Solo Aging
Watch: who would decide for you?
Who decides for you when there is no spouse or adult child to step in.
Four Paperbacks
The Solo Series:Complete Set
(24 reviews)Four paperbacks for the woman whose retirement plan lost a person: the income, the coverage, the signature, and the care.
- ✓Solo Aging — who may act for you, and the papers that say so
- ✓Health Insurance — the subsidy cliff that's back for 2026
- ✓Social Security — what a marriage or a divorce still pays you
- ✓Long-Term Care — who runs the care, not just who gives it
“You Will Not Find all of this info easily” — M., reader · Aug 2026
Free US shipping · Printed to order · Arrives ~ 2 weeks
$106.96 bought separately. Buy the bundle and save $16.97
When the second name is gone for good
Three of these answer who signs. The fourth answers who shows up.
The forms come first. A benefits office wants a certified copy, an insurer wants a new subscriber name, and a hospital intake screen wants an emergency contact you no longer have. You get through all of it, and for a while it feels like the hard part is behind you. It isn't. The hard part turns up years later on an ordinary Tuesday, when somebody has to phone the home-care agency and find out why the aide didn't come, and there is nobody whose job that is.
The first three books cover the week the marriage ended and the years right after. Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women is the money you may already be owed on a record that isn't yours: survivor benefits, ex-spouse benefits, and the order you claim them in. Health Insurance for the Solo Early Retiree covers you to 65 with no group plan behind you. Solo Aging is the one that names your backups and puts legal authority in writing while it is still your call.
Long-Term Care on Your Own is the fourth, and at 294 pages it is the longest of them, because arranging care has the most moving parts and the least written about it. What an hour of home help costs where you live. Which public agency your county actually runs, and what it will do for free. How to hire someone, write down what they are responsible for, and tell whether the care is any good when you are the only one watching. Buy all four and that book is on the shelf before the Tuesday arrives.
Watch
A short overview of each book
Social Security
Watch the 2-minute overview
The one filing decision that trips up most widowed and divorced women, before you file.
Health Insurance
Watch: could a health scare undo your plan?
What the years before Medicare really cost, and how to bridge them on one income.
Long-Term Care
Watch: when there's no one else to call
The order to arrange your own care — what to decide, line up, and write down.
Why all four
A signed document names who may decide. It names nobody who will call.
This is the gap almost every solo plan has, and it hides behind the paperwork that looks like it closed it. A healthcare proxy gives someone legal authority to decide for you in a hospital. It makes nobody responsible for finding the agency, checking the aide turned up, or noticing that a refill went to an address you left three years ago. That second job runs for years, it is mostly phone calls, and no document performs it. There is a money version of the same gap: Medicare does not pay for the day-to-day help with bathing, dressing and meals that most long-term care actually is, which Medicare says plainly on its own long-term care page and most people discover the month they need it. Solo Aging names the people. Long-Term Care on Your Own works out what you are asking them to do, what it costs, and which of it your county will help with for free.
Medicare doesn't pay for most of itWhat's inside
Four books, and the job each one does
Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · 132 pages
The $100,000 order
- Why claiming order beats being a "math person"
- What SSA's own 2026 audit found
- The one choice that changes everything
If you are widowed
- What you're entitled to, at what ages
- The switch that's worth six figures
- Remarriage, work, and the traps
If you are divorced
- Yes, you can claim on his record
- The 10-year line and the 2-year rule
- When your ex has died
The money, verified
- How to verify SSA's own number
- What gets taxed — and what to do
- Timelines and the paperwork that matters
The myths, busted
- Claiming on his record won't cut his check
- He is never notified
- It doesn't touch his current spouse's benefit
Your move this month
- The whole book on one decision page
- A fill-in example for each situation
- Five concrete actions to take this week
Health Insurance for the Solo Early Retiree · 76 pages
Your coverage options
- The Marketplace, plan by plan
- COBRA — when it's worth it
- Bridging gaps and short-term traps
The 2026 subsidy rules
- How premium tax credits work now
- Where the income cliffs sit
- What changed for 2026
The MAGI control game
- What counts toward your income
- Levers you actually control
- The free Solo Bridge Worksheet, to download
Six worked case studies
- Real solo-retiree scenarios
- The math, step by step
- What each one should do
Your timeline to 65
- A year-by-year plan
- Enrollment windows you can't miss
- The handoff to Medicare
Built for a household of one
- No spouse's plan assumed
- One income, one decision-maker
- Written to you, not a family
Solo Aging: Living Well & Planning Ahead · 146 pages
Your care network
- Your chosen "who's my person"
- Exactly how to ask — the script
- A roster, not a single soulmate
The legal scaffolding
- Healthcare proxy & HIPAA authorization
- Durable power of attorney
- Will, trust & no default next-of-kin
Who decides if you can't
- Agents, backups & professional fiduciaries
- Guardianship you choose vs. one imposed
- SSA advance designation
Funding a solo old age
- Long-term-care costs & insurance
- Medicaid, spend-down & the single math
- Medicare is not long-term care
Housing while you still choose
- Age in place vs. move on your terms
- CCRCs, the Village movement, co-housing
- PACE and the isolation risk
The human side
- Being your own health advocate
- Designing connection on purpose
- Cognitive decline & final wishes
Long-Term Care on Your Own · 294 pages
The job nobody names
- The second job — arranging, not bathing
- The care you are already running today
- Four kinds of help, and how yours unfolds
What it costs, and what pays
- Priced by the hour — the real arithmetic
- What Medicare actually does, and doesn't
- What actually pays for the hours
Bringing care into your home
- Where care actually starts
- Agency or direct hire
- Vetting, scope, and the agreement
Running it and watching it
- The manager's job, week to week
- Who watches the care when you can't
- Who is picking you up after the procedure
When home stops working
- The honest signs the arrangement has ended
- The settings, compared without a brochure
- Choosing a place as the person who'll live in it
When you can't run it yourself
- Handing it over, and to whom
- Professional backup, checked first
- The care management map
What readers say about these books
4.8
24 reader reviews
“You Will Not Find all of this info easily on the Social Security website.”
