In this episode, our guest Megan Kopka and I delve into her transformative journey of resilience, compassion, and financial wisdom. She shares her personal story of loss, recounting her path from young widowhood to her inspiring advocacy for widows' rights and financial empowerment. Together, we explore Megan's journey, from founding the Cape Fear Modern Widows Club community to her work as the Board Chair for the national Modern Widows Club. Highlights of the episode include Megan’s insights on widowhood's financial impact, the surprising gender differences in remarriage, and how Modern Widows Club supports women through all stages of grief and empowerment. We also discuss her own experience raising two children after the loss of her husband, Keith, and how the financial lessons from her childhood shaped her approach to her own family’s journey and the clients she serves today.
Meet Our Guest
Megan is passionate about helping women, especially- caregivers & widows, find financial security and freedom to live fulfilling lives supported through life planning and investing. Her experience as a former math teacher, wife, mom, widow, solo parent, caregiver, medical advocate, business owner, and feminist gives her unique perspectives on integrating money with life values. Megan is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Registered Life Planner; her personal, professional, and altruistic mission combine into her service and niche in the financial profession. She has two grown children whom she cherishes. Spending time with her children, Bruce, a second mate in the maritime industry, and Jaden, who is currently studying to become a commercial pilot, brings Megan joy. Megan co-founded the Cape Fear Community of the Modern Widows Club (MWC) in May 2020 and served as their community advocate through December 2023. She also served on the Golden Committee for the National Modern Widows Club. Today, Megan is now the Board Chair for MWC and serves as a financial coach for Wings for Widows. Megan enjoys traveling, public speaking, reading, and being outdoors.
Episode Highlights
[00:01:00] Introduction to Financial Planning and Modern Widows Club [00:02:30] “We to Me” Transition After Widowhood [00:03:20] Megan’s Journey with Modern Widows Club [00:09:20] Widowhood and Health: Brain Fog and Isolation [00:11:00] Megan’s Financial Background from Childhood [00:13:10] Keith’s Legacy Years and Financial Lessons [00:15:10] Asking for Help as a Widow and Caregiver [00:17:20] Differences in Widowhood Experiences Between Men and Women [00:21:10] Financial Impact of Widowhood on Career and Income [00:23:10] Helping Widows with Financial Planning through Wings for Widows [00:29:00] Building Resilience Through Community and Mentorship [00:34:20] Widowhood and the Shift in Social Status [00:42:00] The Seven Pillars of Healthy Living for Widows [00:46:00] Dr. Steven Southwick’s Resilience Research [00:48:10] Megan’s Three Political Wishes for Widows [00:54:00] Personal Touch and Support for Widows’ Families
In this episode, Megan Kopka provides a profound look into the unique challenges widows face in our society and the systems that support—or too often neglect—them. Her deeply personal yet universal insights offer hope and actionable advice, from setting boundaries and leaning into community to handling the complex emotions that accompany both grief and financial upheaval. Whether you’re supporting a widow, are one yourself, or are simply curious about how life planning can transform through adversity, this episode is filled with wisdom, empathy, and guidance for navigating life’s hardest transitions. Join us as we uncover the power of resilience and how Megan is paving the way for a more compassionate world for widows and caregivers alike.
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