There are organizations for widows, run by other widows, exactly aimed at this problem. One of the best in my area is "Resourceful Women" (get it? Resource-FULL Women? Women with lots of resources?). Their website is http://www.resourcefulwomen.org/
Typical Resourceful Women story: The husband is financially very successful, he makes a bunch of money and manages it himself (not wanting to burden or bother his spouse with the grubby details and time commitment of money management). Then he croaks. Now the wife ("widow") has got control of the money but no earthly idea what to do next. Worried about being easy prey for slick salesmen and crooked promoters, these widows band together and run educational seminars for each other, with the goal of self-sufficiency.
They also refer one another to trusted advisors. Betty has had excellent results with money manager Mike, never feels pressured, and over the past six years has formed the opinion that Mike is honest. So when Alice asks Betty whether she knows of a trustworthy advisor, Betty replies "Sure, call my guy Mike, he's done well for me and I trust him."
Maybe there's a similar organization in your area. To find out, speak with female ministers in churches in your town. They know a lot more widows than you do, and widows support groups too.
This is fabulous. Exactly the ideas I 'm looking for. And the calls - perfect. that's what I'm talking about.
Keep them coming. Unless you plan on living forever, that is. I am, but then again, I'm blessed. I've got this little pain in my chest, is all. But it's nothinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn..........uh.
