It Isn't The Money

Isn't the money? Pish tish, it certainly is "the money". You can't survive without it. When we are safely and comfortably married to a man who is a good manager, we don't think about, along with him, the removal of his  resources to keep the home going. Two can live more cheaply than one is a true adage.  When your spouse is gone, the family, home and car costs continue; there are insurances and maintenance. These are significantly high especially when both pensions have been the past main source of income. Widows are often left not only with the job of managing the household,  they are left with underfunding.  Some turn to their families to run their affairs, but others prefer to do it themselves. I recommend the latter unless there is serious illness or physical inability. Giving up is not a good idea. It's like opting out of life because your husband died. That's as bad as burning yourself on a funeral pyre. Previously,  I lived in a complacent world where everything was taken care of by my husband. Other than trying to be practical, there was always money available. When my dear one left, of necessity, out came the ledgers and budgets and I rolled up my sleeves and learned how to do it all by using the templates available. There were tears I have to admit but after a couple of learning years, I now manage, and have even developed a new system. It may not be as professional as the former plan but it works for me. The message is: learn money management ladies before it is forced on you. Most of us end up alone at the end of life and we need to feel as whole beings, responsible for ourselves.