Understanding The "Widow’s Penalty"


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Understanding The Widow’s Penalty and What You Can Do About It

💬 From Episode 66:

“Many women find themselves navigating complex financial waters at a time when they're most vulnerable.” – Eric Blake

Losing a spouse is heartbreaking, but it can also trigger financial challenges that many women aren’t prepared for.

In this week’s episode, I explain what the Widow’s Penalty is, why it disproportionately affects women, and what you can do to prepare. You’ll hear real client stories, clear up common tax myths, and discover strategies to protect your financial future.

Here’s what we cover:

  • 📉 How the Widow’s Penalty can lead to higher taxes and lower income after losing a spouse
  • 👩‍❤️‍👩 Why women are more impacted — longer life expectancy, smaller benefits, and career interruptions
  • 📖 Real-life client examples, including early widowhood and restricted retirement asset access
  • 💡 Tax strategies like Roth conversions and capital gains harvesting during joint filing years
  • 🗣️ Why couples should have these retirement planning conversations now — not later

🎧 Listen here: Episode 66 – Understanding The Widow’s Penalty and What You Can Do About It

▶️ Watch on YouTube


Are You Looking for Financial Support & Resources Specifically for Women?

Purse Strings is an online platform devoted to giving women access to easy-to-use resources and qualified financial professionals who focus on serving women.

I recently recorded a short video on serving as a Purse Strings Approved Professional.

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The co-founders of Purse Strings, Dr. Barbara Provost and her daughter, Maggie Nielsen, were on episode 17 of the podcast. 🎧 Listen Here: Episode 17 - Financially Fearless Women with Barb Provost and Maggie Nielsen


Have more questions about retirement planning? Just hit reply to this email. I read and respond to every message. 😃

Keeping Retirement Simple,

Eric Blake, CFP®

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Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

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The Simply Retirement Newsletter

Straightforward retirement education for women delivered to your inbox weekly. 🎙️ Host of the Simply Retirement Podcast. Whether you are divorced, widowed, or simply ready to take control of your financial future, your retirement planning needs are special.

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