Financially Ever After Widowhood

By Stacy FrancisBusiness Health & Fitness Kids & Family Investing

Financially Ever After Widowhood episodes

June 09Estate Planning Myths That Override Good Intentions with Lauren Klein
Marriage comes with a lot of assumptions. Your spouse will inherit everything. They can make decisions for you if something happens. The house automatically stays in the family. Sounds straightforward, right?
Not so fast.
In this episode, Stacy sits down with estate planning attorney Lauren Klein to unpack six of the biggest legal myths that catch families, widows, and even financially savvy couples off guard. From beneficiary designations that override your will to retirement accounts, powers of attorney, blended family complications, and inheritance planning, this conversation highlights why good intentions alone aren't enough.
You'll hear them discuss:
Why being married doesn't automatically guarantee your spouse will inherit your assets, and how beneficiary designations can override even the most carefully drafted estate plan

The critical role powers of attorney and healthcare directives play, and why spouses often can't make financial or medical decisions without the proper documents in place

Common mistakes widows make with retirement accounts, Social Security benefits, and outdated beneficiary forms that can lead to unnecessary delays, costs, and lost opportunities

How the way your home is titled can dramatically impact what happens after a spouse passes away, especially in blended family situations

Real-life examples of inheritance disputes that tore families apart, and the planning strategies that could have prevented them

Why trusts aren't just for the ultra-wealthy and how they can help protect children from divorce, lawsuits, creditors, and poor financial decisions

A surprisingly creative estate planning strategy that encourages children to build successful careers while still preserving family wealth for future generations
Resources
Lauren Klein on Flourish Law Group | Flourish Law Group LinkedIn | Flourish Law Group Instagram | Lauren Klein on Facebook | Lauren Klein on Instagram | Lauren Klein on LinkedIn
Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email
FrancisFinancial.com
''Because I love you'' - Legacy Planning Companion - Free Downloadable Guide
Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!
42 min
May 26Unpacking the Realities of Real Estate After a Major Life Change with Melissa Rubenstein
Selling a home can bring up way more than numbers and paperwork. Stacy and real estate expert Melissa Rubenstein unpack the financial realities and emotional side of buying, selling, downsizing, and renting - especially during major life changes like widowhood, divorce, or starting over somewhere new.
You’ll hear them discuss:
Why timing your life matters more than trying to time the real estate market

How today’s interest rates are changing the way people buy, sell, and downsize

The hidden costs behind selling a home and why sale price doesn’t equal profit

Why renting can sometimes be the smartest financial move, even if people say it’s “throwing money away”

What actually helps buyers compete in a competitive market besides offering cash

Simple ways to prepare and stage a home without overspending on renovations

How to choose a real estate agent who will guide you honestly instead of just telling you what you want to hear
Resources
Melissa Rubenstein on the Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | The Rubenstein Property Group | Email: [email protected] | Office: 201-962-9552 | Mobile: 646-872-5912
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!
49 min
May 12The Hidden Financial Benefits Available to Gold Star Widows with Daniel Kopp
Losing a spouse is already life-altering. Losing a spouse in the line of duty brings an entirely different level of grief, pressure, and financial complexity that most people never fully understand. In this episode, Stacy Francis talks with Air Force veteran, widower, financial therapist, and fee-only advisor Daniel Kopp about the unique challenges Gold Star spouses face after loss.
Daniel breaks down the financial benefits available to surviving military families, the critical deadlines many people miss, and the emotional side of suddenly having to take over every financial decision while grieving.
You’ll hear them discuss:
What it means to be a Gold Star spouse and the unique financial planning issues military widows face

The key survivor benefits available through the military and VA, including SBP, DIC, Social Security, and life insurance payouts

The little-known HEART Act strategy that may allow surviving spouses to move up to $600,000 into a Roth IRA

How the Fry Scholarship and Chapter 35 benefits can help spouses and children receive college education support

Why grief and financial anxiety are so deeply connected after losing a partner

How financial therapy helps widows rebuild confidence and feel more in control of their financial future

