EP05: Bill Solominsky: From Engineer to Executor

Most people have no idea how overwhelming things get after a loved one dies. Bill Solominsky didn’t either until he lost his dad and found himself managing grief, paperwork, and unanswered questions all at once.

 

When his father was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, Bill flew home with a blank spreadsheet and a gut instinct that he needed to start asking questions. What accounts existed? Which bills were on autopay? Would his mom be financially okay? That one conversation gave him a head start but not a full picture.

 

In this episode, Bill joins Justin Weidenfeld to talk through the mix of grief and financial responsibility. They cover how active listening helped Bill navigate hard conversations, the tax implications that caught them off guard, and the financial mistakes that happen when families are left to figure things out under stress. What details fall through the cracks when you’re emotionally maxed out? How can you prepare without feeling morbid or intrusive? And what does it actually take to help someone through the money side of loss?

 

This episode offers perspective for anyone who wants to have these conversations while they still can and avoid being blindsided later.

 

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction to Bill Solominsky

08:02 Navigating Grief After a Parent’s Diagnosis

10:03 Key Financial Conversations Before Loss

24:20 Coping Through Helping Others

29:41 What Happens Immediately After a Death

41:17 Financial and Legal Mistakes During Grief

52:07 Tax Implications and Lessons Learned

 

Links

Connect with Bill Solominsky:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/billsolominsky/

Website: https://www.reluctantexecutor.com/

 

Connect with Justin Weidenfeld:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-weidenfeld/

Website: https://www.ironbridgewc.com/team/justin-weidenfeld

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