What 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 we unravel the maze of Medicare and empower you to make informed decisions for your financial and health security in your golden years. Understanding the difference between Medicare and Medicaid is crucial for eligibility and coverage. Riitta’s jo ..read more

Do 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 as ensuring you have a healthcare proxy and power of attorney and considering long-term care insurance. They also dive into why you should have a team of experts, including a geriatric care manager, who can help you find the best care options for you ..read more

When 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 of not just moving on but moving forward in the tapestry of life. Join Stacy Francis on this episode of Financially Ever After as Nikki shares her insights on setting healthy boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and the complexities of re-partnerin ..read more

Have 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. Together, they discuss the significant challenges widows face in healthcare, including hidden and unexpected expenses that can cause severe financial strain. Financial education and proactivity is crucial, along with support from caring experts and ..read more

Losing 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 taxes, and potentially save thousands of dollars in the process. Stacy and Samantha dispel some of the mystery around taxes after a loss, from finding the right professional guidance to understanding Social Security to proactive planning. Finding ..read more

What 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 complexities of legal and financial considerations for people with disabilities and those facing terminal illnesses. Planning for a disabled child's future requires careful consideration of government benefits and asset protection strategies. Unders ..read more

What 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 Berner. Together, they navigate the complexities of legal and financial considerations for people with disabilities and those facing terminal illnesses. Planning for a disabled child's future requires careful consideration of government benefits and asset protection strategies. Unders ..read more

What 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 financial crimes. As the Director of Fraud Prevention Programs at AARP Kathy brings unique insight into the tactics used by criminals, the importance of education in fraud prevention, and the resources available to protect oneself from scams. Discove ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more