Losing a spouse is one of life’s most painful experiences, and in the midst of grief, surviving partners are often faced with overwhelming financial decisions. From settling estates to adjusting to changes in income, the process can feel like an impossible burden to carry alone. Without a plan in place, surviving spouses may find themselves vulnerable to financial missteps at a time when clarity is hardest to find.

In this episode, SHP Financial’s Derek Gregoire and Alina Osokhovska explore the critical importance of financial planning for widows. With years of experience guiding families through difficult transitions, Alina explains how proper planning can bring stability, reduce stress, and provide widows with the confidence to focus on healing rather than paperwork.

In this conversation, Derek and Alina unpack the key financial considerations after the loss of a spouse, from estate settlement and tax bracket changes to Social Security benefits and cash flow adjustments. They also discuss proactive strategies for couples to ensure that if the unthinkable happens, surviving spouses are not left unprotected.

Whether you are preparing for the future or currently walking through loss, this episode offers compassionate guidance and practical steps to ease the burden during one of life’s most difficult transitions.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why women are statistically more likely to become widows and the financial challenges that come with it.
• The critical first steps when settling an estate after the loss of a spouse.
• How income and cash flow change when pensions, Social Security, or other benefits are reduced or lost.
• The hidden tax consequences widows often face and how proactive planning can help mitigate them.
• Advanced planning strategies for couples, including estate exemptions, step-up in basis, and inherited IRA considerations.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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Death is one of life’s certainties, yet it remains one of the hardest subjects to talk about. Many families avoid end-of-life conversations out of fear, discomfort, or superstition. Unfortunately, this avoidance can lead to increased stress, resentment, and regret when the time comes to make critical decisions. So how do we make the process smoother, less overwhelming, and more meaningful?

In this episode, Matthew Peck is joined by Aimee Yawnick, a practicing death doula and founder of Leaving in Love. Drawing from her personal journey, Aimee shares what it means to “hold space” at the end-of-life, how to navigate powerful emotions such as grief, guilt, and even relief, and why these conversations are the greatest gift we can give to loved ones.

We also discussed Aimee’s six-week course, What Matters Most, which guides participants through a process of envisioning their final 90 days. From legacy letters and videos to healing old relationships, Aimee explains how facing mortality can change the way we live — and not just how we prepare to die.

Whether you’re in retirement, caring for an aging loved one, or looking for ways to get started with end-of-life planning, this conversation has a ton of valuable insights that will help you and others navigate this challenging aspect of life and death.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• What a death doula is and the value they add for families.
• Why avoiding conversations about death often creates a bigger burden for loved ones.
• How “holding space” provides comfort and calm during life’s most difficult moments.
• The importance of legacy planning through letters, videos, and rituals.
• How the What Matters Most course helps people align values with end-of-life decisions.
• Why planning early and before a crisis leads to greater peace of mind.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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Graduation marks an exciting new chapter for young professionals, but for those eyeing a career in financial planning, the path forward can feel uncertain. What are the skills that investment firms are looking for? Which licenses and designations matter most? And how do you land that first opportunity in a highly competitive field?

Today, Matthew Peck welcomes back returning guest Raphael Hanna to share his journey from Stonehill College to SHP Financial. Drawing from his own early experiences, Raphael reveals how internships, networking, and a willingness to adapt shaped his career path. He also explains the difference between independent advisory firms and other industry models, why relationship-building is as important as technical skills, and how to decide where you want to specialize.

In this conversation, you’ll learn the difference between independent advisory firms and other industry models, why relationship-building is as important as technical skills, and how to decide where you want to specialize.

Whether you’re a recent grad, a career changer, or simply curious about what it takes to thrive in financial planning, this episode provides a blueprint to start off on the right track and build a career that lasts.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why networking can make or break your early career.
• The important licenses every new advisor should consider obtaining.
• How to choose the right firm for your career goals.
• The pros and cons of independent vs. traditional advisory models.
• How professional designations like the CFP® can set you apart.
• The best ways to explore career paths within financial services.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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