Social Security for Widows and Divorced Women by M. E. Hart is basically a guide for widowed or divorced women to plan for the most in social security benefits. Though it says women, widowers would benefit to know this information. It is hard to get information from social security because they are often only partially knowledgeable themselves. They make mistakes in math and do not realize there is any other way to receive benefits. Even though we try to understand government guidelines it is hard when you are mourning. I suggest purchasing this book if you are thinking divorce or have warning about pending death of a spouse. Then you can peruse the rules put forth and have a plan that will benefit you financially. The book is set up so that you can skip parts that do not pertain to you and for quick reference. Do you take your own benefits? Or Do you take a spouses benefit or a former spouses' benefits? When are you eligible? Which one is the best for your situation and can you change your mind later and receive a larger benefit. These questions are all answered and timely as of 2026 and will be available when you need them.
M., reader of Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · Aug 2026
“If you are retired and cannot yet get Medicare, this book is for you!”
If you retire early to enjoy yourself, health insurance can be an issue. This book helps you understand how to bridge the gap until Medicare is available. This book is aimed at single people that have done all the hard work to retire before 65 years old but now need medical coverage for this gap. This is a practical guide that provides a wealth of information so that you do not overpay. The first part of the book explains the landscape and the options, while the second part of the book talks strategy. The third part of the book gets into the execution year-by-year so you can make it to 65 successfully and with some money in your pockets. This book is short and does not need to be read cover-to-cover but can be used as a resource and a guide, so grab your copy.
Theresa, reader of Health Insurance for the Solo Early Retiree · Jul 2026
“Long term care on your own”
This book is a great addition to your elderly care plan. It will help you along with planning for your self care as you age. It also gives pointers on what Medicare covers and the basics and how to for daily care from hospital, being at home alone and employing outside help if you don't have a family member close by or present. It's great information that can assist you in making an informed decision on you long term care.
Hidy, reader of Long-Term Care on Your Own · Aug 2026
“If you are planning to age alone or you know someone who is take a look at this book.”
I really enjoyed this book. I think anyone older and looking to age solo can get something from this book. I feel there were many ideas and guidance in this book. I love how the author points out some of us were just caregivers for loved ones and have been down this road but we were taking care of other people now its about us and we need to make a plan read this book if you want some good guidance in this direction.
Tanya, reader of Solo Aging · Aug 2026
“Great tool for those needing to make a will!”
This is a wonderful book for those that need to plan their will, but do not have dependents or a spouse. It is difficult to plan who to have serve as your power of attorney if you do not have immediate family. This book goes into detail about everything from who will make your medical decisions if you can't to affording housing and your care as you age. Most people have their spouse, dependents or family as their POA, but what if you are not married or widowed? And have no children or living family members? This is something that a person must think about when they are alone and need someone to trust that can provide these services. As someone with no children, I did not think much of my care since I am married. But if I am a surviving spouse in old age I need to have a care network of those that can help as I age. This book has been a tremendous help and made me think of things that could become issues in the future. I highly recommend this book for anyone of any age planning their will, elder care, etc. It gives you topics and issues to consider that may not be on your radar right now.
