Financially Ever After Widowhood

By Stacy FrancisBusiness Health & Fitness Kids & Family Investing

Financially Ever After Widowhood episodes

February 06, 2024Navigating Grief and Finding Peace in Caregiving with Holly Strelzik
Holly Strelzik, a woman who has experienced her fair share of loss and grief, joins Stacy Francis on this episode of Financially Ever After. From a childhood of divorce and estrangement to the death of a close friend and several traumatic events, Holly has cultivated a profound connection to the art of dying and end-of-life care. As an end-of-life doula and grief recovery specialist, Holly understands the importance of caring for oneself while caring for others. She shares her personal journey as a caregiver and offers valuable insights on finding support and maintaining one's own well-being. Be inspired by Holly's wisdom and compassion as she empowers women to navigate the challenges of caregiving and grief.
Taking care of oneself is crucial as a caregiver, as neglecting self-care can lead to negative consequences for both the caregiver and the person being cared for.
Holly shares her personal journey of caregiving, from her childhood experiences to her current role as a caregiver for her husband with Alzheimer's.
The 2-2-2 plan is a practical approach to ensure that caregivers have support in place for different timeframes, from a few hours to a couple of weeks.
Caregivers face a higher mortality risk and need to prioritize their own well-being to avoid caregiver strain.
Center for the Heart, founded by Holly, provides end-of-life care and grief support to individuals and families facing terminal illnesses.
Grief is a complex process that requires compassionate support and understanding, and Center for the Heart offers a safe space for individuals to explore their grief and find healing.
Embracing a spiritual practice or finding solace in nature can be beneficial for caregivers in maintaining their own well-being.
Grief can be a catalyst for personal growth and can inspire individuals to serve others who are experiencing similar challenges.

Resources

Holly Strelzik on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Podcast | Center for the Heart | Center for the Heart LinkedIn
Email: [email protected]

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!
27 min
January 23, 2024Mothering Through Mourning: Navigating Widowhood and Parenthood with Melanese Marr-Thomas
So many of us lost loved ones as COVID-19 swept through our communities, each of us with our own story of love and loss. But what about when those stories include our children? Melanese Marr-Thomas is a two-time Amazon bestselling author and entrepreneur, and she joins Stacy Francis on this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood to share her powerful journey of love and loss. Melanese opens up about the devastating impact of losing her husband to COVID-19 and the challenges she faced as a widow and single mother of four children. Through her authentic and raw storytelling, Melanese offers a glimpse into the depths of grief and the resilience it takes to navigate life after loss. She shares some of the practical tools in her upcoming book, What the Grief? A Widow's Grief and Loss Becomes Lessons of Hope and Triumph, that helped her and her children, including honest communication, grace, and space. Tune in to this episode to gain insight, inspiration, and a reminder that it's okay not to be okay.
We must be open and honest with children about grief. Melanese created a safe space for her children to express their emotions by sharing her own struggles and giving them permission to not be okay.
Melanese shares her concept of "grief storms," which are intense waves of emotions, where grief is likened to a tornado that destroys everything. These destructive waves of grief were harsh at first, but became easier to manage as Melanese allowed herself to feel and work through her emotions.
Connecting with others who are grieving provides solace and understanding. Melanese highlights the value of Facebook groups, grief support organizations, and therapy in navigating the journey. Being silent about grief hinders healing and support. Being vulnerable and open inspires others.
Losing a spouse means the loss of shared dreams. Melanese shares her struggle with rebuilding her life and finding a new identity, particularly for her food truck business. Her husband was “the grillmaster.”
Giving oneself grace and space to heal is crucial. Melanese shares her toolkit for coping with grief, including water aerobics, adult coloring books, and spending time in nature.
Grief is a lifelong process, and there is no specific timeframe or expectation to "get over" the loss. Love and grief coexist.

Resources

Melanese Marr-Thomas on LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Hope Certain Instagram
Email: [email protected]

Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter)
Email: [email protected]
FrancisFinancial.com
34 min
January 09, 2024Trusts, Inheritance, and Protecting Your Children's Future with Stefan Dunkelgrun
Most parents think about the future of their finances, and the legacy that they will leave for their children. This week on Financially Ever After Widowhood, host Stacy Francis talks with renowned trust and estate lawyer Stefan Dunkelgrun about how to effectively plan your children’s inheritance and safeguard it against extravagance and divorce. As a partner at Davidoff Hutcher and Citron in New York City, Stefan brings a wealth of knowledge and experiences from his work with high and ultra-high-net-worth clients. In this episode, he shares eye-opening tales from the trenches, offering crucial advice on ensuring that your legacy serves your children in lasting, meaningful ways. Whether you're a parent of young children or have adult kids, join us as Stefan explains how to protect your family's financial future while ensuring your wealth enhances rather than hampers their ambitions.
Estate planning is not just about wealth distribution but about ensuring the well-being of your loved ones after you're gone in a way that aligns with your family’s needs and values.
Many parents grapple with how to leave money to their children, especially if they are minors. Stefan discusses creating trusts that provide for children's needs, like education and healthcare, without giving them unrestricted access to large sums at a young age.
Divorce-proofing your child's inheritance is a critical aspect of estate planning. Stefan provides insights on how to structure trusts to ensure that your children's inheritance remains protected, even in the event of their marital dissolution.
Stefan advises selecting someone as trustee who can manage the trust impartially and responsibly, ideally not the children's guardian to avoid conflicts of interest.
Life insurance plays a significant role in estate planning; choosing the right amount and type of policy, and properly designating beneficiaries, can secure your children's financial future without unnecessary tax burdens.
Gifting strategies are an integral part of estate planning, with options like direct payments for medical and educational expenses offering tax benefits.
For high net worth families, Stefan introduces advanced strategies and tools that can extend the benefits of your estate across generations, offering educational funding and other support to grandchildren and beyond.

