Financially Ever After Widowhood

• [Replay] Taking Control of Your Finances After Widowhood

  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!

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• Emotional Resilience in a Volatile Market with Matt Haertzen

  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!

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• Surviving the IRS: Innocent Spouse Relief and Other Solutions with Megan Brackney

  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!

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• Navigating Mental Health Law: Supporting Families Through Crisis with Lisa Herman

  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!

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• Who Will Support You as You Age? Smart Planning for Solo Agers with Marni Blank

  Are you really prepared for solo aging? Have you thought about who will care for you as you get older? What about where you’ll live, how you’ll afford care, and who will manage your finances if you’re unable to? Too many people wait until an emergency forces them to make these decisions, but planning ahead can give you control over your future and peace of mind. What if you could make choices now that ensure your later years are filled with security, independence, and dignity? In this episode of Financially Ever After, Stacy Francis is joined by Marni Blank, founder of Begin With The End, to discuss the essential steps solo agers (and everyone else!) should take to prepare for the future. From financial planning to housing choices to organizing your digital life, this conversation is full of critical insights. You'll hear them discuss: A powerful way to leave a legacy through handwritten letters and how this simple but meaningful act can create deep connections that last beyond a lifetime. Solo aging realities and why it’s crucial to proactively plan for healthcare, housing, and financial needs before unexpected circumstances force rushed decisions. The importance of choice in aging and how making key decisions early allows you to maintain control, rather than having others step in when it may be too late. Where you will live as you age, whether staying in your home, moving to assisted living, or considering other options, and how to determine the right fit for your needs. Financial planning for long-term care, breaking down the true costs, what options exist, and why starting early can make all the difference in affording quality care. The digital side of aging, including organizing passwords, documents, and financial accounts so your loved ones aren’t left struggling to access important information. Why waiting lists matter when choosing senior living communities and how long delays in availability could leave you scrambling for a less ideal option in an emergency. Resources Marni Blank on the Web | LinkedIn | Instagram | Email Free Plan Well Organizer Free Legacy Project Ideas 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!

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