In this episode of Grit, Grace, Growth, hosts Kim & Ken welcome special guest Allison Schaberg, owner and managing partner of Consolidated Planning Group, a holistic financial planning firm.

Allison shares a deeply powerful and personal story shaped by advocacy and an unwavering commitment to her family. As a mother of four adult children (three with disabilities) her life has been anything but linear. From navigating cancer, complex medical needs, and major life transitions, to building a successful career in financial planning, Allison’s journey is a testament to perspective and purpose.

Through both her personal experiences and professional work, Allison has dedicated her life to helping families facing similar challenges feel less overwhelmed and more empowered. She opens up about the realities of parenting children with special needs, the gaps in available resources, and why access to the right information can change everything.

At the heart of this conversation is a powerful mindset shift: instead of focusing on what’s difficult, Allison chooses to focus on what’s possible—and why she still considers herself “the lucky one.”

In this episode, we talk about:

• A fun spring-themed “Two Truths and a Lie” icebreaker (and why scurvy made an appearance)

• What holistic special needs financial planning actually means

• The hidden complexities families face when planning for lifelong care

• Why there’s no single roadmap (and how overwhelming that can feel)

• Allison’s personal journey as a mother navigating serious medical diagnoses

• The emotional and practical realities of raising children with disabilities

• Transitioning from pediatric care to adulthood—and the challenges that come with it

• The importance of having the right financial structures in place (and what can go wrong without them)

• Why hiring the right help can change everything

• How Allison turned her lived experience into a mission-driven career

• The creation of free educational resources to support families nationwide

• The mindset shift that helped her move from survival mode to empowerment

• Why she truly believes she is “the lucky one”

Connect:

Visit:
https://www.consolidatedplanninggroup.com

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@ConsolidatedPlanningGroup

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to like, follow, and subscribe! If you're interested in being a guest or have any questions, reach out to us at support@gritgracegrowthpodcast.com

In this episode of Grit, Grace, Growth, hosts Kim & Ken welcome their first guest, Gail Carey. She's the manager of Boston’s award-winning Hot Mess Band. Gail shares a remarkable story of reinvention (one that spans continents, careers, and unexpected opportunities).

Originally from England, Gail’s life took a dramatic turn when her family moved to the United States for her husband’s job. What followed was a winding journey through immigration challenges, raising three daughters, navigating divorce, and rebuilding her life professionally.

With no formal background in music, Gail eventually found her way into the entertainment industry, first booking bands and later partnering with Jason Silverman of Hot Mess. Her story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight line and that trusting the process can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Along the way, Gail opens up about the mindset that helped her turn adversity into opportunity.

• The podcast’s first guest and a new “Two Truths and a Lie” game (with surprising music trivia)

• Gail’s move from England to the United States and the immigration challenges her family faced

• Being unable to work for years after arriving in the U.S. and how that shaped her path

• Raising three daughters while navigating major life transitions

• Rebuilding financially after divorce and starting over with a small income

• How Gail entered the music industry with no prior experience

• The evolution of Boston’s Hot Mess Band and building a recognizable brand in the events industry

• What it takes to deliver unforgettable live entertainment experiences

• Why “trusting the process” became Gail’s guiding philosophy

Connect:

Visit: https://hotmessrocks.com

Email: support@gritgracegrowthpodcast.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share the podcast with someone who could use a little inspiration.

Welcome to the very first episode of Grit, Grace, & Growth! In this kickoff conversation, hosts Ken Sines and Kim Carroll introduce the purpose behind the podcast: creating a space for real stories of adversity and transformation.

Kim shares her personal journey...from teaching dance for 26 years to navigating divorce, financial instability, and rebuilding her life as a single mom. She opens up about what it really means to start over, push through fear, and discover the growth that comes from hardship.

This episode sets the tone for what’s ahead: honest conversations, inspiring guests, meaningful lessons, (and plenty of humor along the way).

In this episode we talk about:

• Why this podcast exists and what “grit, grace, and growth” really means

• The power of learning through hardship

• A fun “Two Truths and a Lie” icebreaker (goldfish, Caesar salad, and a very expensive pizza)

• Kim’s early career as a dance teacher and her love for performing arts

• The reality of divorce, survival mode, and rebuilding from the ground up

• Kim’s transition into banking and the moment she realized she could succeed

• The mentors and opportunities that shaped her career path

• Taking the leap into independent financial advising

• Why nothing is truly out of reach with planning and perseverance

• Kim’s pride in her children and their creative success!

  
  

Special Mention

Music featured in this podcast was composed by Ty Carroll, Kim’s son and a student at Berklee College of Music.

Connect

Learn more or schedule a conversation at www.kimcarrollcrc.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share the podcast with someone who could use a little inspiration.