Real Talk with Life After Grief Chris

Send us a text What happens when years of therapeutic writing suddenly resurfaces as the foundation for a transformative book? In this deeply personal episode, Chris reveals his journey into authorship after discovering eight detailed chapters he'd written during trauma therapy years ago—writing he had no memory of creating. The decision to transform these raw materials into a published book wasn't made lightly. After careful consideration and encouragement from those closest to him, Chris shares his twofold purpose: creating a lasting legacy for his sons while simultaneously helping both grieving clients and the financial advisors who serve them. This book represents the culmination of his life's work—turning personal trauma into what one client recently called his "Superman powers" to quickly understand, empathize with, and guide others through their grief journey. Chris takes us behind the scenes of his publishing journey, from vetting potential publishers through extensive reference checks to selecting a ghostwriter who will help compile his existing material from 93 podcast episodes and countless client interactions. We hear how a simple interaction with a 10-year-old who recognized him from his podcast reinforced the impact his story already has on others. The episode concludes with news that this is the season finale, with more updates on the book's progress coming when the podcast returns in the fall. Have you found meaning through your own grief journey? Share your thoughts and follow along as Chris transforms his personal experiences into a resource that will help others navigate life after grief. Subscribe now to be notified when we return with more insights and updates on Chris's book writing process. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text Family secrets can shatter our perception of loved ones and force us to reevaluate our entire history when they come to light after death. We explore the devastating discovery of a father's 40-year affair and second family, revealed on the same day as his passing, just months after losing a mother. • Discovery of father's 40-year affair and second family on the day of his death • Being asked to financially support father's mistress and her adult daughter • Finding and reading hundreds of letters that documented the affair • Learning why childhood was marked by financial struggle despite appearances • Understanding how father's deception created lasting wounds for three children • Process of forgiveness and healing from complicated grief • How the experience shaped relationship with money and financial planning career • Reconciling with brother after years of misunderstanding and tension Stay tuned for part two where we'll explore how this situation impacted my mother and created further dysfunction, followed by a special episode featuring my brother sharing his own experience. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text What happens when grief becomes not just an event but a lifelong journey that shapes your entire mission? Chris opens his heart in this deeply personal episode, revealing the profound losses that have defined his path. From the moment his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994 to becoming her caregiver through Alzheimer's, Chris takes listeners through the raw reality of watching both parents decline and ultimately pass away within months of each other. With unflinching honesty, he details the financial burdens he shouldered as a young adult – from managing a $5,000 monthly nursing home bill to making gut-wrenching medical decisions that put him at odds with his surviving parent. The story grows even more poignant as Chris shares his rock bottom moments after these losses – the anxiety, depression, and turning to alcohol before finding healing through grief counseling, a medical mission to Ghana, and reconnecting with his faith. But perhaps most heart-wrenching is his account of losing one of his twin sons, an experience that finally taught him the true meaning of "life after grief" as his surviving twin and later-born son became living embodiments of finding purpose through pain. This episode illuminates why Chris is uniquely qualified to help others navigate both the emotional and financial complexities of grief. His journey from repeated trauma to becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Certified Financial Transitionist® demonstrates how personal suffering can transform into professional purpose. Whether you're currently walking through grief or supporting someone who is, Chris's story offers both validation and hope that there is indeed life waiting on the other side of profound loss. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text What happens when financial planning unexpectedly transforms into caregiving? This deeply personal episode explores the real-life experience of navigating the sandwich generation from a financial advisor's perspective. When my 20-year client—a man my father's age—was involved in a serious car accident, our carefully established estate planning documents became the foundation for maintaining his dignity and autonomy during a vulnerable time. The foresight to complete these legal frameworks just months before proved invaluable, allowing me to help him financially while respecting professional boundaries. The accident's aftermath created a delicate balancing act: respecting my client's wishes to remain in his home, collaborating with his attorney and neighbor to ensure proper care, and expanding my role to include regular home visits for bill payments and financial management. Throughout this process, I discovered the importance of maintaining clear boundaries while still providing compassionate support beyond traditional financial services. This experience highlights the profound importance of proactive planning for cognitive decline or physical incapacity, especially for aging clients without family support systems. It also demonstrates how comprehensive financial planning extends far beyond investment management into deeply human territory—territory that requires both professional expertise and emotional intelligence. For advisors navigating similar situations, remember that self-care isn't optional; it's essential for providing sustained support to clients in need. And for clients, this story underscores why establishing clear legal frameworks before crises occur can preserve your autonomy when unexpected challenges arise. Have you prepared your estate planning documents? Or if you're an advisor, are you prepared to support clients through life transitions that extend beyond financial decisions? Connect with us to learn more about navigating these complex situations with dignity and expertise. