Money Fix: The death of a spouse

What do you do when your spouse dies and suddenly you're flying solo?

"While the death of a spouse is emotionally devastating, it is also a key financial moment," says Benjamin Sullivan, a certified financial planner with Palisades Hudson Financial Group in Scarsdale.

Despite your grief, there is much to do.

This is just the beginning of the to-do list. But, says Carriero, "Don't be rushed or pressured into anything during this difficult time which makes you lose sleep at night. Take your time making decisions."