Helping your spouse prepare for life without you

For many families, there's one person who takes the lead on managing the finances paying the bills, handling investments and making the big financial decisions. But here's the truth most couples avoid talking about: one day, one of you will be left to handle it all alone.

- Hardi Swart

It's uncomfortable, but also one of the most loving conversations you can have preparing your spouse for life without you.

In my years as a financial planner, I've met countless widows and widowers who were emotionally devastated, but what made it even harder was being financially lost. They didn't know where the accounts were held, who the financial advisor was, or even how to access monthly income.

In most relationships, one partner naturally takes on the "provider" role often the one who manages the money, deals with advisors, and makes the big financial calls. The other may focus on the home, family, or career in different ways. It works beautifully while both are alive.

But when the provider is gone, it can feel like the world collapses twice once emotionally, and again financially.

Why financial empowerment is the greatest gift you can leave

Preparing your spouse is not just about estate planning. It's about financial empowerment giving them the knowledge, structure, and confidence to make informed decisions.