The landscape of widowhood has seen significant changes in recent years, particularly in the realm of financial planning and wealth management. Kathleen Rehl, a financial expert and advocate for empowering widows, shared her perspective on these evolving trends in a recent interview. With over four years since her last appearance on our podcast, Kathleen discussed the growing emphasis on financial independence for widows and the ways technology and education are reshaping their experiences. A Shift Toward Financial Independence Historically, widows often relied on family support, both financially and emotionally, after the loss of a spouse. Kathleen reflects on past generations, noting how widows in the Victorian era would wear “widow’s weeds” (black garments symbolizing mourning) for an entire year. Even her own great-grandmother moved in with family after becoming widowed, a common practice in earlier times. Today, however, there is a strong shift towards financial independence for widows, a trend Kathleen views as crucial. Women, in general, are gaining more financial autonomy, pursuing education, and building long-lasting careers. For widows, this independence is even more essential as they navigate life after loss. “There is much greater availability of financial education out there now,” Kathleen says. She highlights resources like the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER), which offers free white papers, podcasts, and educational events aimed specifically at women and widows. The Role of Technology and Social Networks In addition to financial education, technology has created a more connected and supportive environment for widows. Kathleen points to organizations like Soaring Spirits International and its online community, Widows Village, where widows can find support groups based on their specific needs, such as young widows with children or those still working. These platforms provide both emotional support and practical advice, helping widows navigate their financial futures. Kathleen also mentions the rise of events like Camp Widow, which now hosts conferences across the globe, including in Toronto and Australia. At these events, widows gather to learn, connect, and heal. Kathleen will be speaking at the upcoming event in Tampa, Florida, on the stages of widowhood and how to transition through financial matters. Even artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a role in supporting widows. In a lighthearted experiment, Kathleen shared how she used ChatGPT to ask for advice for new widows, and within seconds, the AI returned helpful information — even recommending her own book, Moving Forward on Your Own: A Financial Guidebook for Widows. Navigating Grief and Financial Planning One of the most significant challenges widows face is making sound financial decisions during the early stages of grief. Kathleen discusses the phenomenon of “widow’s brain,” where intense grief can cloud judgment and make decision-making difficult. “It’s not that you’re going crazy,” she reassures, “it’s just that widow’s brain in that early, very deep grief.” This insight underscores the importance of having a strong financial plan in place and seeking support from trusted advisors during this vulnerable time. As Kathleen continues to advocate for widows’ financial independence, her message is clear: with the right education, resources, and support networks, widows can move forward with confidence, even in the face of loss. For those interested in learning more, Kathleen’s book offers a valuable guide to navigating financial matters after the death of a spouse. More From Kathleen Some of our most popular blogs are the financial scam series we posted on our website. We talk about how to emotionally heal after being financially scammed,
