Financially Ever After Widowhood

Money can feel overwhelming, especially after loss… but what if the real starting point is your own story, instead of spreadsheets or strategies? In this first part of a powerful live “Money Circle,” Stacey and Sunaina slow everything down and guide you somewhere most financial conversations never go: inward. This episode is all about getting honest with where you’ve been, where you are right now, and what financial security could actually mean for you and your life. You’ll hear them discuss: How your earliest experiences and messages about money quietly shape your decisions today Why your “money story” isn’t fixed and how it continues evolving over time Simple reflection prompts to uncover what’s currently weighing on you financially The value of separating what feels uncertain from what’s already handled (and why that matters more than you think) How to identify the one financial area that would bring the most immediate relief or clarity Why even experienced financial professionals still feel like they have more to do and why that’s completely normal How to start thinking about financial security through intentions, not pressure or quick decisions Resources Your Money Story Worksheet Live Event Sunaina Mehra on LinkedIn | Francis Financial Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email FrancisFinancial.com Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

Could the most overlooked part of your estate plan be sitting right in your living room? Jewelry tucked away in a drawer, artwork on the wall, a shelf full of old books, family pieces everyone assumes are “just sentimental”. Some of these items may be worth far more than anyone realizes, while others may not hold the value your family expects. In this episode, Stacy sits down with Peter Costanzo of Doyle Auctioneers and Appraisers to talk about how collections, heirlooms, and household treasures can create unexpected opportunities (and unexpected conflict) if no one plans ahead. You’ll hear them discuss: Why artwork, jewelry, books, and collectibles should absolutely be part of your estate planning conversations How professional appraisals help families understand what items are actually worth before difficult decisions have to be made Why heirlooms that look “equal” may have wildly different values, and how that can unintentionally create conflict between family members The difference between fair market value and retail replacement value, and why that matters for both estate planning and insurance How to protect yourself from being taken advantage of when selling valuable items, and when auctions may be the better option The common mistakes families make when they wait until a move, downsizing, or home sale to deal with decades of belongings Real stories from Peter’s career, including the discovery of a forgotten George Washington letter and Stephen Sondheim’s rhyming dictionaries that shocked collectors at auction Resources Peter Costanzo on Doyle | Email: [email protected] | Phone: 212-427-2730 | LinkedIn Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email FrancisFinancial.com Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

Could one outdated beneficiary form completely override your will, your divorce agreement, and everything you thought you had buttoned up? It sounds small. Administrative. Boring, even. But beneficiary designations are one of the most powerful and most overlooked pieces of your financial life. In this episode, Stacy and Natalie break down why updating beneficiaries after divorce (or any major life transition) isn’t "housekeeping." It’s a priority for protecting yourself, your kids, and the future. From ERISA plans to minor children inheriting assets to life insurance in divorce settlements, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the real-world mistakes and how to avoid them. You’ll hear them discuss: Why beneficiary designations override your will and are first in line legally when assets are distributed Which accounts require beneficiaries (retirement accounts, life insurance, brokerage accounts, bank accounts with POD/TOD, and more) The difference between primary and contingent beneficiaries - and why not listing both can force assets into probate What happens if you die without a will or updated beneficiaries, including how state law may split assets in ways you never intended Why leaving assets directly to minor children can trigger court involvement, restrictions, and expensive legal oversight How trusts give you control over how and when children receive money and why they’re not just for the ultra-wealthy How divorce impacts beneficiaries, including automatic revocation laws, ERISA plans like 401(k)s that follow federal rules, and how life insurance should be structured to protect child or spousal support Resources Natalie Colley on FrancisFinancial.com⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | Email Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email FrancisFinancial.com Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