Resources

Stefan Dunkelgrun on LinkedIn | Davidoff Hutcher and Citron
Phone: (646) 428-3112
Email: [email protected]

Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | X(Twitter)
Email: [email protected]
FrancisFinancial.com
39 min
December 26, 2023Navigating College Costs as a Single Parent with Robert Farrington
Robert Farrington, founder of The College Investor, is a student loan and financial aid expert. He guides individuals in making wise college decisions and assists families in managing the challenges of student loan debt. In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy interviews Robert about how single parents can best save for and pay for college without compromising their own financial security. They discuss 529 savings plans, different types of student loans, as well as strategies to lower college costs. He also shares why it's important for parents to prioritize their own retirement savings first before saving for college.
Take care of your own financial stability first before worrying about college savings - there are lots of ways to pay for college later.

529 plans allow tax-free savings and growth for education expenses. Most states offer tax deductions as well. Federal student loans typically have better terms and options than private loans.

Never borrow more than your expected first year salary after graduating.

Apply for scholarships and grants. Negotiate with the school's financial aid office.

Consider community college for the first 1-2 years then transfer to save money.

Take AP classes in high school to enter college with credits already completed.

Find colleges with good financial aid packages to lower the overall cost.

Have open conversations with your child early about money and college expectations.

Resources
Robert Farrington on the Web | The College Investor Website | Instagram | X | Email
Tuition Fit
Saving for College
FAFSA

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!
34 min
December 12, 2023The Importance of Succession Planning to Future-proof Your Business with Michael Levy
Do you have a family business that could disintegrate into awkward disputes or expensive tax fights when you pass away? This week's guest, Michael Levy, knows all about the dramatic infighting and family stress depicted on HBO's acclaimed show Succession in real life! In over 20 years as an estate planning attorney, he has helped hundreds of families navigate messy succession scenarios. On this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, he shares expert insights on smart succession planning with host Stacy Francis, including strategies to transfer ownership interests while avoiding unnecessary taxes safely. Michael stresses thoughtfully and compassionately handling which family members will lead the business in order to future-proof your business.
Succession planning is critical but often neglected by business founders who believe things will continue seamlessly after them.

Without a plan, disputes frequently arise between heirs with differing ideas of who should take over the business.

Strategies like buy-sell agreements, estate freezes, defective grantor trusts can facilitate tax-optimized succession transfers.

Paying for business valuations regularly is wise to avoid surprises later when gifting interests or facing estate taxes.

Spouses inheriting interests may still owe taxes, so planning ahead with vehicles like life insurance is key.

Advisors like financial planners, estate attorneys and CPAs can help navigate these complex scenarios, so clients shouldn't hesitate to ask questions.

Resources
Michael Levy on Website | LinkedIn

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!
42 min
November 28, 2023Self-Care Strategies for the Recently Bereaved with Jeanne Jacobwitz
Jeanne Jacobwitz is a nurse practitioner and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and New York University in the Graduate Midwifery and Women's Health programs. She believes that mental, physical, and financial health are interconnected. After losing her husband and experiencing her own grief journey, she joined The W Connection, a nonprofit providing support for widowed individuals. Jeanne joins Stacy Francis on this Financially Ever After Widowhood episode to discuss how prolonged stress impacts overall well-being. They also explore the concept of "broken heart syndrome" and the importance of self-advocacy.
Dealing with ongoing stress from grief can seriously affect your physical health, leading to problems like heart issues, a weaker immune system, diabetes, and osteoporosis. It's important for healthcare providers to recognize that mourning is a health risk.
Acute grief, often known as "broken heart syndrome," can cause real physical changes similar to a heart attack. It's crucial to identify it quickly.
Feeling lonely can have a negative effect on your health, and being a widow often means more isolation. Joining community groups can make widows feel more connected.
Widows should speak up for their own health by asking for more doctor visits and focusing on self-care, even when they feel tired and overwhelmed. Finding the right healthcare provider is important.
Doing things that boost the "happiness hormone" oxytocin, like laughing, dancing, and hugging, can help you manage stress. Even simple acts like smiling more can make a big difference.
Financial struggles add more stress, and most widows start retirement with fewer resources than average. This makes it even more important to stay vigilant about your health.
The W Connection offers online support groups, workshops, webinars, and in-person meetups for widows. Being part of this community can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Taking proactive care of yourself and getting clinical support can significantly improve your long-term well-being.

