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 ex ...
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Divorcesource Podcasts

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The Social Security Survivor Benefit Secret with Mary Beth Franklin
48:09
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48:09Think 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 …
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What Do You Do If Your Spouse Dies Before the Divorce Is Finalized with Lisa Zeiderman and Amy Holzman
43:10
43:10
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43:10What 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 mid…
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What Every Widow Needs to Know About Life Insurance with Avani Ramnani
48:35
48:35
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48:35Should 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 …
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Getting Financially Organized in Life’s Toughest Moments with Jacob and Peter Gordon
38:31
38:31
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38:31What 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 change…
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Rebuilding Money Confidence After Loss with Financial Therapist Erika Wasserman
36:21
36:21
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36:21What 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 …
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[Replay] Taking Control of Your Finances After Widowhood
33:37
33:37
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33:37In 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…
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Emotional Resilience in a Volatile Market with Matt Haertzen
35:13
35:13
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35:13What 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 marke…
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Surviving the IRS: Innocent Spouse Relief and Other Solutions with Megan Brackney
53:30
53:30
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53:30Is 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? …
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Navigating Mental Health Law: Supporting Families Through Crisis with Lisa Herman
37:52
37:52
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37:52How 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…
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Who Will Support You as You Age? Smart Planning for Solo Agers with Marni Blank
33:48
33:48
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33:48Are 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 …
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Grief-Proof Your Assets with Claire Schwartz
42:18
42:18
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42:18When facing the loss of a loved one, is there anything worse than being blindsided by legal battles and financial chaos? The last thing you need while grieving is to be buried under probate paperwork, unexpected family conflicts, or financial uncertainty. In this episode, Stacy Francis speaks with grief coach Claire Schwartz about how to prepare ah…
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5 Financial Resolutions for Widows with Natalie Colley
31:00
31:00
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31:00After losing a spouse, how do you regain financial confidence and ensure long-term security? Losing a spouse can leave widows feeling overwhelmed, especially when it comes to finances. But taking control doesn’t have to be daunting—it can be empowering. In this episode, Stacy Francis and Natalie Colley share five key financial resolutions to help w…
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Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Your Estate Planning with Dahiema Grant
42:38
42:38
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42:38Ever wondered if there’s a secret recipe for reducing your tax burden without sacrificing your long-term financial health? Could your estate planning be leaving money on the table? In this episode of Financially Ever After, Stacy Francis is joined by the brilliant Dahiema Grant, CPA and tax expert, to unravel the intricacies of tax planning and est…
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Finding Balance in Caregiving with Debbie Weiss
34:16
34:16
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34:16What if learning to say “no” could be the most powerful form of self-care you ever practiced? In this inspiring episode of Financially Ever After, Stacy Francis chats with Debbie Weiss, author of On Second Thought, Maybe I Can and The Sprinkle Effect, about the power of setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and living with greater intention. …
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[Replay] Honoring Traditions and Making New Ones This Holiday Season with Jordan Schwartz Hendin
39:13
39:13
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39:13Welcome to Financially Ever After Widowhood. As we’re in the heart of the holiday season, we know this time of year can bring both cherished memories and difficult emotions, especially for widows navigating loss. Today, we’re bringing back one of our most impactful episodes from last year, featuring Cognitive Behavioral and Grief Coach Jordan Schwa…
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Navigating the Holidays: Setting Boundaries and Budgets After Loss with Kim Murray
44:51
44:51
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44:51How can you navigate the emotional complexities of the holiday season, set financial boundaries, and plan for a secure financial future after the loss of a spouse? In this insightful episode, Kim Murray, founder of Widow411, shares valuable financial strategies and emotional insights for widows. She discusses how to handle holiday spending, set hea…
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The Election Effect: Navigating Tax Changes and Policy Shifts with Deborah Schaub
40:55
40:55
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40:55What steps can you take to prepare for potential tax changes and secure a financially stable future? In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy Francis sits down with tax expert Deborah Schaub to break down the complexities of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and share actionable strategies to maximize savings and navigate tax planning in …
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Estate Planning After a Wrongful Death with Mary Beth Heiskell
38:03
38:03
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38:03What rights do families truly have when a loved one’s death might have been preventable? In this insightful episode of Financially Ever After, Stacy Francis sits down with Mary Beth Heiskell, a seasoned legal expert in wrongful death cases, to unravel the often-hidden financial and legal challenges families face when tragedy strikes. From the right…