Taxes. Filing status. Adjusted gross income. Capital gains. Just reading those words can make you want to close the tab and deal with it “later.” But here’s the truth: taxes change after widowhood. Sometimes in ways no one warns you about. Filing status shifts. Income is calculated differently. Survivor benefits can become taxable. And all of it is happening while you’re navigating one of the hardest transitions of your life. In this episode, Stacy Francis and Allen Sakkon walk through what really happens to your tax situation after the loss of a spouse - in plain language - so you can feel more confident, ask better questions, and avoid costly surprises. You’ll hear them discuss: How your filing status works in the year your spouse passes, and what changes in the years that follow (including qualifying surviving spouse and head of household) Why your adjusted gross income (AGI) is such a powerful number and how it affects Social Security taxation, Medicare premiums, and eligibility for credits and deductions When and why Social Security survivor benefits become partially taxable and how timing major financial decisions can help What cost basis means, how the step-up in basis works at death, and why it can dramatically reduce capital gains taxes on a home or investment account How selling a house or investments in the wrong year can unexpectedly spike your income and how to think strategically about timing The most commonly missed deductions after a spouse’s death, including medical expenses, property taxes, mortgage interest, charitable gifts, and capital loss carry-forwards One simple habit - tracking your income deposits —-that can help you regain control and make your tax return far less intimidating Resources Allen Sakon on LinkedIn⁠ | Email Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email FrancisFinancial.com Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

Nobody wants to talk about death - until they’re sitting in a funeral home, numb, grieving, and trying to guess what their loved one would have wanted. This episode pulls back the curtain on a topic most families avoid, even though avoiding it often creates more pain, confusion, and guilt later. Stacy sits down with Frances Cangero, director of advanced planning at the Frank Campbell Funeral Chapel, to talk honestly about funeral pre-planning, why it’s actually an act of love, and how having these conversations early can spare your family emotional and financial stress when it matters most. You’ll hear them discuss: Why funeral planning is one of the most overlooked parts of estate planning How grief makes decision-making harder and why planning ahead changes everything The real story behind burial vs. cremation and why more families are choosing cremation Common misconceptions about pre-planning, including the idea that it’s “only for the elderly” How much flexibility exists in funeral planning, from simple services to deeply personal details What prepaying actually means, how pricing is protected from inflation, and where the money is held Why keeping ashes without a plan can unintentionally pass stress to the next generation How family conflict can arise when wishes aren’t clearly documented The importance of naming someone with legal authority to control final arrangements Why having these conversations is a gift to the people you love - not something morbid or scary Resources Frances Cangero on Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel | Office number: 212-288-3500 | Cell number: 631-860-4878 | Email: [email protected] | LinkedIn Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email FrancisFinancial.com Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

Is your money really going where you want it to when you’re gone, or are taxes, outdated documents, and lack of planning quietly deciding for you? In this episode, I sit down with CPA and estate planning expert Shamisa Zvoma to unpack the truths most people miss about trusts, gifting, tax strategy, and why estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. We talk about control, protection, legacy, and the narrow window many families are overlooking right now that could cost them millions down the road. You’ll hear us discuss: Why trusts aren’t just for wealthy families and how they give you control long after you’re gone The biggest misconceptions people have about estate planning and taxes How trusts can protect assets from creditors, divorce, and poor timing Why giving money outright isn’t always the smartest move How lifetime gifting can dramatically reduce future estate taxes The annual gifting limits and how couples can maximize them How paying tuition or medical bills can reduce your estate without triggering gift taxes Why estate plans should be reviewed every 3–5 years (and after major life changes) Real-life examples of what goes wrong when plans aren’t updated How state estate taxes can create major surprises even when federal taxes don’t apply Resources Shamisa Zvoma on LinkedIn | Phone: 212-605-3182 | Email Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email FrancisFinancial.com Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

How do you rebuild a life when everything you planned disappears overnight — and you’re suddenly responsible for three children, major financial decisions, and a future you never asked for? In this deeply moving conversation, Stacy sits down with Merritt Minnemeyer to talk about widowhood, intuition, money, and the quiet courage it takes to start again. Merritt shares her journey of losing her husband at a young age, navigating grief while finalizing an adoption, and learning to trust herself when it mattered most. This episode is about survival, reinvention, and the power of listening to that inner voice - even when the path forward feels terrifyingly unclear. You’ll hear them discuss: What it’s really like to have your entire life plan collapse suddenly, and how grief, caregiving, and parenting don’t wait for each other Why crisis often leaves no space for planning and how survival mode can carry you further than you think The emotional moment when holding it all together finally becomes impossible, and why that release matters How life insurance and financial preparation became a lifeline, even when money had never been the focus What it feels like to become the sole financial decision-maker overnight, and the weight that carries Why trusting intuition - especially when choosing advisors and making big moves - can be more powerful than logic alone The long-term lessons about balancing big dreams with practical money management, and why building the right support team changes everything Resources Merritt Minnemeyer on the Web | LinkedIn Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email FrancisFinancial.com Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