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text Ever received a legal threat and felt that knot in your stomach? Mediation might be the solution you never knew you needed. Drawing from three distinct experiences with legal mediation over two decades, I pull back the curtain on what really happens when legal disputes arise and how the financial implications affect everyone involved. What started with a dishonest contractor who pocketed $2,000 without completing any work evolved into knowledge that has served me—and my clients—in unexpected ways throughout my career as a financial advisor. The reality is that most people don't understand the actual costs and processes involved when someone threatens legal action. In Orange County, Florida, disputes under $8,000 automatically go to small claims court, often making the attorney fees more expensive than the disputed amount itself. This single piece of information has helped diffuse legal threats before they escalate. My journey through mediation has taught me that preparation is everything. The stark contrast between walking into mediation with thorough documentation versus facing an unprepared opponent has consistently determined outcomes. When I was unexpectedly served papers regarding one of my clients, the meticulous records I maintained as their Certified Financial Planner immediately tilted the scales in our favor. Mediation isn't just about money—sometimes the peace of mind that comes from resolution is worth every penny spent on the process. For those facing potential disputes, resources like Mediate.com and AAAMediation.org provide valuable information to help you navigate this often-misunderstood alternative to litigation. Have you considered how documentation might protect you in a dispute? Are you prepared if someone threatens legal action? Take the first step by understanding your rights and the real costs involved before making decisions that could impact your financial future. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text When my 15-year-old godson Luka started peppering me with financial questions at a family gathering, I knew we had the makings of something special. What followed was an authentic, unfiltered conversation that captures the financial curiosity of today's teens and provides straightforward guidance that listeners of any age can apply to their own financial journeys. Luka, already thinking beyond his years, arrives with thoughtful questions about building wealth from a young age. We explore the fundamentals of good money habits – from the simple yet powerful act of budgeting to the surprisingly effective "20% rule" for saving. You'll hear how small actions like mental math at fast food restaurants can build financial awareness, and why getting a job as a teenager creates lasting financial discipline. The conversation takes fascinating turns through investment basics, with clear explanations of the S&P 500, diversification strategies, and the crucial differences between Roth and traditional IRAs. I share personal stories from my own investment journey, including the revelation that "if I started investing at 15, I would have been ahead of where I am now" – a powerful testament to the advantage young investors have through compound interest. Perhaps most valuable are the reality checks. When Luka asks about real estate investing, I pull back the curtain on my own experiences – from barely breaking even on property flips to dealing with tenant nightmares including a police raid for marijuana distribution. These candid stories illustrate that wealth-building isn't always as simple as internet gurus might suggest. Whether you're a teenager just beginning to think about money, a parent looking for ways to discuss finances with your children, or someone at any life stage wanting straightforward financial guidance, this conversation offers accessible wisdom without the jargon. Listen in, and take away practical strategies to strengthen your financial foundation today. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text Grief transforms us in ways we never anticipate - sometimes leading us directly into our life's purpose. Lisa McFarland joins Chris to share her extraordinary journey through child loss and how she discovered unexpected meaning on the other side. After losing her daughter Alexis to a rare genetic bone marrow disease, Lisa took an unusual path: she became a pediatric ICU nurse. This decision marked the beginning of a series of career transitions as she navigated raising her son Zachary, who lives with the same condition that took his sister's life. Through each pivot - from nursing to legal consulting to corporate leadership - Lisa was unconsciously searching for healing. The conversation delves into what Lisa calls the "grief cloud" - that state where we shut down emotionally to avoid pain. She describes waking consistently at 3AM, finally realizing these moments weren't insomnia but opportunities when her defenses were down enough to hear her true self. These middle-of-the-night revelations eventually led her to make profound life changes, including leaving her marriage and corporate career. Chris and Lisa explore particularly sensitive territory around medical mistakes and whether to pursue litigation after a loss. Their nuanced discussion offers valuable perspective for anyone facing similar difficult decisions. They share insights about differentiating between happiness (fleeting and situational) versus joy (a deeper, more sustainable state) and how proper self-care creates the foundation for authentic healing. What makes this episode especially powerful is the connection between two people who've experienced similar profound losses but found different pathways forward. Their conversation demonstrates how sharing our grief stories creates space for others to feel less alone in theirs. Whether you're navigating personal grief, supporting someone who is, or working professionally with grieving clients, this episode offers both practical wisdom and emotional resonance that will stay with you long after listening. