What No One Tells You About Income Planning After Losing A Spouse
From Savvy Women Talk Money by Savvy Women Wealth Management
February 25, 2026 · 14 min · Season 2 · Episode 79
About this episode
This episode discusses the financial challenges and planning considerations women face after losing a spouse.
Losing a spouse is emotional. Making financial decisions during that time? Even harder. In this important episode, Catherine and Rachel walk through what really happens to your income after loss — and the surprises many women don't see coming. From Social Security survivor benefits (and why you don't get to keep both checks) to pension elections that can dramatically impact long-term income, timing matters more than most realize. They also unpack the "widow's penalty" — how taxes can actually increase after a loss due to filing status changes, shrinking tax brackets, IRMAA Medicare surcharges, and required minimum distributions. You'll also learn: When survivor benefits can begin (and remarriage rules to watch) Why the first year after loss may offer unique tax planning opportunities How Roth conversions, capital gains harvesting, and step-up in basis strategies can help Key pension and life insurance considerations before and after loss This is a compassionate but practical conversation about protecting income, reducing taxes, and creating confidence during life's most difficult transition. Download the Widow Income Transition Checklist here…
People in this episode
Hosts: Catherine, Rachel
Topics covered
- income planning
- loss of spouse
- financial decisions
- tax implications
- survivor benefits
- pension elections
- widow's penalty
Keywords
- income planning
- survivor benefits
- tax changes
- pension elections
- widow's penalty
- financial decisions
- Roth conversions
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Savvy Women Wealth Management
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