Resources
Jeanne Jacobwitz on Website | Instagram | Email

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!
37 min
November 14, 2023Honoring Traditions and Making New Ones This Holiday Season with Jordan Schwartz Hendin
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

Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!
39 min
October 31, 2023Navigating Life's Third Act: From Grief to Purpose with Irene Weinberg
Irene Weinberg shares her journey from profound grief to a renewed sense of inner strength and spiritual wisdom after losing her husband, Saul, in a tragic car accident. Irene's story goes beyond conventional narratives, exploring a spiritual awakening that shaped her healing journey and led her to a passion for helping other grieving women create a divine plan for their lives. She joins Stacy Francis on this episode of Financially Ever After to share her incredible story.
Embracing a spiritual perspective can provide solace and guidance during times of profound loss.
It’s important to seek therapy and professional support in navigating both emotional and financial challenges after the death of a spouse.
Your grief can be a catalyst to personal growth and service to others.
Irene recounts receiving messages before the accident that foretold Saul's departure. After the accident, she experienced a spiritual awakening, connecting with Saul through renowned medium John Edward. The messages provided undeniable proof of Saul's presence beyond the physical realm.
Irene's connection with Saul brought her comfort in knowing that he was not lost and that there was more to life beyond the physical realm. The experience reshaped her perspective on death, eliminating fear and instilling a sense of acceptance.
Channeling Saul for her book and podcast allowed Irene to explore deep questions about soulmates, the afterlife, and the universal experience. This process facilitated healing, not only for Irene but also for those who resonated with her journey.
Irene emphasizes the importance of not staying stuck in the "swamp of suffering" after a loss. She shares her passion for introducing people to healers and resources through her podcast, helping them move through pain and grief to find joy again.
Irene, in her third act of life, continues to pay it forward through her podcast. She strives to inspire others to embrace their purpose and make a positive impact on the world.

Resources
Irene Weinberg on Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Email
The Grief and Rebirth Podcast on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TikTok
They Serve Bagels in Heaven

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!
43 min
October 17, 2023Organizing Your Affairs to Support and Safeguard Your Family with Sarah Constantine
In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy Francis welcomes Sarah Constantine, an accomplished estate planning attorney renowned for helping ultra high net worth individuals presere and transfer their legacies. Sarah’s commitment goes beyond the technical aspects of the law; it stems from a genuine belief in service and a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of her clients. She and Stacy discuss the human side of estate planning, emphasizing the importance of organizing your affairs to support and safeguard your family.
A comprehensive plan to manage your assets starts with foundational estate planning documents. These documents include wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies.
Estate planning should be flexible to adapt to changes in tax laws and personal circumstances. Regular reviews and updates ensure that your plan remains effective and aligned with your goals.
Specialized trusts offer tailored solutions for individuals seeking to achieve specific financial, philanthropic, or legacy goals within their estate plans. For example, Charitable Lead Annuity Trust (CLAT) allows individuals to contribute to charitable causes during their lifetime while eventually passing assets to heirs. It can be a powerful tool for both philanthropy and tax planning.
Non-U.S. citizens may be subject to different rules and tax implications than U.S. citizens. Additionally, non-U.S. persons who own assets in the U.S. may be subject to specific rules and taxes. It is important to plan properly to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Resources
Sarah Constantine on LinkedIn | Arnold & Porter
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 212-836-8066

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!
42 min
October 03, 2023Dealing with Workplace Discrimination as a Widow with Kelley Joyce and Susan Crumiller
In this Financially Ever After Widowhood episode, Stacy Francis welcomes Kelley Joyce and Susan Crumiller to explore rejoining the workforce after loss. Kelly, a seasoned career coach, specializes in helping professionals find their career path and realize their dream job. Susan is an accomplished attorney who is known for her work in representing victims of workplace discrimination. They share invaluable insights and guidance on dealing with workplace discrimination and reentering the workforce after experiencing a significant loss.
When grappling with workplace discrimination and career transitions, always prioritize your mental health. Explore flexible work options, update your resume, and seek assistance. Remember, you don't have to go through this process alone; support is available.
Clear evidence, such as text messages and written communication, can be crucial in legal situations. Effective communication is key, and creating a record of actions and behaviors is essential for addressing workplace issues.
Navigating the workforce after a significant loss requires open and honest communication with supervisors. Balancing work and personal life is possible with the right strategies, such as documenting arrangements made regarding personal obligations.
By building strong relationships with your colleagues and managers, you can create a network of support that can help you navigate difficult situations. Additionally, by presenting yourself in a professional and competent manner, you can earn the respect of your colleagues and make it more likely that they will listen to your concerns.

Resources
Susan Crumiller on Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Email | Phone: (212) 390-8480
Survivors Law Project

Kelley A. Joyce on Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Email | Phone: (917) 566-0808
Book your free 45-minute consultation with Kelley today!

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!
48 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.

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