone can experience. It’s a distressing, overwhelming, and uncertain chapter of life. Widows are frequently at a loss about what to do next — especially when their deceased spouse was the one who managed all of their...
Financial Help for Widows: How to Navigate Money Matters After Losing a Spouse
No matter when it happens, losing a spouse is an incredibly challenging thing to go through. Besides being emotionally taxing, dealing with so many details can feel overwhelming, as everything seems to demand your attention all at once. Not only must you notify...
Financial Steps to Take After Losing a Spouse
Dealing with the death of a spouse can be a traumatic experience, both emotionally and financially. While friends and family will often try to do the best they can to support, dealing with financial matters is often left to the surviving partner. The unexpected loss...




