Widowed or Divorced Women
Suddenly Managing It All On Your Own?
You didn't plan to be here. But you are, and you deserve a knowledgeable guide who will meet you exactly where you are.
Whether you've lost a spouse or are rebuilding after divorce, you're now making the financial decisions that may be entirely new to you or that you could previously bounce off of someone else. This is more common than you think, and it is entirely manageable.
Begbie Wealth Advisory works with women across the country from our home base in Riverside, IL. We specialize in helping women who find themselves suddenly in charge of their financial lives, often for the first time, navigate that transition with clarity and confidence.
Social Security Decisions
When to claim, whether to claim on your own record or a spouse's, and how divorce affects your options. These decisions are permanent and the stakes can be high.
Estate Plan Updates
Beneficiary designations, wills, powers of attorney, and trusts all need to be reviewed and updated immediately after a loss or divorce.
Accounts You Didn't Manage
Investment accounts, IRAs, 401(k)s that your spouse or ex-spouse handled. Understanding what you have and what to do with it is step one.
Income Planning
How long will your money last? What can you spend? Creating a reliable income plan from multiple sources is the foundation of financial confidence.
Insurance Gaps
Health, life, and long-term care coverage often change dramatically after losing a spouse. Understanding your gaps before a crisis is critical.
The House Decision
Should you stay, downsize, or sell? This is often the largest financial decision widowed and divorced women face, and it deserves careful analysis.Trust. Honesty. Integrity. We believe values matter, and we live by ours every day.
Common Questions
Answers to What Women Ask Us Most Often
What financial steps should a widowed woman take first?
The most urgent steps are gathering all account statements and insurance policies, notifying Social Security and relevant financial institutions, and updating beneficiary designations. You do not need to make major investment decisions right away. Give yourself time, and work with an advisor who will not rush you. The decisions that feel most urgent rarely are.
Can a divorced woman collect Social Security based on her ex-husband's record?
Yes. If your marriage lasted at least 10 years and you have not remarried, you may be eligible to collect Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse's earnings record, up to 50% of their benefit. This does not reduce what your ex-spouse receives. Timing this decision correctly can meaningfully increase your lifetime income, and it is one of the most commonly missed opportunities we see.
What is a QDRO and why does it matter in divorce?
A QDRO, or Qualified Domestic Relations Order, is a legal document that divides a retirement account between spouses during divorce without triggering taxes or early withdrawal penalties. It must be drafted correctly and filed with the plan administrator. Missing or mishandling this step can mean permanently losing access to assets you are entitled to. We work alongside your attorney with the goal of making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
What financial issues do divorced women most commonly face in retirement?
The most common issues are gaps in Social Security benefits, loss of spousal pension rights, investment accounts that need to be split or transferred, outdated estate documents, and changes in health insurance coverage. The compounding effect of these issues is what makes working with a licensed professional important.
How do I know if I need a financial advisor after losing a spouse?
If you are unsure what accounts you have, what income you can count on, how long your money will last, or what decisions are most time-sensitive, a financial advisor can help. A good advisor brings order to uncertainty. The first conversation costs you nothing and commits you to nothing. It is simply a chance to understand where you stand.
Do I have to be local to Riverside, IL to work with Begbie Wealth Advisory?
No. While we are based in Riverside, IL, we work with retired women across the country. Our planning process is fully structured for remote relationships, and many of our clients find that working virtually is more convenient than meeting in person.