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Driving Solo: Dealing with Grief and the Business of Financial Survival

Once upon a time… there was a glamorous love story of a heroine, a prince, a fairy tale wedding, and happily ever after for 46 years… until the prince died.

Driving Solo was born out of Susan Alpert’s wish to tell her story of losing her husband to leukemia, and need to provide others with a step-by-step process to manage the chaos that comes after the death of a loved one.

Available on Amazon in print and digital editions.

“A compelling story of love, loss and growth. Follow Susan Alpert as she shows you how to manage the death of a loved one, and/or financial crisis. Her guide is the only one you will need.”

Dr. Steven G. Eisenberg, renowned San Diego-based oncologist

The characters, setting, and details are undoubtedly different, but in the end, we find ourselves in the same place, in the same role—the survivor, the one left to pick up the pieces and sort through the paperwork, the one who has to fight through the grief and figure out how to move forward.

“A beautifully written story of love, devotion and inner strength that captures the human soul. Larry would truly be proud of Susan’s ability to turn her grief into such a positive and practical approach in dealing with financial issues and then to share it with all.”

David Abrahamson, M.D.

Validate Your Sanity, Save Your Financial Life

The first part of the book will help you validate your sanity, the second part, the step-by-step manual, will save your financial life. The Chaos to Control method successfully helps reduce stress and anxiety by providing a clear, easy-to-follow structure for handling the logistical intricacies of personal loss.

“It is a tough time when a spouse dies and you find yourself sifting through piles of paperwork. Susan’s organized approach, simple checklist and insights into how to handle the details will help you to achieve balance – both personally, and financially.”

C. Michael Chapman, Trust & Business Estate Attorney

From Grieving to Living: Part l

Susan takes you on a journey of love, devotion, sickness, care, and support—her rollercoaster and her experience of her husband, Larry’s fight against leukemia. She chronicles the process of grief, hope, getting help, and for a new life.

The Chaos to Control Manual: Part ll

The second part of Susan’s book is a hands-on, get organized, take-charge manual. The Chaos to Control process is a three-phase approach to addressing, organizing, and managing the chaos that comes with personal loss.

By managing the chaos, you regain control. With this control, you are better positioned for your new life.

“When we lose a loved one, we have to deal with financial issues with which we’re unaware. This book is the navigation you need to get your financials in order after a loss. Without guidance and direction, we will begin to wander…you must get a roadmap. Susan Alpert’s book is that roadmap.”

Wes Balakian, CEO, TrueSolutions

“I have just finished reading Driving Solo for the second time. The first time, I read the entire book without putting it down for a minute. It speaks to the searing pain of grief with honestly and clarity.

I now keep a copy at the office to show to clients and an extra book ready to share with another who experiences this loss. It offers a personal and authentic view of the process that brings one from the deepest of sorrows to a new healing and purposeful place.”

Ellen Speyer, MFCC

“Frankly, this is not a book that I particularly looked forward to reading – any more than I want to write a will or buy life insurance. But reading Driving Solo is as much as a necessity as the will and life insurance.

Losing a life partner is not something any of us want or plan. Having practiced divorce work for many years, I understand the parallels of Driving Solo as a result of losing a partner, whether it be from death or divorce. We all need to know what to do or what reference to go to when it happens. And for the most part, none of us is able to think or act as clearly as we might otherwise under less traumatic circumstances.”

Paco

“Driving Solo was a wonderful book.

Such a helpful tool for anyone who loses a loved one. Sue opened up her heart when she told her own story. She truly wrote this book to help everyone that has gone through a similar situation. Many spouses are left in chaos when one dies. One partner is usually the one who handles all the finances and the other one unfortunately is left behind to sort all this out by themselves and they are at a complete loss.”

Such a helpful tool for anyone who loses a loved one. Sue opened up her heart when she told her own story. She truly wrote this book to help everyone that has gone through a similar situation. Many spouses are left in chaos when one dies. One partner is usually the one who handles all the finances and the other one unfortunately is left behind to sort all this out by themselves and they are at a complete loss.”

Opal Conner

“Susan Alpert’s book is most helpful at the most difficult of times. Written in a clear, concise and logical manner, it can help both women and men who are in the process of grieving but, at the same time, must move forward with their lives. Her advice covers what must be done first-grieve-and then discusses the practicalites of life-legal, financial and many others.”

Patsy Palmer

“Driving Solo by Susan Covell Alpert is a story of love, loss, acceptance and moving forward. Beautifully written, it is a must read for anyone. Susan has done the research and prepared a handbook for the time in life when one must start over and take control. She tells us how!”

Anne Kaufman

“I was mesmerized by this book. I wanted it for a friend who was going through the grief process and read it first. I couldn’t put it down. In many ways it reads like a novel but it is real life written by a gifted author with all the practical step by step instructions you need when confronted by death. I’ve experienced grief and it is paralyzing. This book will illuminate the fog in which you find yourself and get you moving forward. Outstanding!!!”

Beach Lady

See more reviews and information about the book.

Susan Alpert Consulting