Financially Ever After Widowhood

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!

When does financial support turn into financial control? Are you really in charge of your finances - or just being told you are? What if the person you love most is also the one slowly eroding your financial freedom?

In this gripping episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy sits down with narcissist divorce coach and survivor Victoria McCooey to talk about something that happens far too often but is rarely talked about: financial abuse. From subtle control to outright manipulation, Victoria pulls back the curtain on what this form of abuse looks like, how it evolves, and why even the smartest, most capable women can find themselves stuck in it. With raw honesty and hard-won wisdom, she shares not just her story, but real strategies for reclaiming your power - and your paycheck.

You'll hear them discuss:

How financial abuse often starts with what seems like kindness or practicality

Why smart, educated, successful women are still vulnerable to financial manipulation

The common emotional traps that keep women stuck in abusive dynamics

Telltale signs you're being excluded or controlled financially

What to do if you're afraid of retaliation or escalating violence when trying to leave

How Victoria “stole” her own paycheck to buy health insurance and what happened next

The vital role of tax returns, credit reports, and hidden debts in uncovering the truth

Why guilt and self-blame are so common - and completely undeserved

How community and connection can help women feel less alone and more empowered

Resources

Victoria McCooey on Web | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Tiktok | Email | Phone: 516-449-4311

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!

Think you know everything about Social Security? Think again. What if the difference between a spousal benefit and a survivor benefit could mean thousands of dollars more in your pocket, but no one tells you? In this eye-opening episode, Stacey Francis sits down with Mary Beth Franklin, a nationally recognized expert on Social Security, to unravel the complex web of rules and opportunities surrounding Social Security for widows and divorced women. With over 2,700 rules in the system, most people make costly mistakes without even knowing it. Mary Beth breaks it all down in clear, practical terms and shares the strategies that can maximize lifetime benefits.

You'll hear us discuss:

How Social Security retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits are actually separate “pots of money”

What divorced women need to know about eligibility for spousal and survivor benefits - even if their ex has remarried

How the length of your marriage (and whether you remarried after age 60) can impact what you’re entitled to

Why claiming benefits early could lead to permanent reductions, and what full retirement age really means

The surprising rule that allows widows to claim one benefit now and switch to a higher one later

How earnings limits can affect your benefit if you’re still working

Why children under 18 (and their caregiving parent) may be eligible for survivor benefits after a parent dies

Real-life scenarios that show how proper strategy can increase benefits by tens of thousands of dollars

How to claim retroactive benefits and what to do if Social Security gave you the wrong advice

Where to find the most reliable information and professional help, including Mary Beth’s own resources

Resources

Mary Beth Franklin on Web | X (Twitter) | Email: [email protected] | Phone number: 703-609-4764 | Maximizing Social Security Benefits

Other resources - Social Security Advisors - help with claiming backpay | Social Security Administration - government website with information on Social Security Benefits

Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter) | Email: [email protected]

FrancisFinancial.com

Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

What happens if your spouse dies before the divorce is finalized - are you a widow… or still just the spouse they were trying to leave? In this eye-opening episode, Stacy is joined by matrimonial attorney Lisa Zeiderman and estate planning attorney Amy Holzman to unpack a legal gray zone that most couples never anticipate. Whether you're in the middle of separating, contemplating divorce, or supporting someone through it, this episode reveals the hidden consequences of dying mid-divorce - and how to protect your financial and legal interests before it’s too late.

You'll hear them discuss:

Why divorce proceedings legally stop (abate) if one spouse dies before the final judgment is issued

The critical difference between being “separated” and “legally separated”

What happens to wills, inheritance rights, and spousal elections if no divorce agreement has been signed

How a prenup or postnup can override default spousal inheritance laws

Whether someone is considered divorced or widowed in the eyes of the law - and why that distinction matters for taxes and Social Security

The role of survivorship benefits in pensions and retirement accounts after death

What happens when a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) hasn’t been processed yet

Why failing to update beneficiary designations (and documents like power of attorney or healthcare proxy) can backfire dramatically

Practical ways to protect your assets and loved ones - especially if you're over 50 and facing a “gray divorce”

How estate planning and divorce law must work hand-in-hand to prevent future litigation and financial chaos

Resources

Lisa Zeiderman on the Web | Miller Zeiderman LLP | LinkedIn

Amy Holzman on Law Offices of Amy Holzman | 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!

Should you buy a life insurance policy for yourself, and if so, what type? And if you’ve received a life insurance payout, how do you use that money wisely without letting grief cloud your judgment?

In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy Francis sits down with financial planner and longtime colleague Avani Ramnani to break down the most important financial decisions widows face around life insurance, income planning, and long-term security. Whether you're navigating your own life insurance needs, managing a recent payout, or trying to make your finances sustainable on a single income, this episode gives you the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions with confidence.

You'll hear them discuss:

How to decide whether you still need life insurance as a widow, and why having dependents (like young children or a disabled adult) plays a key role in that decision

What to do with a life insurance payout - including why doing nothing at first may be the wisest move until your emotions settle and clearer planning is possible

The difference between term and permanent life insurance, and why term insurance is usually the most affordable and effective option for most families

Why tracking your spending - at least for a year - is essential, and how to do it without getting overwhelmed or obsessing over minor purchases

How widows’ income often drops significantly after their spouse dies, even though expenses may stay the same, and what that means for sustainable financial planning

Why it's critical to prioritize your own long-term financial health before helping adult children or family members, and how to handle emotional pressure around money

The two options for handling a late spouse’s IRA or retirement account, and how to choose between rolling it into your own IRA or keeping it as an inherited IRA

Resources

Avani Ramnani on LinkedIn

Resources mentioned

Savvy Ladies - Free Financial Education and Helpline for Women

You Need a Budget

Stacy Francis on LinkedIn |vX(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 you’re suddenly the one in charge of all the paperwork, passwords, and decisions, but you’re not sure where to begin? In this heartfelt and practical episode, father-and-son duo Peter and Jacob Gordon share how daily money management can be a lifeline for people navigating everything from grief and memory loss to major life changes like retirement, divorce, or moving across the country.