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text Gratitude radiates throughout this season finale as we reflect on the unexpected journey that took a local grief and finances podcast to global impact. What began as a challenging undertaking has evolved into a meaningful platform connecting grieving individuals with resources and community they never knew existed. The transformative power of mentorship takes center stage as I share the story of my own mentor Joe, who provided crucial guidance as a Black male in the financial industry. His wisdom continues through everyone he touched, including my work with clients in grief. This personal reflection connects beautifully with past guest Mike Jackson's mentorship philosophy, creating ripples that inspired others to become mentors themselves—a perfect example of how doing good returns multifold rewards. We revisit the remarkable Coach Cindy, whose influence extends far beyond basketball courts. With every senior securing college scholarships and her team maintaining a 4.0 GPA average, Cindy demonstrates how dedicated mentorship shapes futures. Our spotlight helped fund a team trip to Washington DC, combining athletic competition with life-changing experiences. The partnership with Modern Widows Club founder Carolyn Moore has transformed how I serve both widows and widowers, creating pathways for grief support before financial planning begins. Through one recent example, a military widow found the community guidance she desperately needed during acute grief. From listeners who discovered they weren't alone to advisors enhancing their grief support skills, the podcast has created connections I never imagined possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting this journey. Please note that this is a brief from a prior season and this is not the last podcast of the season. Pass this episode on to friends, family, or colleagues who might benefit, and please support the show so we can continue making a difference. What mentor has shaped your journey, and how are you paying it forward? Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text Ever wondered what separates those who merely survive trauma from those who transform it into a force for change? Carolyn Moore, founder of Modern Widows Club, returns to the podcast to introduce us to the concept of the "super survivor" – individuals who don't just overcome personal tragedy but return to create support systems for others walking similar paths. Drawing from the groundbreaking research of Dr. Stephen Southwick (whose book "Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's Greatest Challenges" enters its third edition this September), Carolyn shares her personal journey from struggling widow to recognized change agent. The transformation wasn't immediate or easy. Initially motivated simply by providing basic needs for her young daughters, Carolyn gradually discovered the profound impact widowhood had on every aspect of her life – physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. Her turning point came during an appearance on Oprah, when she was described as "a hero who didn't know it," prompting her to ask: what if I became the hero of my own story? What makes Carolyn's work through Modern Widows Club so powerful is how it addresses the exact components of resilience she once lacked – role models who had navigated similar losses and spaces where widows can both give and receive support. The four-stage journey she describes (choosing life, reaching out, getting moving, and giving back) serves as a roadmap for anyone navigating grief. Her latest project, "Legendary Widows: Stories of Legacy," highlights twelve extraordinary women including Coretta Scott King and Eleanor Roosevelt, showcasing their remarkable accomplishments after losing their spouses – contributions that often go unrecognized in historical narratives. Whether you're personally navigating loss or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers profound insights into how trauma can become a catalyst for positive change. As Carolyn reminds us, "A formidable woman is a terrible thing to waste," and recognizing someone as a super survivor might be the most powerful gift you can give them. The journey from surviving to thriving begins with understanding that resilience isn't just about enduring – it's about taking responsibility for writing the next chapter of your story. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text What happens when two financial planners who've experienced profound personal loss meet? They forge a friendship that transforms both their personal healing journeys and professional approaches to helping others through grief. In this vulnerable and insightful conversation, host Chris Dale welcomes fellow financial planner Daniel Kopp, MA, MS, CFP®,MQFP® to share his remarkable journey from Air Force officer to specialist financial planner for widows and widowers. After becoming the primary caregiver for his first wife Sarah during her illness and eventual passing, Daniel navigated his own grief journey while completely rethinking his career path. Daniel reveals how his experiences shaped his unique perspective on financial planning, particularly around risk management and healthcare costs. "Having gone through this personal experience and seeing what it would look like when I had to step away...what if I hadn't had the capacity financially? That could have been ruinous," Daniel explains, highlighting how personal tragedy fundamentally altered his professional outlook. