Talking About Death, Planning for Peace: Dr. Kimberly Harms on Grief, Legacy & the Money Conversations We Avoid

Let’s face it—most of us would rather do anything than talk about death. But avoiding the conversation doesn’t make it go away—it just leaves your loved ones drowning in decisions, grief, and sometimes financial chaos.

In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, I sit down with Dr. Kimberly Harms, a grief counselor, death doula, mediator, author, and former national spokesperson for the American Dental Association, who has lived through more loss and reinvention than most of us can imagine. From losing her son to suicide, her husband to a broken heart, and her career to injury, Kim rebuilt her life by embracing the hardest conversations—and now she teaches others how to prepare emotionally and financially for the inevitable.

We talk about:

Why open conversations about death and money reduce family conflict and emotional trauma

The importance of legacy planning, estate organization, and writing a “love letter” binder

Common financial regrets people share at the end of life—and how to avoid them

What every member of the sandwich generation needs to know about long-term care and expectations

How to talk to your kids (and grandkids! and parents!) about death without fear or shame

Why grief + money = explosive—and how to avoid drama by planning ahead

The surprising role of hospice, and why dying on your terms can be the greatest gift you give

Kim’s wisdom will leave you inspired to tackle your own plans, have those long-overdue conversations, and rethink what a “wealthy” life really means.

You’re going to walk away knowing:

Financial planning is crucial for emotional preparedness in end-of-life scenarios.

Hospice care focuses on comfort rather than prolonging life.

Many families experience conflict after a death due to lack of communication.

Leaving a legacy of love is the most important aspect of life.

Planning for retirement and end-of-life care can alleviate burdens on family members.

Kim encourages writing love letters to family members as a lasting legacy.

Conversations about death should be normalized to reduce fear and discomfort.

Joy and resilience are essential themes in navigating life's challenges.

If you just want to make life easier for your loved one, or yourself - this is your must-listen episode.

Connect with Dr. Kimberly Harms: https://drkimberlyharms.com

Learn more about her book Are you Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For Rethinking Death.Life podcast

Connect with me (Shari!) on Instagram: @everyonestalkinmoney

Subscribe to Everyone’s Talkin’ Money and leave a review if this episode moved you Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices