Karen's Story

When Jeanna Godfrey first connected with Wings for Widows, she was less than six months into her journey as a widow. The loss of her husband, Larry, had left her navigating a landscape marked by both emotional shock and the practical realities of managing life alone. Jeanna was already accustomed to handling the day-to-day finances for her household and their veterinary business, but the weight of recent loss, coupled with the need to reassess her long-term financial security, brought a new layer of complexity and uncertainty. She approached the process with a sense of conscientiousness, yet her confidence was understandably shaken, and she felt the absence of not having family nearby for support.

Jeanna’s primary challenges centered around updating asset ownership and related benefits, reworking her budget and investment approach, and streamlining her plans for heirs. The suddenness of her loss, combined with witnessing her in-laws’ financial struggles due to catastrophic health issues, heightened her anxiety about making the right decisions for her future. Grief, fear, and self-doubt were present, making it difficult to move forward with clarity. She wanted to ensure her finances would support her longevity and was particularly mindful of how best to structure her estate and investments, given recent family experiences.

Karen Collins, her Wingsfor Widows coach, met Jeanna where she was—both emotionally and financially. Together, they paced the work thoughtfully, using tools like the Financial Coaching Deck and personalized worksheets to clarify Jeanna’s finances and priorities. Karen helped Jeanna document her income, expenses, and net worth, which became a turning point in their work. With each session, Jeanna gained a clearer understanding of her options, from optimizing her Social Security benefits to updating her deed for a full homestead exemption. They explored new budgeting strategies and discussed the merits of conservative, higher-yield liquid funds. Jeanna’s willingness to try investing a small amount in a liquid, conservative fund marked a significant shift. As she put it, this step reflected her growing openness to new possibilities and greater financial confidence.

By the end of their engagement, Jeanna made tangible progress. She had updated key documents, improved her cash flow with better budgeting and tax planning, and considered new investment avenues that balanced her need for security with the potential for better returns. Her confidence grew steadily, and she became more self-sufficient in managing her finances. The process was not just about executing tasks, but about reinforcing Jeanna’s autonomy and helping her feel equipped to make informed decisions for her future.

Reflecting on their time together, Karen was struck by Jeanna’s financial literacy and conscientiousness, qualities that became the foundation for her transformation. The most meaningful impact, Karen noted, was seeing Jeanna’s confidence grow—not just financially, but in her overall outlook. Through the support and structure provided by Wings for Widows, Jeanna moved from a place of uncertainty to one of stability and hope, ready to face the next chapter with renewed assurance and independence.