Understand the complex rules of Social Security survivor benefits. Learn who is eligible, how much you can receive, and the steps to take after a loved one passes.

In many instances, spouses execute what is referred to as reciprocal wills. What this means is that each spouse designates the other as the entire beneficiary or the primary beneficiary of their ...

The widow's penalty can reduce your Social Security income after a spouse dies. Learn how this works, why it happens, and ...

It's of course very difficult to lose your spouse — and some survivors may also have to deal with the shock of higher taxes after their wife or husband dies. That's because after a partner's death, ...

Losing a spouse is an overwhelming experience, and the practical tasks that follow can feel especially daunting. While every ...

A "death binder" (or "death folder") is a place where you keep all of your essential financial documents together. It should ...

Regarding Bambi Vargo’s Sept. 13 letter, “Sherrod Brown fights for pension fairness” on ensuring full pension benefits to surviving teachers and other public employees after their spouse dies: Could ...

Divorce does not automatically change who will inherit your 401k. Make sure you know the rules and update your plans.

The death of a spouse can be devastating, and in the aftermath, calls from collection agencies about medical bills and other debts could not come at a worse time. But surviving spouses may not be ...

Chronic stress from grief can impact the body in several ways. (Getty Images) Becoming a widow or widower can be excruciatingly difficult. Along with deep sadness, feeling lost and having fears about ...

Debt collectors may pressure surviving spouses to pay debts they are not legally responsible for. It is important to understand which debts transfer to a surviving spouse, as laws vary by state.

Your beneficiary designation will often control where your IRA goes once you pass away. Make sure you don't leave unintended ...