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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.