Today’s episode, along with the two that follow in this 3-part series, was inspired in part by my grandmother. She was widowed at 62, and for the past 28 years, she has faced life’s changes with resilience and grace.

Now 90 years old, she remains the heart of our family. Her strength, wisdom, and example have shaped both my life and the work I do, especially my commitment to helping women navigate life after loss.

I hope you find value in this episode and consider sharing it with someone you care about who may benefit from it.

Navigating Life After Loss – Part 1: The First Week

💬 From Episode 66:

Grieving the loss of a spouse is devastating. During that fog, there’s still paperwork, decisions, and urgent tasks demanding attention.

In this episode, we open up a three-part series called “Life After Loss.” I start by focusing on the first few days after losing a spouse, sharing essential steps to help with emotional healing and practical planning.

Here’s what we cover:

• How to prioritize both emotional well-being and urgent financial responsibilities in the first week of widowhood
• The importance of requesting 20–30 certified death certificates and why it's better to order more than needed
• Who to contact immediately, including attorneys, financial advisors, Social Security, and employers
• The impact of joint vs. individual account ownership and how that can affect access to funds
• How estate planning and clear communication can prevent emotional and financial turmoil for surviving spouses
• And more!

🎧 Listen here: Episode 67 - Navigating Life After Loss – Part 1: The First Week​

▶️ Watch on YouTube​

Navigating Life After Loss: A Guide for the Newly Widowed

The companion guide to our 3-part podcast series.

When you’re grieving, it’s hard to know where to start. This compassionate, step-by-step resource will help you navigate the first days, weeks, and months after losing a spouse — so you can focus on what matters most.

Did you miss it? Watch the Replay

What the New 2025 Tax Law Means for Your Retirement Plan

✅ What’s changing — and what’s not
✅ Using the new $6,000 deduction for 65+
✅ How to prepare before key provisions expire in 2028
✅ Steps to take now with your advisor or CPA

👉 WATCH REPLAY​

FREE Resources:

• ​​​​Click to Download:👉 ​2025 Key Financial Data​ – a quick reference with updated tax brackets, deductions, and planning limits.
• Click to Download:👉 The OBBBA Comparison Guide – a side-by-side look at how the new law compares to the prior rules, highlighting the biggest changes.

Related Links & Resources

• 👉 Complimentary Tax & Retirement Analysis
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  • ​Episode 67 Transcript​
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  • ​Subscribe to the Simply Retirement Newsletter(if this email was forwarded to you)

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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