Suddenly Single: When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Some of the most important financial conversations are also the hardest ones to have.In this episode of Money Made Simple, Mike and Nick Lockwood step into a reality many families face but few feel prepared for. What happens when a spouse passes away or a marriage ends, and one person is suddenly left to navigate a financial life they were never fully involved in?Drawing from personal experience and years of working with widows, widowers, and individuals going through divorce, Mike and Nick walk through both the emotional and financial sides of becoming suddenly single. This is not just about accounts and documents. It is about grief, uncertainty, and the overwhelming question most people ask in that moment. What do I do now?The conversation focuses on helping listeners slow things down and take the next right step. From understanding what you have, to identifying what needs immediate attention, to thinking through income changes and long-term stability, the episode provides a framework for navigating an incredibly difficult transition. It also highlights the importance of preparation for those who are still married, encouraging couples to communicate, stay involved, and ensure both partners understand the full financial picture.At its core, this episode is about more than planning. It is about protecting the people you love, reducing confusion in moments of crisis, and making sure no one is left to figure everything out alone.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction3:10 - This is personal for us6:10 - What a financial leader is doing regularly15:15 - You've lost your spouse. Where to start? 18:40 - What do I even have? 21:10 - What do I need to do right now? 27:06 - What changes and what stays the same? 32:56 - Lean on the support of your wealth manager36:25 - Get your copy of Decision Decade37:50 - Closing remarks