• COMMUNICATIONS •
All About The Numbers
- THE AFP BLOG -
We've found that it is not just the numbers that drive planning...
so here are some thoughts
we would like to share
that may help you on your financial journey.
What Needs to Happen When a Loved One Dies?
September 12, 2025
We often say that financial planning is not all about numbers. This could not be truer than when, as a financial planning firm, we are walking alongside a client who has lost a loved one or helping a family member through the loss of one of our clients.
Rarely is one able to think clearly when they are grieving and feeling emotionally overwhelmed. During such times, the weight of financial matters can feel especially heavy. We see that much of the added stress comes from not knowing what to do next, particularly if the loss has been sudden and unexpected. As much as we try to prepare our clients for such an event, no one is ever totally prepared, especially one’s loved ones. This is where we often step in to help guide and be a resource.
Dealing with a loved one’s estate requires clarity, organization, and compassion at a time when all of those things can feel difficult to access. That’s why we believe that the more you know and can communicate with your loved ones, the smoother this transition can be for your family. There are some simple steps that can be taken in advance to ease the process. This may allow more space for family members to focus on what truly matters—honoring and remembering the person they’ve lost.
Each professional plays a unique and important role during this transition:
- The Estate Attorney helps families navigate the legal complexities that follow a loss. From ensuring that wills and trusts are properly executed, to guiding survivors through probate, to resolving debts and distributing assets, the attorney provides the legal clarity needed when emotions can cloud decision-making. Their role is to protect your wishes and make sure your loved ones don’t face unnecessary legal burdens.
- The Funeral Director walks with families in the immediate days after a loss, helping them plan a meaningful service that honors their loved one’s life. They also handle the many logistical details—filing necessary documents, coordinating with cemeteries or crematories, and supporting families with decisions that often feel overwhelming. Their guidance allows families to focus on grieving, remembering, and being together, rather than worrying about what needs to be done.
- The Financial Planner bridges the personal, legal, and financial aspects of loss. This may include helping to transfer accounts and insurance policies, guiding surviving family members through benefit claims, creating ways to honor their loved one, and finding a new path forward for a spouse or other family members. More importantly, the financial planner helps clients prepare ahead of time—organizing documents, clarifying wishes, and making sure loved ones know where to turn when the time comes. This preparation is an act of love, easing stress and confusion during a difficult time.
Our hope is that by starting these conversations now, you can ease future burdens for both yourself and your family. Preparing today—before experiencing the pain of loss—can make tomorrow’s path more manageable and filled with a greater sense of peace.
Knowing how important this is for our clients, AFP will be hosting a program,” From Grief to Guidance: Next Steps After a Loss,” to have a conversation around this topic. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at www.AlexanderFinancialPlanning.com.
AUTHOR:
Nathan Swab, CFP®, AWMA® and Teri R. Alexander, CFP®, MSFP, CeFT®, AIF®
Alexander Financial Planning, Inc.
RETURN TO BLOG ARCHIVE
Our knowledge
is your power.
As true "life planning enthusiasts", we pride ourselves on sharing our insights
with the community at large.
Get the latest from AFP,
delivered straight to your inbox.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Let our passion for what matters
most to you open new possibilities
in your life story.
LET'S CONNECT
At AFP, we help enrich your life story through thoughtful and effective financial life planning.
SUBSCRIBE TO
OUR E-NEWSLETTER.
Get the latest news and
information from AFP,
delivered straight to your inbox.