Insights, lessons, and practical steps from my heartfelt conversation with Jen Zwinck

Recently, I had the privilege of joining Jen Zwinck on her Widow 180 podcast (Episode 159) to talk about the moment my world changed, the lessons learned along the way, and the belief that—yes—we can cultivate both hope and financial wellness after loss.

If you’re navigating widowhood or supporting someone who is, this episode and the recap below are for you.

Where It All Began: The First “Omgosh, What Just Happened?!” Moment

In 2013, I walked into our bedroom and discovered my husband, Greg, had passed away suddenly. One moment I was planning our week; the next, my life was unrecognizable. As I told Jen:

“That ‘Omgosh, what just happened?!’ moment—when everything stopped—was the beginning of rebuilding.”

Within days, I was juggling grief, three young children, and the crushing loss of financial stability. Yet I knew clarity mattered—even more now.

From Career to Care—And Back Again

Before losing Greg, I was working internationally in business management. We’d just returned to the U.S. in 2011 with our kids. I’d stepped away from my career to support our family, and now, widowhood forced me to answer an urgent question: What’s next?

• I went back to school to become a Certified Financial Planner®—channeling my experience into something meaningful.
• I embraced the financial advisor role I didn’t expect—but was absolutely called to.
• That shift transformed everything—for me, my family, and the clients I’d serve.

Key takeaway: Even the most unexpected transitions can lead to purpose-filled new chapters.

Why Planning for the Unexpected Is a Love Language

One of the most surprising steps I took early on? I planned my own funeral.

Not because I was morbid—but because I didn’t want my kids making those decisions in the middle of grief. I wanted them to remember me, not my service logistics.

That experience became the foundation for my mission:

• Planning ahead isn’t about fear—it’s about love.
• It’s about offering peace, even when you can’t be there to say, “I’ve got this.”
• It’s an act of care—planned with clarity and intention.

Grief Support Is a Foundation, Not a Fad

During that time, our family found solace through Safe Harbor’s grief counseling program. My kids and I needed a place to process.

If you’re grieving:

• Support networks matter—community-based counseling changed our trajectory.
• You don’t have to carry the weight alone.

Writing a Book & Launching a Podcast

In sharing my journey publicly, I found a deeper purpose:

1. Book – A Guide for Widowhood: Navigating the First Three Years blends memoir and financial guidance.
2. Podcast – Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™ continues that conversation—sharing real stories, encouragement, and financial clarity.

Each platform exists as a reminder: you don’t walk this path alone—and there is room for hope and healing.

Blending Families & Finding Love Again

Yes, there is a chapter called happily remarried with six kids and two dogs.

In 2022, I said “I do” to Jim at Graceland, and we blended our family of six—it’s been both beautiful and wildly messy.

But here’s what I learned:

• Love doesn’t replace—it enlarges.
• Blending families means blending finances, parenting, and expectations with humility and communication.
• Healing and growth can lead to something richer than you thought possible.

So, I wrote a second book A Guide for Bending Families: Merging Assets and Navigating Financial Challenges

A Daily Mission: “How Can I Make Someone’s Day Better?”

Jen asked me:

“What fuels you to keep going after all you’ve been through?”

And that’s when I realized it’s simple:

Every morning, I ask myself: How can I make someone’s day better?
Whether that’s through a kind word, a thoughtful plan, or a listening ear—my business, my writing, my speaking—all serve that purpose.

Listen on your favorite platform:

• 🎧 Apple Podcasts / Spotify: Search “Widow 180 Episode 159”
• 📺 YouTube: Watch the 10-minute highlighted clip or full episode

Why You’ll Want to Hear This

This isn’t just my story. It’s the story of many of you—facing loss, juggling roles, rebuilding from zero, and rediscovering joy.

On the episode, we talk shame-free finance, planning with purpose, grief’s quiet aftermath, and what remarriage can look like when it’s built on healing.

Your Next Step (If You’re Curious)

Not sure where to begin?

• Listen to the podcast.
• If you feel called to get your finances organized, try our free Personal Document Locator and webinar—so you can plan with clarity and confidence.
• Above all, remember: your next chapter is still unwritten—and you’re not writing it alone.

Resources

📘 A Guide for Widowhood: Navigating the First Three Years
🎙 Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™ podcast
📂 Personal Document Locator + Webinar

Final Thought

My journey has taught me that widowhood doesn’t define you—it refines you. When you rebuild, you build with intention.

Thank you, Jen, for holding space for this conversation. And thank you for reading—if this resonates, I hope it brings comfort, insight, and a reminder that hope is always possible.