Losing a spouse is one of the hardest moments anyone can face — emotionally and financially. In this video, we walk through the exact steps you need to take, what changes immediately, and how to protect yourself from costly mistakes during an already overwhelming time. From beneficiaries and account titling, to tax planning, Social Security strategies, healthcare changes, and what to do first, this guide is designed to help you stay organized and supported when life changes unexpectedly. If you’ve ever wondered “What actually happens to my finances if my spouse passes?” — this video gives you the clarity you need.
⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 — The Email No Advisor Wants to Receive A real‑life example of how quickly life can change. 0:18 — Why This Conversation Matters Why couples must talk about finances before something happens. 0:38 — Step 1: Know Your Entire Financial Picture Why both spouses need full visibility into accounts, debts, and assets. 1:21 — Beneficiaries & Account Titling How beneficiaries override wills, and why TOD/JTWROS matters. 2:23 — Estate Planning & Working With an Attorney Wills, trusts, and why you shouldn’t use a one‑size‑fits‑all service. 3:05 — Tax Planning After a Spouse Passes The widow(er) tax bracket, single filer status, RMDs, and Roth conversion opportunities. 4:05 — Social Security Strategy for High Earners Why delaying benefits can protect your spouse long‑term. 4:41 — Healthcare Changes After a Spousal Loss Medicare, COBRA, ACA, and what coverage looks like next. 5:37 — Staying Organized & Creating an Emergency Contact Plan Why your advisor and attorney should be your first calls. 6:11 — Long‑Term Planning After Loss Downsizing, relocating, assisted living, and future care considerations. 7:09 — Cammi & Monty Case Study A real‑world example showing how a plan can succeed — or fail — after a spouse passes. 9:42 — What To Do Immediately After a Spouse Passes Institutions to contact, documents to gather, and how to avoid costly mistakes. 11:11 — Avoiding Rash Financial Decisions Why emotions can lead to bad choices — and how to protect yourself. 11:49 — Give Yourself Grace A reminder that this process is hard, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Jazz Wealth Managers helps individuals and families achieve financial security through retirement planning and investing strategies. Our videos offer actionable guidance on navigating Roth IRA's, 401ks, IRAs, Social Security, and more. Whether you're approaching retirement or just getting started, learn how to make informed financial decisions for a prosperous future. Subscribe for more! #retirement #retirementplanning #dohstr8 ---Ready to subscribe--- https://www.youtube.com/jazzwealth?sub_confirmation=1
Jazz Wealth Advisors was recently ranked #36 among financial advisors in the USA by USA Today (Financial Pros) as of April 2025. This ranking was published on 04/22/2025 and was prepared by the Financial Pros without any compensation paid by Jazz Wealth Advisors. The ranking is based on advisors with an AUM of up to $500M. Rankings and recognition from rating services are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance. For more information about the methodology used in this ranking and other important disclosures, please visit USAToday.com. Jazz Wealth Advisors is a registered fiduciary investment advisor. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies.
