Losing a loved one: the money checklist.

Make no major money decisions for six months

Selling the house, investing a payout, relocating: none of it has a deadline. The urgent list is short: bills, benefits, and filings. Everything else can wait until the fog lifts.

Claim every survivor benefit

Social Security survivor benefits, the lump-sum death payment, pensions, life insurance, and VA benefits all require applying. None arrive automatically. Start with a call to Social Security.

Notify creditors, but don't pay from your pocket

Debts generally belong to the estate, not the survivors, unless you co-signed or live in a community property state. Collectors sometimes imply otherwise; the estate settles first.

Learn the probate basics before hiring anyone

Small estates often qualify for simplified procedures, and accounts with named beneficiaries skip probate entirely. Knowing which bucket you're in shapes how much legal help you need.

Retitle accounts, property, and vehicles

Joint accounts, the deed, car titles, and even utilities need updating. Doing it methodically prevents frozen accounts and surprises at renewal time.

Handle inherited retirement accounts carefully

Most non-spouse heirs must empty an inherited IRA within 10 years, while spouses have more options. The wrong first move can be irreversible, so learn the rules before withdrawing.

Mind the final tax filings

The deceased needs a final income tax return, and larger estates may need their own. A surviving spouse can generally still file jointly for the year of death.