As widows we have learned quite painfully just now important looking after our money is.  I wish I could say that every widow is left financially set, but the truth is a lot of widows are financially broke. Reality is harsh and I know you didn’t ask for this but I’m not going to lie to you and say “it will all work out” because sometimes it just doesn’t. As a widow we didn’t plan to be here and we wish we weren’t.  But we need to take charge of our finances or we will be in big trouble down the road.  Don’t depend on it working out or that others will step in to help. Lack of funds may force you to make decisions about downsizing, going back to work, delaying retirement and re-thinking your investments. Don’t let anyone rush you into making decisions you are not sure of.  Your mind isn’t thinking clearly for financial decisions without some professional advice.  There will be all kinds of well-meaning people with advice on what you should do, but dig in and learn as much as possible before you pass your life over to someone else to control. On the other side, if you were fortunate enough to be left financially secure be careful about those who will come looking for loans.  If you lend money to someone, are you really solving their problem or just letting them off the hook?  If you lend money from your own emergency saving or take money from your own goals, is that a wise move?  Can you say no out of love, rather than yes out of fear? Lastly, watch out for scams and run everything by your lawyer or another trusted professional.  Please never give anyone your personal financial information without first passing it by your financially adviser. Always be in control of your finances, to lose control is to give your power away.