During the month of March, I had the honor of being a featured guest on The Retirement Answer Man® Show to discuss “Going from Two to One”. We explore the difficult topic of losing a spouse from both a non-financial and financial perspective. No matter how well we plan for life after early retirement, twists and turns are inevitable, however, losing a spouse and moving forward may be one of the biggest challenges of all.
In the first of three episodes I recorded with host Roger Whitney, we discuss the non-financial aspects of losing a spouse. In our case, we were dealing with a long illness resulting from a cancer diagnosis that ultimately took Marge’s life. Roger and I explore many of the emotions and difficulties that emerge after the death of a loved one.
In the second episode, we discuss many of the financial implications of becoming a widower including: changes in household expenditures, life insurance, tax planning, Social Security claiming strategies, and creating a new financial plan.
In my final guest episode of this month-long series, Roger and I talk about the preciousness of life itself and the goal of living with intention. We also discuss the grieving process that one experiences and how it differs for everyone. Finally, we conclude with plans for moving forward.
I would like to thank Roger and his entire team for inviting me on his show to talk about my journey through this process. It was certainly very healing for me, and from the responses I have received after the shows’ airings, I am comforted to know that it has been helpful for many others too.
Book Pairings
On the show, we also discussed a number of books that we thought would be beneficial reads complimenting the topics we discussed.
In the first episode I mention the book Taking Stock – A Hospice Doctor’s Advice on Financial Independence, Building Wealth, and Living a Regret-Free Life by Jordan Grumet, MD
I especially enjoyed the Parable of the Three Brothers and the concept of living a regret-free life.
In the second episode, when we discuss all of the financial details that must be accomplished after ones’ passing, a simple step-by-step guide would have been incredibly valuable. Fortunately, one now exists: After the Death of Your Spouse: Next Financial Steps for Surviving Spouses by Mike Piper, CPA
This brief and succinct guide would be the perfect solution for assisting anyone through the process of finalizing the financial affairs of a loved one after their passing.
In the final episode we discuss the process of moving forward and living an intentional life. One of the great books that immediately comes to mind when deciding how to live the life to the fullest with the time we all have remaining is Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins
Going forward, my goal is to constantly create memorable experiences with the ones I love and who’s company I enjoy, earning a lifetime of memory dividends. That is the best form of compounding I can imagine.
In memory of Marjorie Trautman who would have turned 59 today.
Happy Birthday my love!