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Financial Stewardship Through Loss: Understanding Social Security Survivor Benefits

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When you are walking through the "grief fog," the last thing you want to do is navigate a government website. Yet, for many widows and widowers, Social Security Survivor Benefits are a critical piece of the "Four Walls" of your new financial reality. In my coaching, I always tell clients: A budget is simply a plan for your mission. But to make that plan, you first need to understand the resources God has provided for your journey. The Basics: What Are Survivor Benefits? Think of Social Security not just as a retirement fund, but as a life insurance policy provided by your spouse’s years of hard work and taxes. These benefits provide monthly payments to help support the family left behind. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA) , here is who is typically eligible to receive these benefits: Widows/Widowers: You can receive full benefits at your full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if you have a disability). Caring for ...
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Stability in the Storm: Reviewing Insurance and Assets After Loss

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In the wake of losing a spouse or family member, your world feels like it’s spinning. Y our natural instinct is to take charge, or shut down and the sheer volume of "what-ifs" can lead to decision fatigue. The first rule of stewardship in grief is this: Focus on stabilization, not speculation. Before you decide what to do with the house or where to move, you must identify and secure the resources that provide your "Four Walls." This starts with a clear, calm review of insurance, bank accounts, and retirement funds. 1. Life Insurance: Securing the Safety Net Life insurance is the "provision" your spouse worked for to ensure you wouldn't have to make desperate choices during a crisis. Find the Policies: Check home filing systems, safe deposit boxes, and look through bank statements for premium payments. If you’re stuck, use the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator . Initiate the Claim: You don't need a lawyer to do this. Call the claims department, ...
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Is There a "Hidden Inheritance" Waiting for You? How to Find Unclaimed Money

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Have you ever found a twenty-dollar bill in the pocket of a coat you haven't worn in years? It’s a great feeling. Now, imagine finding a forgotten utility deposit, an uncashed paycheck from a summer job, or an old bank account from a state you haven't lived in for a decade. According to the government, there are billions of dollars in unclaimed property just sitting in state and federal vaults, waiting for the rightful owners to claim it.  Here is how you can go on a "treasure hunt" for your family’s missing money using official, free resources. 1. The State Treasure Chest Most unclaimed money is held at the state level. When a business (like a bank or an insurance company) loses track of you, they are legally required to turn your money over to the state’s unclaimed property office. How to Search: Start at USA.gov/unclaimed-money . This site provides a direct map and links to every state's official treasury website. MissingMoney.com: Most states participate in...
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From Conflict to Covenant: Why Combining Finances is the Key to Winning with Money

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Let’s be honest: the first time you sit down to talk about money, it’s probably going to create some friction. You might be eyeing a new 4K TV for the den, while she’s convinced the living room desperately needs new pillows. It’s easy to view these moments as a headache, but for the Kingdom Man, this is where true leadership begins. We all live with a limited amount of time and finances. The goal isn't just to "balance the books"—it’s to build financial intimacy with your spouse. Why "Winning Together" Requires One Account I often see couples try to maintain "financial independence" within a marriage—separate accounts, separate bills, and separate secrets. But if you want to win with money, you have to be on the same team.  When you merge your accounts, you eliminate the "roommate" dynamic. You can't truly fight debt or build a legacy if you are pulling in different directions. By pooling your resources, you create a larger "snowball...
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