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Mind-Body Connection: Navigating Grief Through Movement with Dr. Gina Williams
26:30
26:30
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26:30Can prioritizing your health make you more financially secure? In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy Francis speaks with Dr. Gina Williams, a physical therapist and advocate for holistic well-being, about how wellness influences every aspect of our lives, including finances. Together, they explore practical ways to prioritize h…
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How to Support Grieving Loved Ones with Hope Reger
43:15
43:15
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43:15How to Support Grieving Loved Ones Are you struggling with grief and seeking support? In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Hope Reger, a passionate advocate for those experiencing loss, shares her journey and insights on coping with grief with Stacy. She highlights the importance of recognizing the unique challenges that come with g…
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Maximizing Your Inheritance: Smart Tax Strategies with Deborah A Schaub
40:31
40:31
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40:31Are you maximizing your tax strategies to avoid costly pitfalls? In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, financial expert, Deborah Schaub, shares with Stacy Francis crucial insights into effective tax planning. With a background working for Fortune 500 companies like Price Waterhouse and IBM, Deborah founded CNB Accounting in 2016 to p…
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Solo Aging: Navigating Life and Healthcare Without a Safety Net with Dr. Gerda Maissel
35:08
35:08
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35:08Solo agers, people without traditional family supports, are an increasingly common demographic. Dr. Gerda Maissel, a private patient advocate, joins Stacy Francis on Financially Ever After Widowhood to discuss the challenges solo agers face, especially in navigating the healthcare system. Dr. Maissel’s expertise as a physician has led her to help i…
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The team at Financially Ever After is taking a brief summer pause to line up an amazing new series of guests for you in the fall. So relax, enjoy the end of the summer, and if you have some time, catch up on any episodes you've missed! You'll find the entire archive at FrancisFinancial.com/Podcast. We'll be back on September 17th.…
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Navigating Estate Planning with International Assets with Paula Jones
35:52
35:52
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35:52Paula Jones, a trust and estate attorney, discusses the complexities of estate planning and taxation for U.S. citizens with international assets or family members abroad. She highlights the U.S. system of taxing worldwide income and assets, in contrast to other countries' residency-based taxation. Paula also talks about other subjects she specializ…
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[Replay] Empowering Families in End-of-Life Decision Making with
35:12
35:12
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35:12When faced with a terminal illness diagnosis, your emotions can be overwhelming. You still need to navigate the legal aspects, however, to ensure that you and your loved ones are protected. Stacy Francis’ guest this week is Alison Arden Besunder, a partner in charge of the Trust and Estates department at Goetz Fitzpatrick. Alison has extensive expe…
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Unraveling Social Security for Widowed Parents
30:50
30:50
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30:50This week on Financially Ever After Widowhood, you’ll enjoy a powerful crossover episode with the Modern Family Matters Podcast. Stacy Francis joins Steve Altishin, Director of Client Partnerships at Pacific Cascade Legal, to dive deep into the intricacies of social security laws and how they impact widowed parents. Stacy and Steve discuss the fina…
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Are you prepared for the financial complexities of widowhood? In this episode, Stacy Francis and Judy Heft, a financial and lifestyle concierge, discuss essential steps to take after the loss of a spouse. From assembling a support team to navigating benefits like social security and veterans' benefits, you’ll have a roadmap to help guide you throug…
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Transforming Grief into Support with Eloise Bune
24:46
24:46
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24:46What does the word widow mean to you? This is a question today’s guest thinks we should all be asking because it could use a new definition. In this Financially Ever After Widowhood episode, Stacy Francis speaks with Eloise Bune D’Agostino, the founder of DayNew, a company and community to support people through life-changing events. They discuss t…
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Hidden Money Sources with David Silversmith
29:44
29:44
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29:44What if you could uncover free money that is rightfully yours? In this episode of Financially Ever After, host Stacy Francis unveils the hidden world of unclaimed funds with guest David Silversmith, a CPA and certified financial planner at Eisner Advisory Group, LLC. They discuss the staggering amount of unclaimed funds available, how they can accu…
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Mastering Medicare with Riitta Schoenfeld
38:44
38:44
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38:44What are the key considerations when navigating the complex world of Medicare and health insurance as you approach age 65? In this episode, Riitta Schoenfeld, a Medicare expert, delves into the intricacies of Medicare, discussing eligibility, different plan options, penalties, and the importance of understanding your healthcare coverage. Join us as…
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Terminal Illness and Long-Term Care with Candace Dellacona
39:59
39:59
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39:59Do you know what steps to take and how to keep yourself secure in the face of a devastating medical diagnosis? In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, host Stacy Francis talks to Candace Dellacona, a family lawyer who helps older adults plan for their future. They discuss how to prepare for long-term care and protect your assets, such …
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Moving Forward or Moving On after Loss with Nikki Sewell
35:39
35:39
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35:39When you suffer a loss, should you move forward or move on? Nikki Sewell, a therapist with a personal experience of profound loss, offers a unique perspective on navigating grief and moving forward after the death of both her husband and father by the age of 30. With over 17 years of experience in grief counseling, Nikki emphasizes the importance o…
