FINANCIAL LITERACY
Anti-Scam Tips for Surviving Spouses
Joseph A. Davis, CDFA®
April 25, 2016
Newspaper obituaries provide a service in notifying a large number of people in a short period of time about the death of a community member. Unfortunately, they also provide a list of potential victims to scam artists and thieves looking for emotionally vulnerable and, during memorial services, physically absent targets.
In the grief and confusion following a spouse’s death, you can’t be expected to remember websites and phone numbers for organizations that help uncover the unscrupulous. A few simple guidelines, however, can help you avoid most of the common scams.
The most immediate vulnerability will be an empty house. Through an obituary, a thief can ascertain when the family will be away, and with friends and relatives coming and going, neighbors may assume the person going in while the family is gone has permission to do so. Ask a friend or neighbor to house sit – not just watch from next door – during visitations and services. (This rule also works well for weddings and anniversary parties that have been announced in the newspaper.)
Treat anything from an unknown party with suspicion. Invoices, calls regarding orders for products or services, investment opportunities and claims for money owed can all be scams looking to part distracted grieving survivors with their money. Pay those bills you know to be legitimate – mortgage, utilities, credit cards and car payments. Set everything else aside. If you don’t have caller ID on your phone, consider getting it so you know before you answer who is on the line. And remember that companies that pressure you to make decisions or send money during a difficult time probably don’t have good reasons for doing so.
Consider a checks-and-balances approach to decision making, especially regarding finances. Ask a family member, friend or trusted advisor such as an accountant, attorney or financial professional to review invoices and other claims before you send money. You will still have control of your money, and you’ll have a second opinion from someone you trust.
If you and your spouse did not have existing relationships with an attorney, accountant or financial advisor, do your homework before selecting someone during a time of crisis. Your best source will be referrals from friends, family members and associates. Interview at least two or three before settling on a professional. Again, consider establishing checks and balances by asking the attorney, accountant and financial advisor to work as a team. If one of them resists, you may want to consider replacing him or her with another professional in that field.
Surviving spouses generally fall into two groups – those who believe they have plenty of money and those afraid they don’t have enough. A financial advisor or accountant can review your finances with you, including any lump sum payments from life insurance or a 401(k), and help you determine where you stand. Most professionals who work with widows and widowers recommend waiting at least a year to make major, irrevocable decisions such as selling or purchasing a home. Beware of anyone pressuring you to make such a decision within months of your spouse’s death.
Support systems like family, friends, coworkers and trusted advisors become even more important in times of crisis. Take advantage of their willingness and ability to help you make decisions, particularly when it comes to requests for money.
Written by Securities America for distribution by Joseph A. Davis, CDFA®
Follow These Two Rules to Build Wealth in Any Market
Throughout the past two and a half months I have continued to ask myself, did we jump off a financial cliff? The answer was no. How did I know? The answer, while somewhat complex, is profoundly simple.
Financial Planning in the Sandwich Generation
While it’s true that retirement accounts can be used to save for college, there may be negative consequences to doing so. It’s best to talk with a financial professional to determine the appropriate course of action and to make sure you’re on track to meet your goals.
Matchmaker: Maximizing Your Employer 401(k) Contributions
A 401(k) isn’t the only option for retirement, but it’s definitely one of the most attractive. In many cases, it offers free money and is relatively easy to roll over when you change jobs. A financial professional can help you prepare for retirement with a 401(k) that fits your current investment style and stage in life and adapts to changes in career or investment styles.
Splitting Retirement Nest Eggs During Divorce
Qualified plans, such as 401(k), profit sharing, defined benefit pension and money purchase pension plans, have defined benefits or defined contributions. A qualified domestic relations order, or QDRO, is required when dividing qualified plans.
Davis Financial LLC
A financial services firm servicing clients across Utah. We strive to understand your goals, help you manage your retirement planning, guide your overall wealth strategy and help minimize your tax liability through a long-term and trustworthy relationship.
Office Hours: M-F, 9am-5pm
Call Us: (801) 620-0586
Directions: Map It
Copyright © 2023 Davis Financial. All Rights Reserved.
This site is published for residents of the United States and is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or product that may be referenced herein. Persons mentioned on this website may only offer services and transact business and/or respond to inquiries in states or jurisdictions in which they have been properly registered or are exempt from registration. Not all products and services referenced on this site are available in every state, jurisdiction or from every person listed.
Securities offered through Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Member FINRA & SIPC., Headquartered at 80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207. Advisory Services offered through BEAM Wealth Advisors, Inc., a SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. BEAM Wealth Advisors, Inc. is a separate entity from Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments. Joseph Davis, Registered Representative, Aaron Schuler, Jr, Investment Advisor Representative, Beam Wealth Advisors, Inc., Tax services provided by Davis Schuler & Associates, LLC. Advisory services offered by Beam Wealth Advisors. Davis Financial LLC, Beam Wealth Advisors, Inc., Davis Schuler & Associates, LLC, and Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments are separate, unaffiliated entities.