Episode 79, Mike Piper, CPA, author of After the Death of a Spouse, Next Financial Steps for Surviving Spouses, host Rick Ferri

The podcast addresses the administrative and financial burdens that arise when someone becomes the executor of an estate, particularly for surviving spouses. Mike Piper, a CPA and author of "After the Death of a Spouse," offers guidance on navigating immediate and intermediate steps, such as organizing documents, obtaining death certificates, and understanding legal terminology like "estate" and "personal representative." Piper emphasizes the importance of creating a filing system, taking detailed notes, and notifying relevant entities like Social Security and insurance companies. The discussion covers the complexities of estate taxes, inherited IRAs, and the necessity of seeking professional help from attorneys, CPAs, or financial planners to manage the intricacies of estate settlement and financial planning.