Frequently Asked Questions

Our financial coaching services are offered through an affordable membership model, ranging from $9/month to a maximum of $199 for three months of personalized coaching with a CFP®. At Wings for Widows, we are driven by the belief that every person facing the journey of widowhood deserves access to quality financial guidance and support. We understand that professional financial advice can be costly, which is why we are committed to offering expert coaching at rates far below typical costs.

For those who may still find these costs difficult to manage, we offer the Project CARES Scholarship Fund, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent anyone from receiving the support they need. Our goal is to make professional financial advice as accessible as possible, helping you navigate your path forward with confidence and security. We remain dedicated to ensuring that everyone can access the guidance they need during such a crucial time.

Absolutely, all our volunteer financial coaches are not only licensed but also bring a wealth of experience to their roles. Each coach is a registered, practicing or retired financial advisor who has chosen to dedicate part of their time to supporting widowed individuals through their financial recovery journey. Our coaches are deeply committed to our mission and understand the critical need for their expertise during such a vulnerable time.

What sets our coaches apart is their Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification, recognized as the “gold standard” in financial planning. This ensures that you are receiving guidance from professionals with the highest level of expertise and ethical standards. Additionally, our coaches undergo specialized training at Wings for Widows, equipping them with unique tools, processes, and materials designed to meet the specific needs of the newly widowed. This combination of experience, dedication, and specialized training ensures our coaches are uniquely positioned to provide the superior support and advice you deserve.

A Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional is a distinction granted by the CFP® Board of Standards, signifying a high level of proficiency and ethics in financial planning. Unlike the term “financial planner,” which can be used by virtually anyone, the title of CFP® professional is reserved for those who have met the Board’s stringent qualifications. This includes completing rigorous educational requirements, acquiring significant experience in financial planning services, and passing a comprehensive examination.

CFP® professionals are also committed to upholding high ethical standards, ensuring that they act in the best interest of their clients at all times. This certification is not merely a title; it is a pledge to maintain the integrity and quality of financial planning.

At Wings for Widows, we recognize the value and expertise that CFP® certified coaches bring to those navigating financial uncertainty post-loss. That is why we exclusively engage coaches who have earned this prestigious certification, ensuring that the financial coaching and advice you receive comes from highly qualified and ethical professionals.

Yes, we ask that you sign a letter of agreement, which serves to clarify the expectations and scope of your financial coaching experience with us. This is not a binding contract but rather a mutual understanding of the journey we’re embarking on together. It’s important to us that you feel comfortable and informed about the process. While our services are offered through an affordable membership model, there’s no obligation to see the coaching engagement through to completion. However, we do encourage you to take full advantage of your membership plan, and the support and guidance offered. Our aim is to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to navigate your financial future with confidence.

We created the Financial Wellness Survey to help newly widowed individuals gain a sense of where they stand in addressing the important financial matters that arise after the loss of a spouse. This 30-question survey results in a Wellness Score, which reflects your financial health at a specific point in time. The results are emailed to you, providing insight into your current financial situation and helping you determine if financial coaching is right for you.

After completing the Financial Wellness Survey, you will be directed to our membership plans page, where you can choose the level of service that best fits your needs. There’s no pressure or obligation; we believe in empowering you to make the decision that’s right for you. Should you decide to work with one of our financial coaches, your Wellness Score will be shared with them to serve as a starting point, helping your coach tailor their support to your specific situation.

Our goal is to ensure that you have the tools and support you need to navigate your financial journey with confidence during this difficult time.

We do not ask for your birthdate, social security number, or other confidential information. None of your responses are ever shared outside of Wings for Widows. Please see our Privacy Policy.

Wings for Widows offers four different membership plans, each designed to meet various needs depending on where you are in your widowhood journey. These plans provide access to critical financial education and support at affordable rates.

The Basic Plan is free and provides access to our Financial Empowerment Center, Resource Center, and the WidowWise Newsletter. This plan is perfect for those looking to equip themselves with essential financial knowledge and gain a solid foundation in financial wellness.

For just $9 per month, the Plus Plan includes all the benefits of the Basic Plan and also grants access to WidowWise University, our comprehensive, self-paced DIY financial coaching program. This plan is ideal for self-starters who prefer to work through their financial journey independently but with access to a wealth of resources.

At $49 per month, the Advanced Plan offers everything in the Plus Plan, along with up to 2 hours of phone or email access to a licensed Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). This plan is suited for those who like to manage their finances on their own but need occasional professional advice.

The Deluxe Plan, priced at $99 per month, provides all the benefits of the Advanced Plan, plus up to 6 hours of comprehensive, hands-on financial coaching with a CFP®. You’ll also have access to custom content and receive special invitations to live webinars, making this plan ideal for those who require more in-depth coaching.

Finally, for $199 over three months, the Premium Plan is designed for those with more complex financial situations. It includes everything in the Deluxe Plan but at a discounted rate, saving you $100. In addition, you’ll receive a copy of the New Widows' Guide to Financial Wellness to support you on your journey toward financial stability.

