I just became a widow after 32 years of marriage. I have no idea what I'm suppose to do regarding finances.?

Check for survivor benefits from Social Security. You might call where your husband worked and check again to see if there was burial insurance or life insurance through them that you were not aware of. Sometimes people have insurance policies on home mortgages and car loans that they have forgotten about as well. A lot of this stuff is on hold until you have the death certificate. You might try to find a negotiator to talk to the funeral home people with you since those vultures will take advantage of you while you are punchy with grief and sleep deprivation. I am so sorry for your loss, it is a shame that you can't put your business on hold while you grieve but the business community does not allow that. I hope that you have someone strong and level headed who will help with all the phone calls and guide you through the business transactions in this difficult time. May God's blessings and healing be upon you.

Ask friends or your religious leader for the name of a decent attorney - Have them go over your situation with you. Also, a good accountant can help you assemble all the necessary statements and such. There are definite tax filing requirements that you will need to meet.

This is not something that any of usare experts in - unless we do it for a living. So, get professional guidance - and fast.

Do you know anyone that's gone through a similar situation? You need to find someone you can trust for financial advice.

I am so sorry for your loss.

If his death was very recent, you are going to want multiple copies of his death certificate. You will probably need certified copies of these for Social Security and other agencies. The funeral home should be able to help you with this.

If your mate was a Veteran, there are certain death benefits that might be available through them. Also, if he was in a nursing home, or had home health care, there is a one time benefit from the VA that is available. I believe it's about $1700.00. Unfortunately, this information is not widely publicized. You'd need the help of a Veterans liaison. There are other benefits that might apply...check out the VA website.

If your house is not paid off (I didn't see mention of a house payment) and you are going to have problems with that commitment, contact your mortgage holder immediately. In today's economy they will be eager to make adjustments to your mortgage to help you from
defaulting.

If indeed your house is paid off and you will need additional money for living expenses, you might consider a home equity line of credit.

Hope some of this might be useful.

Good luck & God Bless!

Go to social services; ask what programs are available. There are many many programs for people who want to get into the mainstream workforce. Consider going to school - my diaughter did it. The only difference was that her ex-husband was still alive but didn't work or care about his children.

Babyblue has some good answers for you.

I work in the funeral industry and unfortunately this is something that happens a lot. Especially with women who's husband didn't want to talk about arranging for their final wishes. I'm so sorry this happened to you.

I can help you with the emotional part of what you're going through if you need someone to talk to.

As far as the financial...there is a nationwide chain of funeral homes "Dignity Memorial" that are owned by SCI (Service Corporation International) and they used to have a kit (I'm sure they still have it) that is used when someone passes. It has ALL the advice you could possibly need and prewritten letters to send to certain financial institutes. It used to cost about $300. but it's still cheaper than sitting with an attorney. It is designed for just this reason.

Also...prearrange your funeral and cemetery expenses so that YOU'RE next of kin doesn't have to go through this. Make sure you do it with a funeral home that offers an insurance product rather than a trust and that all the services and merchandise are 'guaranteed'. First, if something happens to you while you're paying on it...being an insurance product...it will be paid in full. Second, 'guaranteed' means that the price is frozen...it will never increase.

Good luck and I'm here if you need me.