Retirement Radio

When a spouse passes away, the emotional toll is obvious—but the financial “whammies” can be just as disruptive: a lower Social Security benefit may disappear, tax filing status changes, Medicare decisions shift, and beneficiary and estate documents need immediate attention. In this episode of Safer Retirement Radio, Brian Decker and Marc Knauss, CFP(R) break down the practical steps families should understand before a loss happens, and the priorities to address in the first 30–90 days afterward. They cover how survivor benefits work, why taxes often rise for the surviving spouse, and how proactive planning can reduce administrative headaches and costly mistakes. Key topics discussed: Survivor Social Security basics: notify promptly, benefit coordination, and timing considerations Tax impact after a spouse’s death: filing status changes and why brackets can tighten Medicare and supplemental plan review after becoming widowed Account consolidation, beneficiary updates, and estate document cleanup (trust,