The importance of finding support systems and communities that truly understand military loss
Resources
Daniel Kopp on Wise Stewartship Financial Planning | Email: [email protected] | Widow Life & Money Podcast | 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!
39 min
April 28 Is Your Business Protected If Something Happens to You with Katya Sverdlov
A business can be one of the most meaningful things you build in your lifetime. But without the right plan, it can also become one of the most complicated things your family has to untangle.
In this episode, Stacy sits down with estate planning attorney Katya Sverdlov to talk about the real-life decisions business owners need to make before a crisis hits. From buy-sell agreements and key person insurance to prenups, trusts, and simply knowing who can access the bank accounts. This conversation is all about protecting your business, your family, your employees, and the legacy you’ve worked so hard to create.
You’ll hear them discuss:
Why estate planning for business owners has to go beyond personal wills, trusts, and family assets
The simple first step every entrepreneur can take: making a clear list of accounts, policies, payroll contacts, and key business information
How a buy-sell agreement can protect your heirs, your partners, and the future of the business
Why life insurance and disability coverage can be essential tools for business continuity
How business ownership can create major complications in marriage, divorce, and inheritance planning
Why timing matters when it comes to trusts and asset protection
The importance of having honest conversations with your family about your wishes before they are left guessing later
Resources
Katya Sverdlov on Sverdlov Law | Email: [email protected] | LinkedIn | Phone: 212-709-8112
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!
45 min
April 14Journal With Us: Your Money Story After Losing a Spouse (Part 2)
Nobody wants to think about their own death, but the greatest gift you can give the people you love is making sure they're not left scrambling when you're gone. In this episode, Stacy Francis and Sunaina Mehra get into the practical, often overlooked steps you can take right now to make sure your wishes are documented, your assets are protected, and your family has everything they need.
You'll hear them discuss:
Why setting up a trust isn't as complicated or expensive as most people think, and why you definitely don't need to be wealthy to have one

How to make sure your estate plan actually reflects your wishes in a way that's healthy for whoever's receiving it

The Because I Love You legacy planning guide - a free downloadable resource where you can document everything from passwords to health proxies in one place

Why this kind of preparation is truly one of the most loving things you can do for your family

The importance of not making major life decisions in the immediate aftermath of loss, and how grief affects judgment more than most people realize

Where to turn for support - financial advisors, trusted community, and resources like Savvy Ladies and the Financial Help for Widows guide
Resources
You Need A Budget WebsiteBecause I Love You - A Legacy Planning CompanionLinktr.ee/francisfinancialSavvy Ladies
Rebuilding Financial Security After Loss
Your Money Story Worksheet
Original 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!
37 min
April 01Journal With Us: Your Money Story After Losing a Spouse (Part 1)
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,” Stacy 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!
13 min
March 17When Heirlooms Become Assets with Peter Costanzo
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!
48 min
March 03The Ex Inheritance Problem with Natalie Colley
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!
37 min
February 17The Widow’s Tax Shift: What Happens to Your Taxes After Your Spouse Passes Away with Allen Sakon
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!
48 min
February 03Why Pre-Planning Your Funeral is an Act of Love with Frances Cangero
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!
39 min

About Financially Ever After Widowhood

From the publisher's feed

Widowhood is the state of being a widow or widower: a person whose spouse has passed away. This is a situation that no one wants to be in, but it is something that can happen, and that you and your family should be prepared for financially. When this kind of painful, life altering event occurs, it's important to have the structure in place for you and your family to be protected, and this year on Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy Francis is going to be talking to a diverse lineup of experts, and individuals who have gone through it themselves, to give you the tools and information you need to be prepared.

Share Financially Ever After Widowhood

Sign up to save your podcasts

Financially Ever After Widowhood

Financially Ever After Widowhood episodes

About Financially Ever After Widowhood

More shows like Financially Ever After Widowhood

Planet Money

10% Happier with Dan Harris

Letters from an American