I recently lost my spouse. Where do I start?

Start with what has to happen in the next 90 days — usually notifying Social Security, filing for survivor benefits, and retitling accounts. Bigger decisions can wait. We help walk you through the sequence.

How does Social Security work for a surviving spouse?

A surviving spouse can generally step up to the deceased spouse's benefit if it's higher, subject to age and remarriage rules. Timing matters.

I've never handled the money. Is that a problem?

Not at all. We meet you where you are, at whatever pace works, and we're happy to include adult children or a trusted friend in meetings.

Do you work with divorced women?

Yes. We help review property settlements, QDROs, and eligibility for benefits based on a former spouse's Social Security record.

(602) 753-4244 info@solutionsfirstgroup.com14614 N Kierland Blvd, Suite N330, Scottsdale, AZMon–Thu 9–5 · Fri 9–2 MSTMon–Thu 9a–5p · Fri 9a–2p MST · By appointment

Schedule

Women & Retirement

Retirement planning that reflects the realities women actually face

Longer lifespans, potential widowhood, career gaps, and caregiving responsibilities all deserve a plan built with them in mind.

Book a no-cost Strategy Session

A confident mature woman reviewing her personal retirement plan with a female advisor

What's included

A written plan built around your goals — clear, coordinated, and in writing.

Longevity Planning

Women statistically live longer than men, meaning income plans need to account for a longer horizon and a higher chance of solo years in retirement.

Survivor & Widow Support

Coordinate Social Security survivor benefits, pension elections, and account retitling — often during an already difficult time.

Career-Gap Modeling

Adjust plans for years away from full-time earnings due to caregiving, so projections reflect actual working history.

Clear, Unhurried Conversations

We take the time to explain each option in plain English. There are no bad questions, and nothing is rushed.

Our process

Simple, transparent, and never rushed.

01
Discovery Call
A brief conversation to understand your goals, timeline, and current situation.
02
Strategy Session
A no-cost 45-minute review with Joe covering income, taxes, protection, and legacy gaps.
03
Written Plan
You receive a clear, written roadmap outlining recommendations, trade-offs, and next steps.
04
Implementation & Reviews
We help implement the plan and revisit it as life, markets, and tax law change.

Ready to see how this looks for your household?

Your Strategy Session is at no cost and no obligation. Bring your questions — we'll bring the analysis.

Schedule Now

Frequently asked

Answers to what people ask us most.

What you can expect

Straight answers, in writing, without pressure.

A 45-minute no-cost Strategy Session with Joe Donti
Clear written recommendations — no heavy product pitch
Coordination with your CPA and attorney where relevant
By-appointment scheduling — never a call-center handoff

Plan your next step

Independent retirement income, tax, and legacy planning — in person by appointment or by secure video.

Request a Retirement Plan Review

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Local planning, close to home

Paradise Valley, AZ

Discreet, by-appointment planning for PV families.

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