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Daniel discusses his current work combining financial planning with financial therapy techniques. He's developing specialized interventions for grieving individuals who suddenly become their household's financial decision-maker while struggling with emotions like money avoidance. This innovative approach addresses both the practical financial challenges and the emotional barriers that can prevent effective financial management during grief. Perhaps most powerful is the friendship that has developed between these two advisors who found each other through shared experience. They serve as accountability partners, offering candid feedback as they navigate both personal healing and professional growth. Their relationship demonstrates how grief, while isolating in many ways, can forge meaningful connections that enhance both life and work. If you're navigating grief yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers valuable insights into building resilience, finding purpose after loss, and creating the foundations that help weather life's most challenging storms. Connect with Daniel at wisestewardshipfp.com to learn more about his work with widows and widowers. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text What does the path from financial despair to freedom actually look like? In this deeply personal conversation, Certified Master Financial Coach Elizabeth Ramos reveals her remarkable journey from accumulating $300,000 in debt as a single mother to completely eliminating it—and now helping others do the same. Despite being naturally gifted with money management from childhood (creating budgets at age eight!), Elizabeth found herself spiraling into massive debt after her divorce when trying to build a new life for her son. The emotional weight of this financial burden created feelings of shame, regret, and isolation that many listeners will recognize from their own experiences. "I was consumed with just regret, just loneliness, just shame," Elizabeth shares, describing the dark place where financial struggles led her. The conversation explores not just the practical aspects of financial recovery but delves deeply into the emotional toll that money problems take on relationships, mental health, and self-image. Elizabeth articulates how financial stress creates relationship strain, parenting challenges, and even health problems—a cascade of consequences that extend far beyond bank statements and credit scores. What sets this episode apart is Elizabeth's straightforward explanation of her three-step coaching process that helped her climb out of debt and now guides her clients: understanding money habits and personal history, establishing accountability, and creating concrete action plans. She emphasizes that financial recovery isn't just about spreadsheets—it's about restoring hope and envisioning a different future. Whether you're facing overwhelming student loans, recovering from gambling debt, dealing with pandemic-related financial setbacks, or simply want to optimize your savings, Elizabeth's message offers both practical guidance and emotional reassurance. Her approach bridges the gap between crisis management and wealth-building, preparing clients for the next stage of their financial journey. Ready to transform your relationship with money? Visit ElizabethRamos.coach to learn how financial coaching might be your first step toward true financial freedom. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text A child drowns every day in America. The silence that follows devastates families, communities, and changes lives forever. But what if these tragedies could be prevented? Meet Heidi Burnett, founder of Swim Sprout and a woman on a profound mission to stop drowning before it happens. With drowning being the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and claiming 320,000 lives worldwide annually, Heidi's work isn't just teaching swimming—it's literally saving lives. Heidi shares her remarkable journey from competitive swimmer to senior master instructor who's trained over 30 swimming instructors. Her scientifically-based methodology uses operant conditioning and reinforcement schedules to teach even infants as young as nine months old how to roll onto their backs and float—a skill that can mean the difference between life and death. "I felt like he saw something in me that I probably hadn't seen in myself yet," Heidi reflects on her business growth, expanding from a solo operation to a team of 15 instructors across multiple states. Her story illuminates how passion combined with mentorship can transform both a business and countless lives. The conversation takes a powerful turn when host Chris shares personal stories of his own children using their survival swimming skills, including a moment when his son fell into a pool fully clothed and executed his training perfectly. These aren't just swimming lessons—they're insurance against unimaginable grief. Discover how Heidi's partnership with the Quentin Hunter Love Foundation is bringing swim lessons to underprivileged children and support to families who have experienced loss. Her work reminds us that while we cannot eliminate every danger, we can equip our children with the skills to survive them. Ready to learn more about drowning prevention or find survival swimming lessons for your child? Visit SwimSprout.com and help ensure water remains a source of joy rather than tragedy for your family. