In the blink of an eye, Jessica Allen's life changed forever. One phone call, one moment, threw her into a role she never expected - that of a military caregiver when her husband was injured in Afghanistan. As she navigated this new life and family situation, Jessica demonstrated resilience and strength, using humor as a coping mechanism during the emotional upheaval. All the while, she worked tirelessly to maintain her marriage and support her family. 

Jessica has a longstanding background in tax preparation and financial counseling. Her unique position as a military spouse and caregiver to her husband, Army veteran Chaz, has provided her with firsthand experience in dealing with the difficulties of caring for an injured loved one. Jessica has used this experience to write a book offering financial guidance for military and veteran caregivers. She has been acknowledged as a FINRA military spouse fellow and an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow. Jessica's knowledge of the financial and emotional pressures faced by military caregivers makes her a valuable resource for others in similar situations. Her advice and advocacy work offers practical help and encouragement to military caregivers looking for guidance on their journey.

In this episode, you can:

• Hear relatable military caregiver experiences that will make you feel understood and supported.
• Learn practical strategies for overcoming caregiving challenges, empowering you to provide the best care for your injured loved one.
• Discover the value of humor in the caregiving journey and how it can help reduce stress and bring joy to both you and your loved one.
• Draw inspiration from the resilience of military families who have faced similar challenges and find hope in their stories of strength and perseverance.
• Explore support systems and resources available specifically for military caregivers, helping you navigate the complex world of caregiving and access the help you need.

About Jessica:

Jessica Allen is an Accredited Financial Counselor who also recently completed a Master’s in History from Liberty University in August 2023. She operates her own tax preparation and financial counseling service in Middle Tennessee. 

She obtained her BS in Political Science and History from Kentucky Wesleyan College. Jessica has prepared income tax returns for over twenty years. She is a 2011 FINRA Military Spouse Fellow and completed her Accredited Financial Counseling licensing in 2013. She is also a 2014 Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow. She authored Financial Fitness for Military and Veteran Caregivers in 2017. She provided the content for AARP’s Financial Workbooks for Caregivers. 

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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