Financially Ever After Widowhood

How do you keep showing up for someone you love when grief has already started, and the bills, taxes, legal decisions, and everyday money stuff suddenly land on your shoulders too? Suzy McNamara joins Stacy for a conversation about caring for her husband through early-onset Alzheimer’s, losing both her husband and sister in the same year, and finding her footing again through grief. They talk about the financial wake-up call that came with caregiving, why both partners need to understand the household finances, and how small wins can slowly bring back a sense of control. You’ll hear them discuss: How anticipatory grief can begin long before someone dies, especially when illness slowly changes the person you love What happened when Suzy realized her husband could no longer manage the finances and how much had already started slipping through the cracks Why leaving all the money decisions to one partner can create a huge amount of stress when illness, incapacity, or loss enters the picture How getting help from financial professionals, friends, and a trusted support team helped Suzy rebuild confidence one problem at a time Why shame and embarrassment around money can keep people stuck, and the power of simply asking, “What can I solve today?” The value of regular financial check-ins with your partner so both of you understand the bills, savings, debt, taxes, accounts, and passwords How learning to manage money became one area Suzy could actually control during a time when so much else felt completely out of her hands Resources Suzy McNamara on Website | "The Silkworm, The Magician and The Sister Tree" Book | 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!

How do you honor a loved one’s wish to stay at home while also making sure they are safe, supported, and able to thrive? In this episode, Stacy sits down with gerontologist and care manager Rebecca Lippel to unpack the emotional, practical, and financial realities of caring for an aging family member. They talk about the many care options available, the hidden costs families often overlook, and why the right plan may need to change over time. Rebecca also shares a compassionate approach to difficult care conversations that protects dignity, autonomy, and family relationships. You’ll hear them discuss: How to determine whether staying at home is still realistic, safe, and financially sustainable The differences between companionship, part-time home care, live-in support, and overnight care Why finding the right caregiver is about personality and trust, not just qualifications The additional costs families often miss, including groceries, housekeeping, transportation, and medical appointment support What Medicare, Medicaid, health insurance, and long-term care insurance may, or may not, cover When assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing may offer more than in-home care How to approach difficult conversations without taking away your loved one’s dignity, control, or sense of independence Resources Rebecca Lippel on LiveWell Care Management | LinkedIn | Phone: 917-923-1463 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

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

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!