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text Chris Clorse pulls back the curtain on his deeply personal grief journey in this powerful inaugural episode that sets the foundation for what listeners can expect from "Real Talk with Life After Grief Chris." With remarkable candor, Chris reveals how his life has been shaped by a series of profound losses—beginning with his mother's devastating cancer diagnosis in 1994, through years as her caregiver during her Alzheimer's battle, to losing both parents within months of each other in 2008. Through raw storytelling, Chris walks us through the financial complexities that accompanied his grief, including managing nursing home costs of $5,000 monthly as a twenty-something, becoming his mother's power of attorney, and making critical end-of-life decisions. He doesn't shy away from the emotional toll these experiences took, describing his descent to "rock bottom" with anxiety and depression after compounding losses. Yet his journey takes a transformative turn through grief counseling, spiritual connection, and personal growth practices that helped him rebuild. Perhaps most poignantly, Chris shares his most profound grief experience—losing one of his twin sons at birth in 2012—and how this became his family's first true experience with "life after grief" as they welcomed their surviving son Eli, followed by another son years later. Now a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Financial Transitionist, Chris combines his personal grief journey with professional expertise to guide others through the financial maze that often accompanies loss. Whether you're navigating grief yourself or an advisor seeking to better serve clients in transition, subscribe to hear Chris's unique perspective on finding meaning, making sound financial decisions, and building a life after devastating loss. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text The unexpected turns our lives take often reveal the true nature of our work and purpose. As we launch Season 8 of Real Talk with Life After Grief, we're taking a reflective journey through our most impactful conversations while sharing how grief work continues to evolve in surprising ways. This season represents a special dedication to our most popular episodes, reimagined with video elements and deeper insights. What began as a podcast about helping clients navigate financial matters during grief has expanded into something far more profound. From facilitating difficult family conversations to supporting clients through major life transitions beyond finance, the work continues to evolve in ways I never anticipated when starting this journey. Among our most requested episodes: conversations about losing a spouse with Daniel Kopp, MA, MS, CFP®, MQFP® preventing grief with Heidi Burnett, transforming debt with Elizabeth Ramos, and powerful discussions with organizations like Modern Widows Club. Each episode reflects our commitment to authentic dialogue about grief's complex relationship with finances and well-being. Recently, my role has expanded in surprising ways – helping a longtime client who can no longer drive after a serious accident, and even being subpoenaed in a legal matter affecting a client. These experiences continually reshape my understanding of what it truly means to support someone through grief. Join us as we revisit these essential conversations with fresh perspective. Whether you're navigating grief yourself or helping others through it, this season offers valuable insights into the emotional and financial dimensions of life's most challenging transitions. Connect with us at LifeAfterGriefFP.com if you're seeking financial guidance during grief, or LifeAfterGriefConsulting.com if you're an advisor looking to better serve clients in mourning. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text Grief doesn't come with a roadmap, but understanding your natural grieving style can help you navigate the journey. In this revealing episode, host Chris Dale breaks down the two primary approaches to grief: analytical and intuitive. Analytical grievers tend to compartmentalize emotions, focusing on practical tasks while storing feelings away. More common among men, this approach often means going it alone without seeking support. Meanwhile, intuitive grievers process loss through emotional expression, connection with others, and active exploration of their feelings. This style, more typical of women, usually involves seeking counseling, joining support groups, or finding other outlets for emotional processing. Drawing from personal experience, Chris shares how he embodied both styles at different points after losing his parents and grandmother. When faced with managing his parents' home during the 2008 real estate crash, he had no choice but to store his grief and handle the immediate practical concerns. Only months later did the emotional impact catch up with him. When his grandmother passed away later, he discovered his naturally intuitive grieving style, seeking understanding and connections with others who shared similar experiences. For financial planners and advisors working with grieving clients, recognizing these different styles is crucial. The most damaging misconception Chris encounters is the belief that clients should "get over" their grief within a specified timeframe. As he powerfully states, "There's no getting over the loss of someone, it's just learning to live life differently." Advisors must adjust their expectations—analytical grievers may move through financial decisions more quickly, while intuitive grievers often need more time and emotional space before tackling practical matters. Whether you're navigating grief yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights to understand why we grieve differently and how to honor each person's unique path through loss. Ready to better understand your grief journey? Listen now and discover the knowledge that might just transform your perspective on healing. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text In this final episode of the season for 'Real Talk with Life After Grief,' I reflect on a recent conference for certified financial planners specializing in life transitions. I share moving stories from two speakers, Toby and Alexi, who discussed their personal experiences with IVF and child loss. These stories highlight the profound impacts of grief and how such experiences shape financial planners to better assist clients through transitions. I also delve into the techniques and tools I use to help clients navigate these challenging periods, emphasizing communication preferences and managing expectations. Finally, I discuss the concept of a 'bliss list' to envision a fulfilling future post-grief and preview my new venture into video podcasting inspired by my sons. Join me in this heartfelt episode as we explore the emotional side of financial planning. