39. Case Consultation: How Financial Advisors Can Support Clients Through Unexpected Setbacks with Jim Grace

Dec 18, 2025

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What happens when a client couple who's made remarkable progress hits an unexpected setback? In this real-time case consultation, financial planner Jim Grace and I work through exactly this scenario - a couple who went from financial stress to thriving, only to face a sudden income loss that threatens to derail their momentum.

This isn't your typical podcast episode. You're getting a behind-the-scenes look at actual case consultation work between an advisor and financial behavior specialist. We explore what happens emotionally when clients regress to old patterns during stress, how advisors can navigate their own surprise and uncertainty in difficult moments, and practical strategies for helping couples get back on track without falling into old defensive cycles.

If you've ever felt caught off guard by a client's sudden change in circumstances, or wondered how to address the emotional weight of setbacks without overstepping your role, this conversation gives you concrete tools. We discuss the power of "jumping into the well" with clients rather than just pointing to the ladder, recognizing when shame might be at play (and where your boundaries are), and helping couples remember they already have the blueprint for moving forward - they've done it before.

Whether you work with a financial behavior specialist or not, you'll walk away with actionable approaches for your next challenging client meeting.

Resources and Guest Information:

Connect with Jim Grace:

Mentioned in this episode:

Brené Brown's "Empathy vs. Sympathy" video on YouTube
Beyond the Plan® services for advisors

Connect with Host Ashley Quamme:

Podcast Website: Planning & Beyond®
LinkedIn: Ashley Quamme - Licensed Therapist & Financial Behavior Specialist
Beyond the Plan®: Financial psychology integration services
Newsletter: Monthly insights on the human side of planning at beyondthefp.com