Seasoned financial advisors working with widows and widowers in Florida
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
Losing a spouse brings sudden financial and emotional challenges that require careful navigation. You need an advisor who understands the unique timing and sensitivity involved, as rushing decisions or overlooking survivor benefits can cause costly mistakes. Seasoned advisors here bring years of experience managing these transitions, helping you avoid common pitfalls.
- Survivor benefit expertise. Confirm how they evaluate Social Security and pension survivor options to maximize your income.
- Estate and tax timing. Ask how they coordinate asset transfers and tax filings to prevent unnecessary penalties or delays.
- Income replacement planning. Look for advisors who help balance immediate cash needs with long-term financial security after loss.
- Emotional sensitivity. Ensure they recognize the personal nature of your situation and adapt their approach accordingly.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Michelle D
Series 63, Series 66
Coral Springs, FL
Edward Jones
Michelle Durnil's 38 years of experience and focus on widow/widower clients in Florida equip her to address the unique financial challenges following loss, including retirement income strategy and wealth management. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, she offers a comprehensive approach with a program fee up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing her through extensive resources and a broad client service network.
Experience: 38 years
Avg account: $246,728
-
Frederick B
Series 63, Series 65
Lakewood, FL
Arca Wealth, LLC
Frederick Bohlander is well-equipped to assist widows and widowers in Florida with his 35 years of experience and expertise in general estate planning guidance, which is crucial for managing survivor benefits and estate timing. Unlike some advisors, he offers a flexible fee structure including flat fees and hourly rates, and serves high-net-worth clients through his independent firm, Sandbox Financial Partners, which emphasizes active portfolio management and integrated financial planning.
Experience: 35 years
Avg account: $1,020,599
-
Gary S
Series 63, Series 66
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Merrill
Gary Smith's extensive 43 years of experience and focus on widow/widower clients in Florida equip him to navigate the financial complexities following loss, including retirement income and wealth transfer strategies. His affiliation with Merrill Lynch offers access to broad resources, and his planning-based approach emphasizes risk tolerance and personalized strategies, distinguishing him from others by combining large-firm support with tailored attention to clients near or in retirement and those undergoing life transitions.
Experience: 43 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
Christopher D
CFP®
Orlando, FL
Life After Grief Financial Planning
Christopher Dale is well-equipped to assist widows and widowers in Florida with his 22 years of experience and specialized focus on grief-related financial transitions. As a CFP®-certified advisor offering flat-fee services, he combines expertise in retirement withdrawal strategies and cash flow management with a personal commitment shaped by his own experiences with loss, distinguishing him from other seasoned advisors in the region.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $2,490,479
-
Tim M
CFP®
Chantilly, VA
Gladwyn Financial Advisors, Inc.
Tim Murray's extensive 22 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to address the financial complexities faced by widows and widowers, including survivor benefit evaluation and tax timing. Operating Gladwyn Financial Advisors as an independent RIA, he offers fee-based advice with AUM fees ranging from 0.40% to 2.00% and hourly rates, distinguishing him through a client-centered, conflict-free approach and a strong background in tax and divorce financial analysis.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $1,724,490
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
Popular in Florida
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor's Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and referrals are provided by FinanceHQ LLC ("FHQ"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment adviser. We may be compensated by participating advisors. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral. We do not supervise advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to the Warmer Terms of Service and FHQ Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge Warmer's Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ's ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. ("Warmer")