Overview
A retirement plan should work for both spouses. It should also work for the surviving spouse.
Survivor planning helps couples review what changes financially after the first death, including income, taxes, estate documents, account access, beneficiaries, insurance, and household responsibilities.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for married couples, long-term partners, retirees, pre-retirees, and families who want to reduce confusion for the surviving spouse.
What the full guide covers
01Income after first death
02Social Security and pensions
03Taxes and filing status
05Beneficiaries and titling
Preview checklist
The full PDF includes the complete checklist and more detailed planning explanations.
- List all income sources
- Identify what stops at first death
- Review Social Security survivor rules
- Review pension survivor options
- Estimate surviving spouse expenses
- Review tax filing status impact
- Confirm account access
- Organize passwords and documents
Full PDF Resource
Get the full Survivor Planning Checklist PDF.
This page gives you the overview. The full PDF goes deeper with the planning framework, checklists, examples of questions to review, and next-step organization.
Submitting this request does not establish an advisory relationship. The PDF is educational only and is not individualized investment, tax, legal, or insurance advice.
Common questions
When should survivor planning be done?
Before it is needed. The best time to review income, documents, and account access is while both spouses can participate.
Does survivor planning replace estate planning?
No. Survivor planning coordinates financial issues. Estate documents should be prepared and reviewed by a qualified attorney.
Should both spouses attend planning meetings?
When possible, yes. Both spouses should understand the plan.
Educational only. This guide is for educational purposes only and is not individualized investment, tax, legal, or insurance advice. High Tide Advisory LLC provides non-discretionary investment advisory and financial planning services only pursuant to a written advisory agreement. Tax preparation or tax-related services, when applicable, may be provided through High Tide Tax Solutions LLC under a separate engagement. Insurance implementation, when applicable, may be provided through BJB Insurance Solutions LLC for separate compensation. Clients are not required to use either affiliated entity. Consult qualified tax and legal professionals before making tax or estate planning decisions.