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays!!! Cheers and See you in 2025. #financialplanning #lifetransitions Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text Facing Holidays Without Loved Ones Holidays can stir a mix of joy and melancholy, especially when facing them without loved ones. As shared in the podcast, the first Thanksgiving and Christmas after personal losses were overwhelming. Traditions that once brought comfort felt hollow. Chris recounts the emotional toll and the necessity to find a mental space to recharge. Planning for holidays in advance, creating actionable plans, and even opting out of festivities if needed, are viable options for those grieving. The essential element is to honor one's own pace and needs without succumbing to societal expectations. Our new episode is here to provide solace and strategies. #GriefSupport #Holidays Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text Ever had your personal data compromised? I did, and it was a lesson I never saw coming. Hear the full story on how I navigated this nightmare. Understanding the Breach: A Personal Account In today's digital age, the amount of personal information that's vulnerable to breaches is overwhelming. I recently experienced a security breach that laid bare the fragility of our digital footprints. These individuals, whoever they were, managed to acquire sensitive information about my wife and me. They had everything—our social security numbers, driver's license numbers, addresses, birthdays, and possibly more data we haven't even discovered yet. Navigating the Unfamiliar Terrain of Identity Recovery The ordeal of reclaiming our identities was far from a straightforward process. It introduced us to a world we never thought we'd have to navigate. The path to resolution was fraught with frustration and learning. On a personal level, the task became a huge learning curve that required around eight to ten painstaking hours to reach a semblance of normalcy. Despite the time commitment, and the stress, the battle to rectify the situation was one worth fighting. Lessons Learned and Moving Forward Going through such an experience leaves you changed. It teaches the importance of vigilance, reinforces the value of trust, and reminds you not to take your personal security for granted. The road to recovery from a security breach isn't just about fixing mistakes—it's about guarding against them happening again. As we move forward, stronger and wiser, we remain committed to protecting our personal information. #DataBreach #IdentityTheft" Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text In today's episode I interview Marinda Freeman. Marinda is an awe-inspiring widow, whom I met by chance while speaking at a conference earlier this year. We talk about her journey through widowhood. Marinda's inspiration has come through a book which she authored called "The Grief Train". She ties in her experiences as a widow to those of many other widows in their plight to a new, normal life. Marinda was truly an inspiration to have on the podcast. I have included her contact information as well as a link to her fabulous book. I have read Marinda's book and truly enjoyed her willingness to open up about what it feels like to go through the arduous journey of becoming a widow. The Grief Train Book www.marindafreeman.com marinda@marindafreeman.com Cheers and see you on the next episode! #widows #widowhood #financialplanning Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

Send us a text Ultimate Financial Hacks for Young Adults and Families In this episode of Real Talk with Life After Grief Chris, I share valuable financial hacks suitable for young adults, young parents, and anyone looking to make prudent financial decisions. I provide practical tips on buying and selling vehicles, understanding the car loan process, the importance of good credit when buying a home, leveraging pawn shops for electronics and jewelry, and the benefits of estate sales and grocery shopping strategies. I also explains the impact of these financial strategies on long-term savings and achieving financial stability. Discover the secret to avoiding car depreciation and pricey gap insurance with my top financial hacks for buying a vehicle. Check out the new episode now! #SmartBuying #FinancialWisdom🏠 Diving into the world of real estate? Start by understanding how your credit score impacts your mortgage payments. Get all the details in my latest podcast! #RealEstateTips #CreditScoreMatters📱✨ Pawn shops aren't just for treasures! Learn how I snagged great deals on electronics for my kids. Discover more financial tips on the newest episode! #BudgetBuys #PawnShopFinds🛒🍽️ Save on groceries and cut out unnecessary expenses! Listen to my latest episode for insider tips on keeping food costs in check. #GrocerySavings #FrugalLiving🎁💳 Make holiday shopping a breeze with smart credit card rewards! Learn how this financial hack can fill your pockets in the newest episode. #CreditCardHacks #HolidaySavings🏡💡 Turning estate sales into savings! From TVs to tools, learn how to score big on household items in my latest podcast. #EstateSaleSuccess #HomeSavings🚲 Find out how I scored two high-quality bikes for my sons for just $150! Tune in to hear more fantastic financial hacks in the latest episode! #CyclingDeals #ParentingOnABudget🔍 Are you looking to save money and still enjoy the finer things in life? Don't miss my new episode on financial hacks that keep luxury within budget! #AffordableLuxury #MoneySmart🍴👉 Tired of spending too much on eating out? Discover how cooking at home can be a major money saver! Check out the latest episode now! #EatSmart #HomeCookingWins Cheers and see you on the next episode. Support the show Did you know you can now Help Us Continue Making Awesome Content for Listeners Affected by Grief! Thanks for listening! Follow us on twitter or follow us on Facebook. You can also find us on LinkedIn.