Loss Of A Loved One

2026 · LOSS OF A LOVED ONE
Contact a funeral home or memorial service provider to begin making arrangements.Locate any funeral or burial instructions, if your loved one documented their wishes in advance.TAKE CARE OF IMMEDIATE ARRANGEMENTSDocument important conversations and steps taken, including institutions contacted and next steps.Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult. While many decisions can wait, there are a few important steps that may need attention in the days following their passing.Request 10+ certified copies of the death certificate, which will be needed when notifying financial institutions and transferring accounts. Locate important identifying information, such as Social Security number, date of birth, and place of birth.OBTAIN OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATIONEnsure the home, vehicles, and other property are secure, including any safes or storage units.Locate important documents, such as wills, trusts, insurance policies, and financial account information.SECURE PROPERTY AND IMPORTANT ITEMSConfirm that the Social Security Administration has been notified and ask about any remaining benefit payments.Inform your loved one’s employer, if they were still working.Contact life insurance companies to begin the claims process, if applicable.NOTIFY KEY ORGANIZATIONSLocate contact information for and notify your loved one's financial advisor, attorney, and tax professional, if applicable.Identify the executor or personal representative responsible for managing the estate.COORDINATE WITH TRUSTED ADVISORSKEEP RECORDSThis to-do item may be higher priority or more time-sensitive than others.Lean on family, friends, and your support network during this difficult time.Remember that many financial and legal matters can be addressed later.TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
© fpPathfinder.com. Licensed for the sole use of Chris Balcerowiak of Creative Retirement Solutions Group. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Updated 08/01/2026.
(877) 907-8625 Team@CRSGfamily.com PlanSaveRetire.net

Creative Retirement Solutions Group is a member firm of The Fiduciary Alliance, LLC, which is an Investment Adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Fiduciary Alliance’s business operations, services, and fees are available at the SEC’s investment adviser public information website www.adviserinfo.sec.gov or from The Fiduciary Alliance upon request.


Chris Balcerowiak, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner
14460 Lakeside Circle, Suite 140 Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Chris@CRSGfamily.com | (877)907-8625 | www.PlanSaveRetire.net, www.CreativeRetirementSolutionsGroup.com