Cognitive Behavioral and Grief Coach Jordan Schwartz Hendin joins host Stacy Francis to discuss navigating the holidays after losing a spouse. Jordan draws from her personal experiences with grief, having lost her own mother at a young age and supporting her widowed grandmother through multiple losses. Now a professional coach, she works with women struggling with grief and major life transitions. In this week’s show, Jordan and Stacy explore handling loss and loneliness, honoring traditions, and staying financially sound. The holidays can bring up complex emotions such as sadness, anger, and loneliness. This is normal after a major loss. Avoid unhealthy coping strategies like becoming an “isolator” or “doer.” Don’t overcommit to events or hide away alone. Reflect on your core values. Focus on traditions that align with what matters most, like family time. Make new memories and experiences, especially with children. Gift experiences rather than material items. Have open conversations with family about your grief. Don’t pretend to be okay if you’re not. Manage your finances by focusing on your values, not material possessions. Stick to a budget for holiday gifts and activities. You don’t have to navigate the holidays alone. Seek support from family or a grief counselor during this difficult time. Resources Jordan Schwartz on Website | Instagram | Email | Phone: 917-947-6037 Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) Email: [email protected] FrancisFinancial.com Instantly get advice from our guide, Financial Help for Widows, a resource designed for supporting women who need to navigate finances after the loss of a partner. Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

Ever feel like the threat of medical bills and confusing insurance rules hangs over every healthcare decision? In this episode, Stacy sits down with healthcare advocate Anne McGuire to bring real clarity to the choices women face after losing a spouse, going through divorce, or suddenly finding themselves uninsured. Together, they break down the systems that feel impossible to navigate and give listeners the confidence to make smart, informed decisions about their coverage and long-term protection. You'll hear them discuss: How losing a spouse, divorcing, or facing a sudden job loss can reshape insurance options overnight What COBRA actually offers, when it makes sense, and why the cost often shocks people The major differences between staying on COBRA and switching to marketplace insurance How Medicare fits into the picture for anyone 65+ experiencing an insurance transition and the deadlines that can’t be missed Why access to existing doctors can disappear with a plan change, and how to protect those relationships What long-term care really covers (and what it doesn’t), especially for women who may age alone How long-term care insurance pays out in real life and why it’s often misunderstood The financial reality of self-insuring long-term care needs versus buying coverage Resources Anne McGuire on the Healthcare Pathfinder | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email FrancisFinancial.com Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

If the people you love most suddenly had to take over your bills, subscriptions, and everyday logistics — would they know where to begin? In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy and Natalie break down the most practical (and overlooked) section of the Because I Love You legacy planning guide - the checklist that makes sure nothing slips through the cracks. From credit cards to taxes, monthly bills to healthcare details, they cover how to organise your financial life so your family isn’t left guessing. You’ll hear them discuss: Why it’s essential to list every credit card, where it’s held, and what’s on auto-pay How keeping recent tax returns and your accountant’s info can make estate paperwork so much easier What the “DSUE” actually means and why couples need to pay attention to it How to document monthly expenses and subscriptions so nothing goes unpaid or unnoticed The importance of maintaining an up-to-date contact list for key professionals and family members How to start creating an aging plan that reflects your healthcare needs and wishes Why discussing end-of-life preferences now spares loved ones confusion and conflict later How completing the Because I Love You legacy checklist today can give your family peace of mind tomorrow Resources As you listen to this podcast, you can click here to view slides and follow along visually: ⁠Legacy Planning Webinar 3 ⁠⁠Because I Love You Planning Companion⁠⁠ Natalie Colley on⁠⁠ FrancisFinancial.com⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Stacy Francis on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ |⁠⁠X(Twitter)⁠⁠ | ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FrancisFinancial.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠See All Podcasts

