Candid Conversations: Suddenly Single

Serving a financial planning client who has recently experienced the loss of a spouse, because of a death or divorce, takes nuance and compassion, and the need for this skill set is rising. We’ve created Candid Conversations: Suddenly Single to provide thoughtful guidance on how to do it well. This practical resource was developed in collaboration with advisors, financial counselors, and other experts in this space, covering:

• What to say (and what not to say) when working with a client who is coping with the loss of a spouse
• How our brains handle emotional trauma and stress, and how to adapt
• Common planning blind spots for surviving spouses and those going through divorce
• Considerations for building a referral network for clients who are suddenly single

Guiding the Suddenly Single: A Growing Need

A 2x rate of gray divorce. Nearly 36 percent of divorces now involve couples at ages 50 or older—double the rate of two decades ago.¹

A 6-year life expectancy gap between U.S. men and women. Women now live an average of 5.8 years longer than men (79.3 vs. 73.5 years), up from a 4.8-year gap in 2010.²

A 38% increase in Americans 65+. The U.S. population age 65+ is projected to double by 2040, reaching 80.8 million, largely due to aging Baby Boomers.³

Download our FREE eBook to learn how to create a safe space in your planning practice for clients going through a major life transition.

Sources:

¹American Psychological Association. “More Couples Are Divorcing after Age 50 than Ever Before,” November 2023.

²USAFacts. “Do Women Live Longer than Men in the U.S.?,” September 2023.

³U.S. Administration for Community Living and the Administration on Aging. “2021 Profile of Older Americans,” November 2022.