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The Healthcare Crisis for Widows with Deb Gordon and Beth Battaglino
42:41
42:41
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42:41Have you considered the true cost of healthcare for women, especially in the face of widowhood? Forbes reports that women pay nearly $15 billion more than men in health costs. In this episode of Financially Ever After, host Stacy Francis is joined by Beth Battaglino, the CEO of Healthy Women, and Deb Gordon, the co-founder of Umbra Health Advocacy.…
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Understanding Your Taxes After A Loss with Samantha Harris, CPA
36:49
36:49
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36:49Losing a spouse is difficult enough, and navigating the complex world of taxes only adds to that burden. In this episode of Financially Ever After, host Stacy Francis is joined by Samantha Harris, CPA, who leads her own tax preparation service company. Together, they provide valuable advice that will help you understand important nuances, file your…
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Elder Law and Special Needs Planning with Britt Burner
41:09
41:09
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41:09What are the key differences between traditional estate planning and elder law planning, and why is it important to consider elder law planning at a younger age? In this episode of Financially Ever After, host Stacy Francis delves into the intricate world of special needs planning and elder law with guest Britt Burner. Together, they navigate the c…
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Financial Security and Fraud Prevention with Kathy Stokes
41:12
41:12
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41:12What if you received a call or email claiming to be from the IRS, demanding immediate payment for back taxes or threatening legal action? How would you react in a moment of heightened emotion and urgency? In this episode of Financially Ever After, Stacy Francis is joined by Kathy Stokes, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in combating …
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Navigating Grief and Finding Peace in Caregiving with Holly Strelzik
26:10
26:10
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26:10Holly 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 …
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Mothering Through Mourning: Navigating Widowhood and Parenthood with Melanese Marr-Thomas
33:14
33:14
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33:14So 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 p…
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Trusts, Inheritance, and Protecting Your Children's Future with Stefan Dunkelgrun
38:28
38:28
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38:28Most 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…
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Navigating College Costs as a Single Parent with Robert Farrington
33:36
33:36
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33:36Robert 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 f…
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The Importance of Succession Planning to Future-proof Your Business with Michael Levy
41:45
41:45
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41:45Do 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 famili…
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Self-Care Strategies for the Recently Bereaved with Jeanne Jacobwitz
36:34
36:34
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36:34Jeanne 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 nonprof…
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Honoring Traditions and Making New Ones This Holiday Season with Jordan Schwartz Hendin
38:21
38:21
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38:21Cognitive 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…
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Navigating Life's Third Act: From Grief to Purpose with Irene Weinberg
42:31
42:31
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42:31Irene 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 …
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Organizing Your Affairs to Support and Safeguard Your Family with Sarah Constantine
41:06
41:06
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41:06In 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 …
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Dealing with Workplace Discrimination as a Widow with Kelley Joyce and Susan Crumiller
47:39
47:39
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47:39In 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 …
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Rebuilding Life after Loss: From Grief to Growth with Dawn Nargi
33:15
33:15
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33:15Dawn Nargi is the Executive Director at The W Connection, an organization that provides essential resources for widows looking to rebuild their lives after the loss of a spouse. Beyond her role at the W Connection, Dawn is a widow herself. Balancing personal grief with the demands of single parenthood, her story is a testament to the strength of th…
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Empowering Widows: Advocacy, Empathy, and Support with Carolyn Moor
41:20
41:20
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41:20In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, host Stacy Francis welcomes Carolyn Moor, the founder of the nonprofit organization Modern Widows Club. Recognized internationally for her impactful TED Talk on supporting those experiencing grief, as well as her appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Carolyn has become a leading advocate empower…
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Navigating the Complexities of Probate with Clarity with Marc Zimmerman
34:59
34:59
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34:59Marc Zimmerman is an expert in all things probate. He is the co-founder of The Zimmerman Firm, a welcoming and informative resource for people seeking guidance on this important aspect of the law. He is committed to simplifying the often mystifying world of probate and estate planning and believes in taking a proactive approach to asset management;…
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I’ve Got the Power! (of Attorney) with Brian Corrigan
31:43
31:43
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31:43Brian Corrigan is a seasoned expert specializing in trusts, estates, and fiduciary litigation. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience handling a diverse range of Surrogate Court matters, including will contests, contested accounting, fiduciary removal and surcharge, and discovery proceedings. With a primary focus on the implications fo…
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