For many months, women have approached me and asked that Watchdog Nation look at the difficulties women encounter after they become widows. I heard horror stories about how they could not access their bank accounts or utility accounts because their names were not listed on the accounts in the proper way – or so the institutions that gave them a hard time say.

I studied the problem in this Oct. 4, 2009 Watchdog column by Dave Lieber in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The point of that piece is simple: There are a lot of things wives can do before they lose their husbands to make their transition during a horrible time so much easier.

There was one resource that I mentioned only briefly in the newspaper column.

Corrine Jacobson, a Fort Worth widow, has co-authored a wonderfully simple “A Handbook for Widows.” The book is only $7.99. (Her co-author is Rose Rubin.)

A Handbook for Widows by Corrine Jacobson and Rose Rubin

I read it, highly recommend it and wish I could buy one for every wife in the world and say, “Here, put this away with your important papers.”

If you know a woman who could use this book, I can’t think of a more thoughtful gift. I know it’s a touchy subject, but it’s worth it.

Best way to get it is on Amazon at this page.

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