给幸存配偶的建议

When you lose your spouse, there are a number of things to deal with. 你有什么好处? What kinds of expenses and payments are you now subject to? Where is my money coming from and where is it going? These are all questions that you should be asking yourself. The checklist below can help get you started on finding the answers.

• 查看配偶的法律文件. This includes most recent will, trusts, and any other financial documents. Do this in order to identify how your spouse wanted assets distributed and any other financial obligations your spouse might have had like divorce settlements, 孩子的抚养费, 等. 有用的提示... 要找到这些文件，请检查保险箱, 个人文件, or contact your legal professionals like attorney, 会计, 或顾问.

• Know about your spouse's financial assets and obligations. 这包括检查, 储蓄, 和经纪公司账户, 贝博足球app, 养老金, 和退休计划. Obligations include mortgages, credit card debts, loans, 等. 有用的提示... In order to identify assets or tax credits from previous tax periods you should check your spouse's tax returns for the previous year or two. Also, check your spouse's mail for 90 days to be sure you haven't overlooked anything.

• 识别和审查所有保险政策. Notify the insurance company of your spouse's death.

• 检查契约和不动产的所有权. These properties include houses, cars, boats, 等. Deeds and other ownership documents might be required for transferring the properties. 有用的提示... The Registry of Deeds and the Registry of Motor Vehicles in the state where the property is registered can inform you about the requirements for changing ownership.

• Notify credit card companies of the death and cancel cards. Be sure to find out about any death benefits associated with the card, 如果有任何, 取消其他服务和会员资格, 就像手机, 健身卡, 等.

• 访问 www.ssa.政府 学习社会保障. 找出对你有哪些好处. You can call (800) 772-1213 to discuss your personal situation with a representative.

• 查看配偶的员工手册. Here you should find details about employee benefits. Also meet with a company representative to discuss available benefits. 问题要问... Was my spouse due any unpaid bonuses, salary, or commission? What is the company's policy regarding medical coverage for survivors? Was my spouse covered by accidental death, travel insurance, or a group life policy?

• Learn about your eligibility and enrollment for medical benefits. If you are over age 65 you are eligible for Medicare. 访问 www.医疗保险.政府 了解你的医疗福利.

• 了解军事福利. If your spouse was in the military, you and your children may be eligible to receive benefits. To learn more about military benefits visit the Web site for the Department of Veteran Affairs at www.va.政府.

• 确定你的收入来源. Review all your 账户 for the past 12 to 24 months. Separately identify each source and then determine how frequently it is received.

• 查看你的开支. 每月回顾一下你的开支, 然后把它们组织成两个列表, “不可或缺的”和“可有可无的." This way if it becomes necessary to cut expenses it will be easier to decide which ones will go.

• 比较收入和支出. If your income exceeds your expenses then you are in good shape. 然而, 如果你花的比你得到的多, you should take another look at your expenses list to decide how you should cut your spending.

• 提前计划. Once you know all about your spouse's finances it is time to plan for your financial future.

• 把不同的钱分开保管. If your spouse maintained 账户 as separate property, 有独立的财产收入, 或者有任何其他形式的独立货币, 账户, 投资, 等., do not mix any of these assets with your assets. If you have questions about this, ask your spouse's executor or personal representative.

 

This article is provided by 贝博足球app下载 for informational purposes only. Neither 贝博足球app下载, AARP nor its affiliates provide tax, legal, financial or accounting advice. Please consult your own professional for advice specific to your circumstances.