Grief takes up more space than you remember. After losing a loved one, it’s common for bills to get missed, debt to accumulate and even to experience impulsive decision making. If your finances have slipped while you’re grieving, you’re not the only one. It’s common, and there are ways you can mitigate the damage while respecting your need to mourn.
Why Grief Can Lead to Financial Trouble
Loss changes how your brain works for a while — the things that might have once seemed crucial now no longer show up on your radar. Instead, you may choose to fashion a bandage out of receipts — shopping can feel like a welcome distraction when you’re feeling a lack of control.
It’s not uncommon for people to undergo changes after a death. But if you still have long-term goals in place that you want to continue working toward, giving yourself guardrails to help reduce the literal cost of grieving can be helpful — and protect you when you’re ready to move into your next chapter.
Set Simplified Rules
You don’t need a perfect budget right now, just something simple you can actually manage.
You’ll want to at least make a budget that covers the basics of housing, food, utilities and transportation. Pause any plans to move forward with major changes to your finances until you’re able to think more clearly, and — if possible — ask someone you trust to help you keep track of due dates. Grief can make time move in strange ways, and setting yourself up to handle those periods can pay off later.
Avoid Major Financial Decisions Early-On
Grief pushes people toward big choices. You may feel like you have to change jobs or handle property right away. Unless something is truly urgent, wait. Decisions made in the middle of loss often look different later, when the fog has lifted. Give yourself space before you commit to moves you can’t easily undo.
Ease Back Into Money Tasks
Once you’re feeling more present, ease back into money matters slowly. Each small step is proof you’re re-engaging. And celebrating progress — even if it’s just one envelope opened — is part of getting your footing back.
If You’re Already Behind
Falling behind after loss is common. Shame doesn’t help, and you don’t need it on top of everything else. If you want the most effective way to reduce the stress of debt — while continuing to pay down your outstanding balances, then Accredited Debt Relief can help. Our debt consolidation program can save you 40% or more on eligible monthly payments, and even help you get debt-free in as little as 24-48 months.