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Life Event Assistant
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SOLUTIONS

First of all, please accept our sincere condolences. Though we may not have personally experienced the same kind of loss, most of us have felt the pain and grief of family or friends who have gone through a similar situation. We're very sorry for the loss you are feeling right now.

Losing a loved one is emotionally draining and overwhelming. Yet, as the surviving spouse, there are still many important financial considerations after immediate arrangements are made with the help of family. Please allow us to help you determine your choices with your...


Home
Allow an appropriate amount of time to pass before deciding to move or sell. You'll want to make an informed decision based less on emotion or fear and more on financial considerations. If you decide to keep the homestead, consider a refinance. Refinancing your home could lower your payment to fit your current single income circumstance.

Insurance proceeds
Reinvesting any life insurance proceeds should be carefully considered. Having professional advice during this difficult time is critical to keeping your estate healthy and meeting your independent living goals.

Change in marital status
Changing titles on your assets, claiming your spouse's retirement accounts or life insurance policies, and updating your insurance policies and beneficiaries should be discussed with financial professionals. Extraco has financial advisors on staff to help you make informed decisions and to checklist all areas in need of change.

Portfolio
The death of a spouse may mean a reduction in income. It's important that you take a look at your retirement investments with a financial advisor to ensure they match your current goals, timeframe and risk.

Personal savings plan
If you've been saving for your child or grandchild's education, let Extraco show you ways to sustain your support. Options such as an regular sweep from a checking or Money Market Investment account or interest sweep from CDs can be a wonderful way to continue your contributions, even at a reduced rate, if necessary.

Joint checking account
Sharing money throughout your marriage requires trust and financial communication. When your spouse dies you become the legal owner of the joint checking account. Transferring legal ownership of the account to your name is important. To do so requires a copy of the death certificate and a visit with your Extraco Relationship Banker. You may also need to notify a retirement payment agency such as the Social Security Office. This will help you avoid incorrect payments of a direct deposit or automatic draft coming into or out of the joint checking account.

If you are not a joint owner on the account, then your rights and/or access cease to exist. The administrator of the estate will be provided all information concerning the joint account. However, if the account has a named or designated beneficiary, the funds would be paid to the beneficiary once the death certificate is submitted.