Chris D. Dale

President

CFP®, CeFT®

Life After Grief Financial PlanningVirtual, Orlando, FL 32828

My Approach

Financial planning isn't one-size-fits-all. I specialize in helping individuals and families navigate the complex financial crossroads of life, focusing heavily on these unique groups and the major moments that define their journeys.

The Clients I Serve

Retirees or Seniors

Don’t look at retirement decisions in isolation. Social Security, taxes, investments, healthcare costs, debt, and how you draw income from your savings are all interconnected. A decision that looks good in one area can create unintended consequences in another. Before making a major financial move, take the time to understand how it affects your entire financial picture—not just today, but throughout retirement.

Women & Female Leaders

Build financial independence alongside financial success. Even when finances are shared with a spouse or partner, stay actively involved in understanding your income, investments, insurance, estate plan, and long-term financial strategy. Life can change unexpectedly, and knowing where you stand financially gives you the confidence and flexibility to make informed decisions when it does.

Major Milestones I Specialize In

End of Life and Legacy Planning

Don't think of legacy planning as simply deciding who receives your assets. A thoughtful plan should also make life easier for the people you leave behind. Make sure your wishes are documented, beneficiary designations are current, important financial information is organized and accessible, and the right people know whom to contact and what to do. One of the greatest financial gifts you can leave your family is clarity during a time when they may already be grieving.

Sudden Wealth or Inheritance

You don't have to make immediate decisions simply because the money has arrived. Before investing, spending, gifting, or making major lifestyle changes, give yourself time to understand what you've received and what it means for your overall financial life. This is especially important when an inheritance comes with grief. Separate the decisions that truly require immediate attention from those that can wait until you have greater clarity.

Widowhood

You don't have to rebuild your entire financial life immediately after losing your spouse. Grief can make every financial decision feel urgent, but many decisions can wait. Start by separating what truly needs your attention now from what can be addressed later. Give yourself time to understand your new financial reality before making major, irreversible decisions. Good financial planning during grief isn't about moving quickly—it's about creating enough clarity to move thoughtfully.

Our 7 Steps to Financial Planning

Certified Financial Planners have a proven blueprint for success—but your planner builds it entirely around you.

Summarized from the CFP® Board's Practice Standards. cfp.net

My Process

I believe great financial planning starts with understanding the person before focusing on the numbers. I take the time to understand what matters most to my clients, what they are navigating, and what they want their money to help them accomplish. As both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Certified Financial Transitionist® (CeFT®), I specialize in helping clients make thoughtful financial decisions, particularly during periods of change, uncertainty, grief, and major life transitions. My approach combines comprehensive financial planning with an understanding of the human and emotional side of money. Clients can expect a collaborative, judgment-free relationship where they feel heard, informed, and supported. My role isn't simply to tell clients what to do. It's to help them understand their choices, bring clarity to complex decisions, and develop a financial plan that reflects their life, values, and priorities.

Disclosures

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. It is not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any security, insurance product, or investment strategy. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Tax and legal matters are outside the scope of this engagement; consult your attorney, accountant, and other qualified professionals before making financial decisions. Additional information about this financial professional, including registration status and disciplinary history, is available through FINRA BrokerCheck and the SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website.

FINRA BrokerCheck SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure

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Financial Planner Certifications

Designations & Certifications

CFP®

Insurance Licenses

Life Insurance License (FL)

Health/Disability Insurance License (FL)

Technical Skills

Investment and Portfolio

Retirement Income and Distribution

Risk Management and Insurance

Cash Flow and Debt Optimization

Compensation

Compensation Methods

Fee Only

Fee-only means a CFP® professional may describe his or her practice as "fee-only" if, and only if, all the planner's compensation from all client work comes exclusively from clients in the form of fixed, flat, hourly, percentage, or performance-based fees.

Assets Under Management (AUM): Fee for ongoing active management of your portfolio, upon which a percentage of assets is assessed. Refer to the planner's Form ADV for details.
Hourly: Pay a fixed rate only for the time spent on your plan. Great if you have a few specific questions or need occasional advice on a flexible basis.