These membership plans are designed to provide a range of support options, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your financial needs and goals.

We help both widows and widowers. Losing a spouse and contending with all the practical matters is no different – no easier – for men than it is for women. It’s all new and overwhelming, and men can make the same bad decisions without professional help as women.

Typically, once you’ve been paired with one of our financial coaches, the “engagement” is flexible and lasts as long as you choose to continue. Many clients find that coaching lasts anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on their individual needs and pace. Most virtual meetings are 90 minutes, but every person’s situation is unique, so the timeline can vary greatly.

We work at your pace, understanding that life may bring additional challenges, such as caring for young children, health issues, or relocating. Your financial coach is here to guide you through the many tasks that follow the loss of a spouse, but it’s important to note that the work is collaborative. Your coach provides the guidance and expertise, but you will take the necessary steps to manage your financial matters. How quickly the coaching process is completed depends entirely on your motivation, availability, and personal circumstances.

There’s no set time frame—you have the freedom to decide how long you’d like to continue working with your coach.

Our financial coaching is fully personalized to your unique situation. Throughout the process, we will address a wide range of questions across nine key financial categories, helping you navigate the complexities that arise after the loss of a spouse. While every individual’s journey is different, we have found that many widows and widowers face similar challenges and questions. Our coaching is designed to guide you through those common issues, providing you with the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.

For more details about the specific areas we cover, visit here.

Of course, you can go it alone—many do. There are dozens of financial books on the subject, but working through a 300-page book doesn’t seem like a practical option for most widowed individuals wrestling with grief. There are also plenty of lists available on the internet, but they tell you what to do, not how to do it. You might turn to a trusted friend, clergy member, or bereavement group for financial and legal advice, but are they professionals? Will you be getting fact-based answers or opinions?

The truth is, most widowed individuals seek professional help of some kind. Some rely on their financial advisors, but not everyone has one—that’s where Wings for Widows becomes a valuable resource. When you work with one of our financial coaches, you’ll have an experienced, knowledgeable professional walking alongside you, guiding you through the practical financial matters relevant to your situation. Our coaches help you with specific questions, direct you to trusted resources, assist with taking actionable steps, and ensure you avoid costly mistakes.

When you don’t know who to trust, trust Wings for Widows. We are here to provide fact-based, expert guidance at an affordable cost to help you through this difficult time.

Initially, we gather basic contact information. We never ask for your social security number, birth date, or driver’s license number. We do not collect account numbers, passwords, or online credentials.

If you take our Financial Wellness Survey, the information is stored securely in our contact management system (Monday.com) for one year. If you do not engage in our services, your responses are retained for research purposes but are anonymized by detaching them from your name and email address after one year.

If you choose to work with one of our financial coaches, your coach will receive a copy of your Financial Wellness Survey as a starting point for your engagement. This helps them tailor their advice to your unique financial situation. During the coaching engagement, you only need to share as much personal information as you feel comfortable with. Of course, the advice you receive will be based on the information you provide.

We take your privacy and security seriously, ensuring that your personal details are protected throughout your journey with us.

The information you provide to your coach during the coaching engagement is NOT shared with Wings for Widows. The information Wings for Widows collects initially is never shared beyond Wings for Widows. 

Please see our Privacy Policy.

We used to coach in person, but the pandemic changed that in 2020. As it turns out, our virtual model is far more convenient for both our coaches and clients. Once you're introduced to your financial coach, you'll use whichever virtual platform your coach prefers—whether it’s Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or another option.

During your coaching sessions, you and your coach will follow a structured roadmap using our Financial Coaching Presentation PowerPoint slide deck, which has replaced the old Widow’s Guide. This digital format makes the engagement smoother and more efficient. All the necessary tools—such as fillable forms, checklists, and other resources—are available online and easily downloadable.

Many of our coaches rely on Zoom or similar platforms to connect with clients, and before each session, you’ll receive an invitation and passcode to log on at your scheduled appointment time. You can join the session from any device—computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. The larger your device’s screen, the better your experience, but we’ve successfully coached widows over the phone as well when needed.

One of the great advantages of virtual coaching is the ability to invite family members or friends from anywhere in the world to join you. This is especially helpful for those whose loved ones are not nearby but want to support you. We highly encourage you to surround yourself with family and friends during this process.

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Often, the match is made based on when a coach becomes available. When possible, we attempt to pair you with a coach in your state. If that’s not possible, we try to ensure you and your coach are in the same time zone to make scheduling your sessions easier. 

Regardless, all of our coaches possess the same credentials and training, and we know you’ll have a gratifying experience with whomever you’re assigned.

Yes, once the financial coaching engagement ends, you and your coach are free to pursue a professional relationship. Understand that your coach will never solicit you during the engagement, so if this is something you are interested in, you will have to approach your coach. We ask that this discussion occur after the engagement has concluded, i.e., after your last meeting.