Financially Ever After Widowhood

Latest Episodes:

Escaping the Grip of Financial Abuse with Victoria McCooey Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

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

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!

The Social Security Survivor Benefit Secret with Mary Beth Franklin Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

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: MBFretirepro@outlook.com | 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: stacy@francisfinancial.com

FrancisFinancial.com

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

What Do You Do If Your Spouse Dies Before the Divorce Is Finalized with Lisa Zeiderman and Amy Holzman Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

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!

What Every Widow Needs to Know About Life Insurance with Avani Ramnani Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

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!

Getting Financially Organized in Life’s Toughest Moments with Jacob and Peter Gordon May 27, 2025

Show notes

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: info@nyfo.nyc

Jacob Gordon on Email: jacob@nyfo.nyc I Phone number: 917-945-0912

Peter Gordon on LinkedIn | Email: peter@nyfo.nyc | 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!

Rebuilding Money Confidence After Loss with Financial Therapist Erika Wasserman May 13, 2025

Show notes

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!

[Replay] Taking Control of Your Finances After Widowhood Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

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: info@asiliveandgrieve.com

As I Live and Grieve

Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | Twitter

Email: stacy@francisfinancial.com

FrancisFinancial.com

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

Emotional Resilience in a Volatile Market with Matt Haertzen Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

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:

Why reacting emotionally during a market drop could cost you more in the long run and why staying calm is key
Why markets have historically bounced back and why it's essential to focus on the bigger picture, especially when things feel uneasy
The importance of staying invested for the long haul and how volatility can be an opportunity if you’re prepared
How strategies like tax-loss harvesting and Roth conversions can actually work in your favor when markets are down
The psychological impact of market swings and how to manage your emotions to avoid costly mistakes
Simple yet effective steps to manage your finances during uncertain times without sacrificing your goals
Why diversification is crucial and how expecting every part of your portfolio to perform perfectly all the time is unrealistic
Real-life insights into why reacting to market drops, like during the 2008 financial crisis, can leave you worse off in the long run

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!

Surviving the IRS: Innocent Spouse Relief and Other Solutions with Megan Brackney Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Is skimping on employment taxes worth the risk? Think again! The IRS is watching, and the consequences could be severe. From personal liability to potential criminal charges, tax attorney Megan Brackney breaks down what you must know about payroll tax compliance—and what happens if you get it wrong. Think an IRS notice is something you can ignore? Not so fast. Failing to respond could mean escalating penalties, wage garnishments, or even asset seizures.

Failing to pay your taxes—or even unknowingly making mistakes—can lead to serious consequences. In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy Francis sits down with Megan Brackney, a leading tax controversy attorney, to unpack the dangers of employment tax issues, IRS audits, and how to handle tax troubles before they spiral out of control. Whether you’re a business owner, someone dealing with tax issues from a former spouse, or just trying to stay on the right side of the IRS, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and actionable advice.

You'll hear them discuss:

Why employment tax fraud is taken more seriously than personal tax evasion – When you withhold payroll taxes, you’re holding money in trust for your employees and the government. Failure to pay is viewed as theft, making it one of the IRS’ top enforcement priorities.
The IRS’ six-year (or even unlimited!) statute of limitations on tax fraud cases – Just because you haven’t been caught yet doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. The IRS has years to investigate, and in cases of fraud, there’s no time limit at all for them to come after you.
How unpaid payroll taxes can personally impact business owners, CFOs, and controllers – The IRS can go after individuals within a business under the responsible person penalty, making them personally liable for unpaid taxes. If you’re in a leadership role, you must ensure payroll taxes are properly handled.
The real-life regrets of those who got caught—and why it never pays off – Megan shares stories from 20+ years in tax law, revealing how every client who thought they could outsmart the IRS deeply regretted it once they faced penalties, legal fees, and sleepless nights.
Innocent Spouse Relief—what it is and how it can protect you from a former spouse’s tax mistakes – If you’re facing tax liabilities from an ex-spouse’s wrongdoing, you may not have to pay. Learn what qualifies for Innocent Spouse Relief and how to apply.
Practical steps to take if you receive an IRS notice (hint: open it, don’t panic!) – Ignoring IRS letters only makes things worse. Megan explains how to read your notice, understand what’s being asked, and take action before penalties escalate.
How to communicate with the IRS to avoid aggressive collection tactics – Many people fear bank levies and wage garnishments, but staying in contact with the IRS and showing good faith can often prevent the harshest consequences.
Taxpayer rights you didn’t know you had – The U.S. has strong taxpayer protections, but many people don’t realize what they’re entitled to. Megan covers important rights, including appeal options, installment agreements, and offers in compromise.
Why procrastination makes tax problems exponentially worse – The longer you wait, the more interest and penalties pile up. Megan shares key steps to take immediately if you suspect a tax issue, even if you can’t afford to pay the full amount.
How tax issues can impact your financial future, credit, and even your passport – Owing the IRS isn’t just a money problem—it can affect your ability to get business loans, travel, and plan for retirement. Learn how to mitigate long-term consequences.

Resources

Megan Brackney 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!

Navigating Mental Health Law: Supporting Families Through Crisis with Lisa Herman Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

How do you navigate the overwhelming challenges of supporting a loved one dealing with mental illness or substance abuse when the systems meant to help are failing? And how can you be sure you’re making the right choices when it feels like everything is stacked against you?

In this powerful episode of Financially Ever After, Stacy Francis sits down with Lisa Herman, a seasoned mental health attorney who guides families through some of life’s most difficult situations—mental health crises, substance abuse struggles, and complex family dynamics. Lisa shares her personal journey and professional insight, revealing the emotional and legal challenges that families often face. Together, they discuss the crucial resources and strategies that can make a difference when dealing with a loved one’s mental health or addiction issues. Lisa’s experience gives a unique perspective on how to act quickly, thoughtfully, and with care in times of crisis.

You’ll hear them discuss:

The challenges of navigating mental health and substance abuse systems, and why it often feels like families are flying blind without proper guidance.
Lisa’s personal journey of losing her husband to cancer and how it shaped her understanding of crisis and family support.
The importance of acting quickly and seriously when a loved one expresses harmful intentions, and how to identify when immediate intervention is needed.
The legal mechanisms available to families, including guardianship, Kendra’s Law, and the assisted outpatient treatment law to help manage loved ones with severe mental illness.
How to avoid enabling destructive behavior while still showing love and support for a family member going through a crisis.
The delicate balance between helping someone get the treatment they need while preserving family relationships and communication.
Practical advice for reaching out to the right resources, including psychiatric case managers, security personnel, and legal professionals who can step in during critical moments.

Resources

Lisa Herman on LinkedIn | Email I Phone: 914-607-7010

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!