Heather, reader of Solo Aging · Jul 2026
Show all 24 reviewsHide reviews
“Vital info”
This book was a great, quick read, but one that holds vital information for women navigating the social security landscape as a surviving spouse (widow) or as a divorcee. One thing I wish, though, as it would've made for easier navigation between chapters that didn't apply to the widow (versus divorce, as these parts were intentionally separated by the penning author) is that the Table of Contents showed corresponding page numbers for each chapter. There are some genuinely vital details that every woman in these categories should know, from deciding when to file to maximize the benefits (their own + their late husband's), to setting up your SSA.gov account in advance online to track your own earnings, and to double checking SSA's calculations. In an audit, a huge percentage of widows weren't paid survivor benefits in the amount they were owed! The author also shares hypothetical scenarios as an example in each part—for widow and divorcee alike. It's a short book, but again, one packed full of vital information.
Alexa, reader of Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · Jul 2026
“A Guide for the Solo Ager”
That opening scene the Tuesday morning aide who never shows, leaving the woman in the apartment unaware of the two hours of frantic phone calls happening behind the scenes to fix her week hit me like a gut punch. This book finally names the invisible second job of long-term care, the one that nobody pictures when they imagine needing help. The author walks you through every terrifying blank on that Care Management Map at the back with such patient, unflinching clarity that I felt less alone just reading it. M.E. Hart doesn't sell false comfort, she hands you a flashlight and a map, then sits beside you while you figure out which caverns are yours to cross alone.
Chantal, reader of Long-Term Care on Your Own · Sep 2026
“Great Resource”
This book was really helpful and it explain everything in a way thats easy to understand. I learned a lot of things I didnt know about Social Security benefits for widows and divorced women. The information was clear, easy to follow, and could save people a lot of money if they know what to look for. I definately recommend this book to anyone going through this situation because it answers a lot of important questions and makes a confusing process much easier to understand.
Devon, reader of Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · Jul 2026
“An eye-opening book with a lot of greeting information”
This was a great resource. It had a lot of interesting points and gave a lot of information for someone who is going through the aging process alone. Talks about where to start information that you need paperwork, figuring out how to choose that someone that can make decisions in case you can’t make them yourself. And how to choose the right person for that. As someone who doesn’t have family or a spouse is definitely something that I need to start looking into.
Rosemarie, reader of Solo Aging · Aug 2026
“SSA help for Widows & Divorced Women”
This book offers clear explanations and examples to help the reader find the right social security benefit for them. There is a lot of information that needs to be addressed and some may or may not apply to the reader. This book is a roadmap. The examples are easy to follow. The book includes worksheets in the Appendix which will be extremely helpful.
Reina, reader of Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · Jul 2026
“Good book for discussing health options”
This is a good book for solo retirees who do not have access to a partner's/spouse benefits. Explains the rules of the IRS and healthcare in simple language. Discusses COBRA, HSA and other options. Highly recommend for those who do not understand all the complicated jargon.
Love, reader of Health Insurance for the Solo Early Retiree · Jul 2026
“Social Security”
Tells elders and people who are getting older how to deal with social security and possibly debt after dealing with a lost one, if you or a loved ones social security is not up to date or fine with no issues then you shouldn't leave any problems for your family
Arii, reader of Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · Jul 2026
“Well done guide.”
Good book. Very useful, factually correct information. My only suggestion is that in the next edition, I add more information about Medicaid and Expansion states, as there was only a few short paragraphs and many single older people end up there.
M.S., reader of Health Insurance for the Solo Early Retiree · Aug 2026
“Very informative and detailed”
Wow, this book is packed with useful information and detailed explanations. It even gives many real life scenarios to assist the reader in making the correct derision on the insurance options. I would highly recommend it.
Audrey, reader of Health Insurance for the Solo Early Retiree · Jul 2026
“Super helpful!”
This breaks down everything you need to know! It covers things like which benefits you should look into, what order to claim them in, and when; which is super important when trying to save money. Worth the read!
Whitney, reader of Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · Jul 2026
“Solo Aging”
This book offers some practical tips and some excellent information if you are interested in learning more about retiring successfully. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
reader of Solo Aging · Aug 2026
“Insurance”
I've always looked at insurance as a scam and I still do but this book helped me learn the ins and outs of it.
KT, reader of Health Insurance for the Solo Early Retiree · Aug 2026
“Insurance for retirement”
This book goes over health insurance for when you retire and just explains everything in the whole process
Leza, reader of Health Insurance for the Solo Early Retiree · Aug 2026
“Book For Those Planning On Retiring Now Or In The Future”
A Very Interesting Book to Read for Those who want to plan or are planning to retire. A++
Robyn, reader of Long-Term Care on Your Own · Aug 2026
“Solo Aging: Living Well & Plaaning Ahead!”
This book is great for those who are without kids, or spouses and they're getting older. You're getting older by yourself and need to learn how to find a person who can be your emergency contact, assist you with going to your Doctor appointments, learn what you want for your final wishes. It also explains how to be your own health advocate. It teaches you to plan ahead.
Lisa, reader of Solo Aging · Aug 2026
“Social security information.”
