I recently found myself typing these words to a client in a follow up email after our meeting.  She just lost her husband, and I decided right then that I needed to write about this topic.   “I know you have heard a lot of different information from friends and family, and I completely understand why you would want to explore all of your options; however, your situation is uniquely yours.” 

When you’re going through a major life transition such as the loss of a spouse, divorce, or another significant change, you may find that everyone has an opinion about what you should do next. Often, that advice comes from a place of love and good intentions. Someone may tell you what worked for them, share what a friend did, or recommend a strategy they heard and believe you should consider.

The challenge is what I communicated; your situation is uniquely yours.

What worked well for one person may not be the right choice for someone else. Your financial picture, family circumstances, goals, timeline, tax situation, and risk tolerance can all be different. Even two people experiencing the same type of life transition may have very different needs and options.

You don't necessarily need more information; you may just need help making sense of the information you already have and what applies to your own life.

A good planner should help you slow down, ask the right questions, understand your situation, and see how those choices may affect your bigger financial picture. Most importantly, you should feel comfortable knowing that the advice you receive is based on your unique goals and circumstances, rather than someone else’s experience.

Work with professionals, including a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, who take the time to understand your unique circumstances before recommending a thoughtful path forward.

About the Author Heather M Coulter, CFP® is an advisor with William Howard & Co Financial Advisors, Inc. Heather’s diverse expertise spans both corporate and independent financial environments, enabling her to provide valuable, personalized guidance to clients navigating various life stages and transitions. She has a deep passion for helping individuals, especially women plan for their financial futures, offering a unique blend of professional insight and personal empathy, shaped by her own life experiences.

Heather can be contacted at hcoulter@whcfa.com.