BRATTLEBORO — With the average life expectancy of women longer than that of men, the Brattleboro branch of the American Association of University Women is offering a discussion session on Preparing for Widowhood on Friday, Dec. 6, at noon.
The free session will be held in the community room at The Brattleboro Savings and Loan Association at 221 Main St., and includes lunch.
Participating and offering guidance are Jean Giddings, attorney at law; Toni Ciampaglione, financial advisor at Park Place Financial Planners; and Theresa Masiello, vice-president and senior retail officer at BS&L.
According to data from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation that appeared in The Money Alert (June 29, 2018), 80 percent of women die single and 25 percent have spent their husband's death benefit within two months.
The average widow is just 56 years old, so preparing for a spouse's death needs to take place sooner rather than later.
“Whether losing a spouse through sudden death, chronic disease, or traumatic injury, those who avoid preparing for the results of that loss only add to their pain,” Brattleboro AAUW President Vivian Prunier said in a news release.
Seating for the program is limited, so reservations are needed by Nov. 25. Contact Helen Wachtel at 802-275-3902 or [email protected].
AAUW is a national organization that advances education and equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. The Brattleboro branch was founded in 1926 and is open to women and men who hold an associate's or higher degree from an accredited college or university and support the AAUW mission.
New members are always welcome. Information can be found at www.aauwvt.org, by calling 802-387-5875, or on the branch Facebook page.