Planning Without Next of Kin | Maddy Roche & Chris Dale, CFP®, CeFT®
Childfree Life by Design
Intro
Maddy introduces the episode theme: planning for emergencies and end-of-life without next of kin.
In this episode, Maddy Roche sits down with Chris Dale, CFP®, CeFT®, founder of Life After Grief Financial Planning, to share the real-life story of helping a client navigate aging, medical emergencies, and end-of-life decisions.
From hospice-informed insights to a sudden car accident just weeks after estate documents were signed, Chris walks through what actually happens when someone declines, and why having the right team and paperwork in place makes all the difference.
This conversation is honest, practical, and grounded in lived experience. If you’ve ever wondered what planning for emergencies and end-of-life truly looks like without traditional next of kin, this episode will give you clarity.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- Why Childfree individuals need both estate planning documents and a coordinated financial services team before a medical emergency occurs
- How powers of attorney and professional fiduciaries protect your healthcare decisions, financial accounts, and long-term care options
- What can go wrong when there is no clear next of kin, and how the state may become involved in decision-making
- How a financial advisor acting as a fiduciary helps manage insurance claims, hospital bills, and long-term care costs during crisis
- Why building your aging plan early preserves autonomy, protects assets, and ensures your end-of-life wishes are honored.
Episode Host:
Maddy Roche - Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust® and responsible for all sales & marketing initiatives.
Episode Guest:
Chris Dale, CFP®, CeFT® is a financial advisor with 21 years of experience and the founder of Life After Grief Financial Planning™. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Certified Financial Transitionist®, he specializes in guiding clients through the financial and emotional complexities of loss. His approach integrates technical planning with psychological insight rooted in his significant personal experience and 200+ hours of hospice volunteering.
A five-time "Top Financial Advisor" in Orlando (2019–2023), Christopher is a prominent speaker, author, and host of the podcast Real Talk With Life After Grief Chris. Beyond his clinical expertise, he is a dedicated advocate for addressing how racism and discrimination intersect with grief. Through Life After Grief Consulting™, he provides CE-approved training, earning the reputation of the "Advisor's Advisor."
He lives in Orlando with his wife and two sons.
Learn more about Chris: Lifeaftergrieffp.com
About Childfree Insights
Childfree Insights focuses on planning for solo aging and later life without children. It offers trusted education on financial planning, estate planning, and building support systems for people aging independently. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.
Connect with Us:
Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.
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