Ever think about what would happen if your family suddenly had to figure out your insurance, bills, or assets - without you there to explain it? It’s not fun to imagine, but it’s one of the most loving things you can prepare for. In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy and Natalie dive into the less-than-glamorous side of legacy planning: getting your insurance and financial details in order so no one’s left guessing in a crisis. Along the way, they share real-life stories, personal slip-ups (yes, including a lost engagement ring), and plenty of practical advice you can actually use. You’ll hear them discuss: - Why it’s not just about what happens after you’re gone, it’s also about being ready if you’re ever incapacitated - How to make sure your health, property, and long-term care insurance are documented and paid up - What COBRA really means when you leave a job or go through a divorce - How long-term care policies work, and what details families often forget to track - What your homeowners, auto, and umbrella insurance *really* cover (and what they don’t) - The simple, yearly habit that keeps your assets and account info easy for loved ones to find - A true story that shows exactly why all this planning matters Resources As you listen to this podcast, you can click here to view slides and follow along visually: Legacy Planning Webinar 2 ⁠Because I Love You Planning Companion⁠ Natalie Colley on⁠ FrancisFinancial.com⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Stacy Francis on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ |⁠X(Twitter)⁠ | [email protected]⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠FrancisFinancial.com⁠ ⁠See All Podcasts

What would happen if your ex-spouse were still listed as the beneficiary on your 401(k)? Or if your loved ones couldn’t access your accounts after you’re gone? These are the kinds of oversights that can cause chaos, but they’re also completely preventable with the right planning. In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy Francis and Natalie Colley break down the essentials of legacy planning - from passwords and beneficiaries to wills and the “Because I Love You” packet - all designed to make life easier for those you love most. It’s not just about money; it’s about leaving clarity, not confusion. You’ll hear them discuss: Why beneficiaries always trump your will (and how that can lead to big surprises) The one thing you should check every year to avoid costly mistakes Simple ways to make sure your loved ones can access your accounts and avoid the nightmare of unclaimed assets How Social Security benefits really work for widows, ex-spouses, and remarried partners The overlooked workplace benefits that could be worth thousands - if your family knows they exist How to avoid the expensive, drawn-out probate process Resources As you listen to this podcast, you can click here to view slides and follow along visually: Legacy Planning Webinar 1 Because I Love You Planning Companion Natalie Colley on FrancisFinancial.com | LinkedIn Stacy Francis on LinkedIn |X(Twitter) | [email protected]@francisfinancial.com FrancisFinancial.com See All Podcasts

Estate planning isn’t just for billionaires in New York penthouses or “trust fund babies” you’ve only seen in the movies. The truth is, whether you’re raising kids, caring for a loved one with special needs, or simply want to be sure your savings go exactly where you intend, estate planning touches almost everyone. In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, attorney Claire Steinman joins Stacy to take the mystery (and the drama) out of wills, trusts, and gifting strategies. Claire focuses her practice on estate and tax planning, estate administration, and the nonprofit sector, with experience ranging from simple wills and powers of attorney to sophisticated tax minimization strategies and contested probate cases. She also works closely with charitable beneficiaries and not-for-profit organizations on everything from testamentary trusts to federal tax exemptions. Spoiler: this conversation has a lot more peace of mind and a lot less Agatha Christie mayhem. You’ll hear them discuss: Why having even a simple will is essential for nearly everyone, not just the ultra-wealthy How trusts can help protect kids, support loved ones with special needs, and even shield assets from creditors or divorce The surprising flexibility you have in deciding when and how children inherit money Smart ways to gift assets during your lifetime, including the $19,000 annual exclusion and tuition or medical payments made directly How to choose the right trustee, from family members to professional institutions, and the pros and cons of each State-specific estate tax “gotchas” like New York’s infamous cliff tax and inheritance taxes in places like New Jersey and Pennsylvania Why blended families and second marriages absolutely need updated estate plans to avoid family fallout Resources Claire Steinman on the Web | LinkedIn | Email: [email protected] | Phone: 212-453-1554 Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email FrancisFinancial.com Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

What do you say to someone who’s just lost the love of their life? Is it better to stay quiet for fear of saying the wrong thing, or is silence actually the most painful response of all? In this deeply moving episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy Francis sits down with Amy Woody, Director of the Widows Program at Stand in the Gap - and a widow herself - to talk about what real support looks like. Amy opens up about her own journey of losing her husband suddenly at 36, raising her young daughter, and discovering her calling to help other widows. Together, they explore the words and actions that truly matter when someone’s world has been turned upside down. You’ll hear them discuss: Why saying something is always better than saying nothing, even if it’s simply “I’m so sorry” The harm of avoiding the “elephant in the room” and how acknowledging loss brings comfort Practical, concrete ways to help - from mowing the lawn to dropping off paper goods - that make a real difference The importance of building trust early so that widows feel safe enough to ask for support when they need it most How sharing memories and stories honors loved ones and helps keep their presence alive Amy’s life motto of using your hurt to help others and making beauty from ashes — and how it can change the way we face our own challenges Resources Amy Woody on the Stand In The Gap | Facebook | LinkedIn | Email: [email protected] | Phone number: 405-476-0165 Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email FrancisFinancial.com Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