They didn’t set out to become financial organizers—but life led them here through personal family experiences, and now they’re helping others find order and peace during some of life’s most overwhelming moments.

You’ll hear them discuss:

• How their family’s own challenges with elder care inspired them to create a service that supports others in managing the emotional and practical sides of personal finance.

• The unexpected transitions that often lead people to seek help—like a partner’s death, a dementia diagnosis, or simply realizing the bills haven’t been opened in months.

• What it means to be a daily money manager, and how their work goes far beyond bill pay to include safeguarding personal data, organizing financial records, and helping clients feel less isolated.

• Why solo agers—those without family support nearby—often rely on them as trusted fiduciaries to serve as power of attorney, healthcare proxy, or executor when no one else can.

• The ways loneliness, memory loss, and vulnerability intersect—and how just having someone to check in weekly can dramatically improve a person’s wellbeing and confidence.

• How they collaborate with financial advisers, attorneys, and care professionals to create a wraparound team that protects clients from falling through the cracks.

• Their top piece of advice for anyone suddenly managing money on their own: start by finding out exactly where everything is, before trying to make sense of it.

ResourcesJacob and Peter Gordon on the Web | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn | Email: [email protected]

Jacob Gordon on Email: [email protected] I Phone number: 917-945-0912

Peter Gordon on LinkedIn | Email: [email protected] | Phone number: 917-279-3972

Other resources mentioned:

Article on How to Freeze Credit Card

Quicken - Manage Your Finances in One Place

You Need a Budget

Personal Capital / Empower

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 your financial struggles aren’t really about money—but about emotions you’ve never even considered? In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacey Francis is joined by Erika Wasserman, one of only 100 certified financial therapists in the U.S. Together, they dive into how fear, overwhelm, shame and even childhood memories can keep you stuck in place financially. Whether you’re recently widowed, divorced, or simply navigating money matters on your own for the first time, this conversation offers hope, practical tools, and a whole new way of thinking about your relationship with money.

You’ll hear them discuss:

How 90% of our financial decisions are driven by emotion, and why understanding this can help you make better choices moving forward

Why your money mindset is shaped by your background, culture, and past experiences—often without you even realising it

What financial paralysis looks like, and how to gently move forward with manageable, confidence-building steps

How feelings of fear, overwhelm and loneliness can stop you from taking action, and what to do when that happens

Why making financial mistakes is completely normal—and how to reframe them as part of your learning journey

How Erika’s simple highlighter method can help you understand your spending habits and make joyful, intentional choices

What a “sunshine fund” is, and how having one can create space for spontaneous joy and generosity

When it might be the right time to work with a financial therapist, especially if you feel emotionally stuck or ashamed about money

Resources

Erika Wasserman on the Web | Email | Instagram | LinkedIn

Pre-order ''Conversations with Your Financial Therapist'' on Amazon

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!

In honor of Financial Literacy Month, we’re revisiting one of our most powerful episodes of Financially Ever After: Widowhood, a conversation that underscores why financial knowledge is essential, especially during life’s most difficult transitions.

You’ll hear from Kathy Gleason, a widow, author, and host of the podcast As I Live and Grieve. Kathy shares her deeply personal journey of navigating grief and the overwhelming financial aftermath that followed the loss of her husband.

This episode is a powerful call for women to not just be emotionally prepared, but financially informed.

Are you struggling to cope with the loss of a spouse and the financial challenges that come with it? In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, host Stacy Francis speaks with Kathy Gleason, an author and grief support expert with a deep understanding of the struggles that come with losing a spouse. Kathy is also co-host of the As I Live and Grieve podcast. Kathy details her personal journey of loss, including the challenges of managing the paperwork and red tape that come with it. She also shares valuable insights and practical advice on how to navigate the financial challenges of widowhood.

Losing a spouse is a complex and devastating loss that brings many unique challenges, including the loss of future plans and the added responsibility of managing all the paperwork and red tape that come with it.

It's important to surround yourself with supportive people who understand what you're going through and can offer emotional and practical support.

If you are not the partner who manages the finances, it's important to make yourself aware of what accounts and assets you have in case you need to take over in the future.

It's common for married couples to not make long-term financial decisions together, but this can leave one partner at a disadvantage if they need to take over after a spouse's passing.

Prioritizing tasks and taking care of practical matters can help you begin to work on yourself and heal after a loss.

Resources

Kathy Gleason Facebook | Instagram

Email: [email protected] 

As I Live and Grieve

Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | Twitter

Email: [email protected]

FrancisFinancial.com

Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

What if doing absolutely nothing during a market downturn was actually the best financial move you could make? In this episode of Financially Ever After, Stacy Francis sits down with Matt Haertzen - Chief Investment Officer at Francis Financial - to dive deep into how to handle market volatility without letting fear drive your decisions. When markets dip, it's easy to panic, but Matt and Stacy highlight how staying calm and sticking to your investment plan can help you not just weather the storm, but come out ahead.

They explore the importance of staying invested through the ups and downs, how to avoid making emotional mistakes, and why focusing on the long-term can ultimately be more rewarding. In a world full of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to know how to make smart decisions that will benefit your future, even if the road to get there feels a little bumpy.

You’ll hear them discuss:

Resources

Matt Haertzen 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!