The information is very informative and gives us the knowledge of what social security can provide. I noticed that some information is not up to date. It could be that from the time the book was written things have changed. Still a good book to read.
Nora, reader of Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · Jul 2026
“Recommend”
It's straightforward, realistic, and sometimes a little uncomfortable which is why I found it useful. It made me realize that the best time to figure out who will manage my care is while I'm still capable of making the decisions myself.
Kayla, reader of Long-Term Care on Your Own · Aug 2026
“The nexts step”
I found this book repeated some of the same information. However for the most part it contains great information for some who has no family to help with age and the steps they need to take
Kathy, reader of Solo Aging · Jul 2026
“Long Term Care On Your Own”
It's a very straightforward book, it talks about all of the necessary topics that should be discussed as you get older.
Riley, reader of Long-Term Care on Your Own · Aug 2026
Good to know
Common questions
What's actually in the bundle?
All four paperbacks, shipped together in one parcel: Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women (132 pages), Health Insurance for the Solo Early Retiree (76 pages), Solo Aging (146 pages) and Long-Term Care on Your Own (294 pages), all 5.5x8.5. They are the same editions sold separately — nothing is abridged.
How is this different from The Solo Series: Widowed or Divorced?
It is those three books plus Health Insurance for the Solo Early Retiree, the 76-page guide to covering yourself in the years before Medicare with no group plan behind you. The trio takes you through the income you are owed, the legal authority to act, and arranging the care itself. The fourth book is the one that matters only if you are not yet 65 — so if you are already on Medicare, buy the trio and keep the difference.
Which one should I read first?
Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women, and not because it is first on the cover. What you claim, and when, sets the income figure that decides your Marketplace subsidy — so reading it second means making the coverage decision on a number you have not settled yet. The exception is a deadline: if a COBRA election window or an open enrollment is already running, read that chapter of the insurance book alongside it.
I'm nowhere near needing care. Isn't the fourth book premature?
That is the argument for reading it now, not against it. The work in it is research — finding which agency your county runs, learning what an hour of home help costs where you live, writing down who has your keys — and research is the one thing you cannot do from a hospital bed or on the phone from a rehab unit. Almost nobody reads it early. The ones who do are the ones who still get a choice.
I'm divorced, not widowed. Is half the first book wasted?
No — it splits at that fork and works each side to the end, so you read your half and skip the other. The divorced-spouse side is the one more people get wrong: the 10-year line, the 2-year rule, and the belief that claiming on an ex's record cuts his check or gets him told. It doesn't, and he isn't.
Does claiming on my ex-husband's record take anything from him?
No. SSA's own rule is that the amount payable to a divorced spouse has no effect on what the worker or his current spouse receives — it is not a share of his check, it is calculated from his earnings record. What decides whether you qualify at all is specific: a marriage of at least ten years, how long you have been divorced, and your own remarriage status. Getting one of those wrong is what makes most women assume they are not eligible and never ask.
I'm already on Medicare. Is the insurance book wasted?
Yes, and we would rather say so than take the full sale. Health Insurance for the Solo Early Retiree is written for the years before 65 and hands off to Medicare at the end. If you are already enrolled, buy the other three separately. Worth knowing while you are there: Medicare does not pay for most long-term care either, which is the gap the fourth book is written about.
Is there a free guide that goes with these?
Three, and all of them are on our site rather than behind an email form. A flowchart that asks a few questions and shows which Social Security benefit to claim first. A calculator that compares COBRA against a Marketplace plan year by year to Medicare, with the 2026 subsidy rules built in. And the Solo Ager's Document Kit — the fillable HIPAA and advance-directive templates from the back of Solo Aging. None of them requires the books.
How fast does it arrive?
All four books are printed to order and posted together in one parcel. Free US shipping, and delivery runs about two weeks. There is no rush tier, because the printer sets that schedule and not us — we would rather give you the real date than sell you a faster one we don't control.
Ready when you are
$89.99Both paperbacks · shipped together
$106.96 bought separately. Buy the bundle and save $16.97
Free US shipping · Printed to order · Arrives ~ 2 weeks
Free Tool
Not sure which door is yours?
Use our free "Which Benefit, When?" flowchart to see, in a few taps, which Social Security benefit you should claim first — widow, divorced-spouse, or your own — based on SSA's own rules. Then this book walks you through the strategy in depth.
Open the free flowchart →More free tools: Medicare Enrollment Calendar · Senior Discounts · Brain Games
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Get all four books together
The benefits you are owed, the coverage you now buy yourself, the person who signs if you can't, and the care somebody has to arrange. Four paperbacks, one parcel, free US shipping. Start with the Social Security book — what you claim is what the rest gets priced off.
Free US shipping · Printed to order · Arrives ~ 2 weeks
$89.99
Four Paperbacks