What if the money that shows up after loss doesn’t feel like security, but like a cruel reminder of what you’ve lost? How do you turn something that feels heavy and unwanted into a source of hope, stability, and even love? In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy sits down with Emma Gray, a former probate attorney, military wife, widowed mother of two, and now grief coach and counselor. Emma shares her deeply personal story of navigating grief, identity, and finances after the loss of her husband, and how she ultimately reframed money not as a burden, but as his lasting legacy. You’ll hear them discuss: - How Emma, despite being a probate attorney, found herself completely unable to face the financial paperwork and money decisions in the months after her husband passed away - The emotional shock of grief and the surprising ways it shows up physically in the body, from exhaustion to the feeling of a “broken heart” - Emma’s identity crisis after leaving law, and the journey that led her from being a lawyer to building a new career as a counselor and grief coach - Why putting your own needs first is not selfish, but actually the only way to show up fully for your children, family, and everyone who depends on you - The powerful shift Emma experienced when she stopped seeing the insurance and pension payouts as a painful substitute for her husband, and instead began to view them as his legacy - The importance of creating both financial and emotional safety, and how ignoring one often makes it impossible to feel secure in the other Resources Emma Gray on the Web | LinkedIn | Instagram | Rainbow Hunting Facebook | Rainbow Hunting Community - Facebook Group I Email: [email protected] Free Sadmin Quiz - to assess how sorted your home/life admin is: https://rainbowhunting.kartra.com/survey/sadminquiz Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email FrancisFinancial.com Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

Did you know that the number one reason for bankruptcy in the US isn’t overspending - it’s medical debt? And for many widows, the bills don’t stop after their spouse passes away. In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy sits down with Shana Siegel, a partner at Norris McLaughlin P.A and nationally recognized elder law attorney, who has spent her career helping families navigate the complicated world of long-term care, estate planning, and financial protection. Shana shares her expertise - and personal perspective as a mom and caregiver - on how to plan ahead, protect your assets, and make smart decisions when illness or loss strikes. You'll hear them discuss: Why getting educated early can make all the difference in protecting both care options and family finances The surprising reality of what Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance will - and won’t - cover when it comes to long-term care How to protect your home, retirement accounts, and other key assets depending on your state’s laws What really happens with medical bills, credit cards, and student loans after a spouse passes away (and how to avoid being pressured into paying what you don’t owe) When it makes sense to negotiate with hospitals and creditors, and how much you can realistically reduce debt The common estate planning mistakes people make, and why an elder law attorney - not just a general estate planner - is essential Practical steps for handling mortgages, probate, and beneficiary designations so you and your family are financially secure Resources Shana Siegel on the web | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Aging Answers Podcast | Email | Phone 908-252-4253 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ AARP: https://www.aarp.org/ Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email FrancisFinancial.com Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

What happens when a financial planner dies - and even his widow can’t find the key to the safe? In this raw and uplifting episode, Stacy sits down with Pam Baker, founder of Widows Who Wine, to unpack the emotional and financial mess that followed her husband’s death. Pam shares the hard truths she wishes every family knew, why estate planning is about way more than a will, and how she’s helping women across the country rediscover joy through connection, community… and yes, a little wine. You’ll hear them discuss: Why having a will is just the beginning - and what really needs to be in place How even financially savvy families can end up in chaos without an actual estate plan The unexpected moment that made Pam realize joy was missing from her life - and what she did next What “Widows Who Wine” really means (hint: it’s spelled W-I-N-E) The difference between surviving grief and actually living again Financial surprises after loss, from closed credit cards to frozen accounts Why estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy Pam’s simple mantra for hard days, and the one person who always makes her laugh Resources Pam Baker on the Web | Lasting Legacy Consulting | Widows Who Wine Facebook Group | 'Where's the Key to the Safe'' by Pam Baker | LinkedIn | Instagram Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email FrancisFinancial.com Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!