One hundred widows were interviewed to determine their patterns of coping with problems they encounter in widowhood. Utilizing McClusky's theory of margin, the self-identified problems encountered in widowhood were viewed as "load" factors, while the services and resources the widow used were considered "power" factors. A widow's margin (load/power ratio) was represented by her ability to utilize the power factors to alleviate her problems. The problems (load factors) identified by the widows are as follow: nineteen identified "can't do what I used to due to a lack of money," seventeen identified "trouble making ends meet," seven identified "trouble finding a job," and sixteen identified "too much time on my hands." The findings suggest that the only load factors where widows do not rely on their informal (e.g., self, family, friends) support systems are medical problems, legal problems, and problems resulting from financial difficulties. Family members and friends appear to be very important power factors which are used to cope with a wide range of load factors. Only one widow identified vocational training/counseling as a service that was utilized. Voluntary associations were utilized more than formal services. Thus, adult educators might want to work with social workers to initiate more formal programs (e.g., mutual help groups, how to get re-involved with the job market, budgeting classes, social skills training, etc.). More research is needed, though, to determine whether widows do not choose to participate because of the formalized nature of available services or if current formal services are just not meeting their needs. (EM)