Taking Care of Business in Widowhood

It can be hard to know where to even begin with all the things that need to be done. Our videos, e-courses, and resources can help guide you through what comes next.

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Videos

What Do I Do Now?

The first thing to do is know that it’s okay to not know what to do. You aren’t required to figure out or make sense of everything, or anything, right now.

Build Your New Support Network

One of the things that may change when you become widowed is your relationship with some of the people in your life, so it’s not uncommon to build a new support network.

Your Person’s Belongings

Determining what to do with your spouse or partner’s belongings after they die can be incredibly painful and hard.

Reclaiming Your Space

When you feel ready, reclaiming your space can bring deep emotional benefits.

E-Course

Ultimate Survival Guide for Widows logo

The Ultimate Survival Guide for Widows

If your overwhelm is at an all-time high because you’re struggling to tame the list of things you need to do after your spouse dies and you’re paralyzed with indecison about what tasks to complete first, when to complete them, and how to get it all done, don’t worry. This comprehensive online course can help!

Brought to you by Widow 411, this course was designed for widows who are desperate for tools to complete the crushing list of things you need to do after your spouse dies.

When enrolling, use coupon code SAVE50 for a $50 discount!

Widow 411 logo

Safety and Security

Feeling Safe and Secure in Your Space

One of the many secondary losses you may experience after your spouse or partner dies is a loss of your sense of safety and security.

Safety and Security Tip Sheet

Free Download

It’s important to know that there are many things you can do, both big and small, to feel more safe and secure. Download our Safety and Security Tip Sheet for useful suggestions and resources.

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Safety and Security Reading List

There are many excellent books available that offer thoughtful guidance, practical advice, and step-by-step strategies to help improve your sense of physical safety and security. Several of our top picks are included below.

Widow University is reader-supported. This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn commissions from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links. Thank you for your support, which helps us pay operating costs for our site.

The Safety Trap: A Security Expert’s Secrets for Staying Safe in a Dangerous World book cover

The Safety Trap: A Security Expert’s Secrets for Staying Safe in a Dangerous World

by Spencer Coursen

Read Book

The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence book cover

The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence

by Gavin De Becker

Read Book

Street Smart Safety for Women: Your Guide to Defensive Living book cover

Street Smart Safety for Women: Your Guide to Defensive Living

by Joy Farrow and Laura Frombach

Read Book

Survive the Unthinkable: A Total Guide to Women’s Self-Protection book cover

Survive the Unthinkable: A Total Guide to Women’s Self-Protection

by Tim Larkin

Read Book

Spotting Danger Before It Spots You: Build Situational Awareness To Stay Safe book cover

Spotting Danger Before It Spots You: Build Situational Awareness To Stay Safe

by Gary Dean Quesenberry

Read Book

Sharp Women: Embrace Your Intuition, Build Your Situational Awareness, and Live Life Unafraid book cover

Sharp Women: Embrace Your Intuition, Build Your Situational Awareness, and Live Life Unafraid

by Kelly Sayre

Read Book

Support Resources

Wings for Widows

Guiding Widowed People to Financial Wellness

Wings for Widows helps widowed people navigate the trauma of loss to regain financial stability, which leads to family stability and a chance for a brighter future. There is no cost for their services.

Savvy Ladies

Championing Women’s Empowerment Through Financial Knowledge

Savvy Ladies offers free, unbiased advice from certified professionals to women 18+. Their volunteers answer questions covering family finances, budgeting, debt, retirement, investing, and more.

FindHelp

Help Starts Here

Find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more. Search by your ZIP Code to locate resources in your geographic area.

TaskRabbit

Book Trusted Help for Home Tasks

There’s someone nearby who is ready, willing, and able to help, without delay. Let Taskers help tackle your to-do list, help around the house, assemble furniture, do yardwork and landscaping, or help you move.

Reading List

Below you’ll find a carefully curated list of books that can help guide you through getting things done.

Widow University is reader-supported. This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn commissions from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links. Thank you for your support, which helps us pay operating costs for our site.

Financial, Legal, and Logistical

On Your Own: A Widow’s Guide to Emotional and Financial Well-Being book cover

On Your Own: A Widow’s Guide to Emotional and Financial Well-Being

by Alexandra Armstrong and Mary R. Donahue

Read Book

Death’s Red Tape: Your Guide for Navigating Legal, Financial, and Personal Transitions When a Partner Dies book cover

Death’s Red Tape: Your Guide for Navigating Legal, Financial, and Personal Transitions When a Partner Dies

by Mark Colgan

Read Book

What To Do When Your Loved One Dies: A Step-by-Step Practical & Legal Guide book cover

What To Do When Your Loved One Dies: A Step-by-Step Practical & Legal Guide

by George Koons III

Read Book

After the Death of Your Spouse: Next Financial Steps for Surviving Spouses book cover

After the Death of Your Spouse: Next Financial Steps for Surviving Spouses

by Mike Piper

Read Book

When Someone Dies: The Practical Guide to the Logistics of Death book cover

When Someone Dies: The Practical Guide to the Logistics of Death

by Scott Taylor Smith with Michael Castleman

Read Book


Home Repair and Maintenance

I Can Fix Sh*t Myself: The Complete Handywoman Guide To Home Repairs book cover

I Can Fix Sh*t Myself: The Complete Handywoman Guide To Home Repairs

by Lisa Cacace

Read Book

Dare to Repair: A Do-it-Herself Guide to Fixing (Almost) Anything in the Home book cover

Dare to Repair: A Do-it-Herself Guide to Fixing (Almost) Anything in the Home

by J. Sussman and S. Glakas-Tenet

Read Book

How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home book cover

How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home

by Charlie Wing

Read Book

100 Things Every Homeowner Must Know book cover

100 Things Every Homeowner Must Know

by Family Handyman Magazine

Read Book

Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement book cover

Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement

by Editors of Creative Homeowner

Read Book

YouTube Channels

These YouTube channels offer a wide variety of useful tips, how-tos, and repairs.

See Jane Drill

Topics include how to use tools; anchors, toggle bolts, and fasteners; DIY auto maintenance and repair; fittings and fixtures; and plumbing pipes.

DIYHIPChicks

Topics include how to open a caulk tube; toilet repair; using a cordless trimmer; and turning off the toilet water supply.

Everyday Home Repairs

Topics include home plumbing basics; electrical basics; garage door openers; and window blinds.

Fix This House

Topics include caulking how-to; air conditioning how-to; lawn care; and garage how-to.

Home Repair Tutor

Topics include home appliance maintenance; how to use tools; carpentry; electrical; and plumbing.

FIX IT Home Improvement

Topics include painting tips; ant tips; drill tips; and furnace troubleshooting.

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