The Coming Widow Boom: What You And Your Loved Ones Can Do To Prepare For The Unthinkable
A Guidebook To Financial and Emotional Well-Being
This book is a virtual tour over The Widow’s Bridge®, A Two-Year Transition Plan for Surviving Spouses. It is written for those who would use the role-play as an exercise to identify what can be done now, before this inevitable event to prepare for the ensuing transition.
Inspired by an actual client (who wanted to observe the meeting Superior Planning, Inc. would have with his spouse the month after his death) it initiates a dialogue that compels family leaders to take action and make estate planning arrangements in line with their most intimate desires now, rather than letting family members or a probate judge try to figure out what to do later. Ironically, this “begin with the end in mind” approach helps family leaders make more informed, better financial and wealth management decisions today.
It is well established that women live longer than men. According to the 1999 U.S. Census, nearly 700,000 women lose their husbands each year, and will be widows for an average of 14 years. The average age of a widow is only 56, and 25 percent are under the age of 45. These numbers are expected to rise dramatically as the "Baby Boom" generation moves into old age. It is estimated that there will be 1,250,000+ widows per year by 2040
Every widow asks, "What should I do now?" The Coming Widow Boom outlines a three-phase, eight-step path designed to facilitate confident financial decision-making, meeting fiduciary deadlines, and saving time and money, while also allowing for the natural grieving process and healing. There is a magnitude of issues that must be dealt with in order to maintain independence, income, and family integrity and wealth. This book provides answers for both men and women, and the professional advisors who guide them. Preparing for the "unthinkable" will also help couples make more money in the present.
“The Coming Widow Boom helps people move through the emotional, financial, and social aspects that come from losing a spouse. You will want to share Buddy Thomas’ book with others and prepare for your future.” —George Chamberlin, Talk Show Host, “Money in the Morning” KOGO AM600
“Ready or not, the baby boomer widows will be controlling trillions of dollars of our nation’s wealth in the next few decades, and this is the book to lead this new age. My advice to all professional financial advisors is to buy this book by the case and make sure every one of your clients gets ready.” —Dan Sullivan, President and Founder of The Strategic Coach, Inc.
“The Coming Widow Boom should be mandatory reading for anyone over the age of 50. You can pass by this book and leave your family a mess or pick it up and show them what real love is all about.” —Patricia C Brennan, CFP, CFS, One of Barron Magazine’s “Top 100 Female Financial Advisors”, President, Key Financial, Inc. “
This book is an invaluable resource for women (widowed or married) and their trusted advisor. Following the steps Buddy has discussed in the book will allow for a much easier and self-assured transition into widowhood. As both a widow and a trusted advisor, I will recommend it to my clients.” —Jennifer M. Murray, CFP®, Stonebridge Financial Advisors, LLC
