I recently lost my uncle. He moved to Alaska in 1972 and built deep roots in Anchorage. He was strong, stoic, quietly funny, and deeply devoted to my aunt and their three kids. In “Alaska terms,” he was steady, the kind of person who didn’t talk much about plans but always had one.
When he passed, we gathered the way Alaskans do: around kitchen tables, over coffee, with long pauses and shared stories. But almost immediately, the same question surfaced: What do we do next?
Grief has a way of shrinking your capacity. I’ve helped families navigate loss professionally for years, but walking through it personally was a reminder of how disorienting those first days can be. If you find yourself in this moment, here is how we found our footing.
Phase 1: People Before Paperwork
Before accounts or phone calls, focus on one another. Stability matters most when emotions are stretched thin.
- Accept the “Casserole Brigade”: Accept help when it’s offered.
- Be Gentle: Be honest with children and patient with yourself.
- Protect Privacy: Hold off on social media until all close family have been personally informed.
- Press Pause: Avoid making any major life decisions (like selling a home) in the first few weeks.
Phase 2: Handling the Immediate Necessities
Once the initial wave settles, logistics follow. These don’t need to be perfect; they just need to move forward one step at a time.
- Notify Social Security: This is a critical first step.
- Contact Employers: If they were still working, reach out to their HR department.
- Order Death Certificates: Get more copies than you think you need (usually 10+). Many institutions—banks, insurance, and the DMV—will require an original document.
Phase 3: Gather the Basics
What helped our family most was realizing we didn’t need everything at once. We just needed a starting point. Create a single folder for:
- Will or Trust documents.
- ID and Social Security numbers.
- Life insurance policies.
- Recent bank or investment statements.
Phase 4: Loop in Your “A-Team”
You don’t have to solve everything yourself. This is the moment to lean on your trusted professionals to ensure nothing important slips through the cracks.
- Financial Advisor: To stabilize cash flow and file insurance claims.
- Estate Attorney: To navigate the legal transition of assets.
- CPA: To handle final tax filings and step-up in basis valuations.
The Alaskan Lesson: Slow Down
Alaska teaches us patience. Seasons change on their own timeline, and grief does, too. There is no prize for “wrapping everything up” quickly. In fact, rushing often leads to financial and emotional regret.
At Alaska Wealth Advisors, our role is to carry the financial weight so you can focus on what truly matters: remembering, healing, and taking care of one another. If you are navigating a major life transition, we are here to provide the steady hand you need.
Dave Valdez, CWS®, CLU®, ChFC®, AIF®
Chief Strategy Officer
Alaska Wealth Advisors, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Alaska Wealth Advisors’ investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2 and/or Form CRS, both of which are available upon request.
