Life or Death Planning: Guiding Clients Through the Opioid Crisis

Cheryl Canzanella, CLU, ChSNC, CAP, LUTCF

Click here to view a short webinar promotional clip from our presenter, Cheryl Canzanella.

Nearly half of Americans know someone struggling with addiction, making substance use disorders a reality that financial professionals can’t afford to ignore. As the opioid epidemic continues to devastate families, its financial impact extends beyond personal hardship—costing the U.S. economy over $1 trillion annually and directly affecting careers, retirement plans, estates, and family dynamics. The responsibility of financial advisors goes beyond traditional financial conversations. Addiction can drain financial resources, create estate planning complications, and leave loved ones vulnerable to long-term financial struggles.

Through firsthand experiences, we will guide financial professionals to:

• Understand the opioid epidemic and its impact on the financial industry.
• Recognize financial red flags and warning signs.
• Communicate effectively with clients facing addiction-related challenges.
• Implement proactive financial strategies to safeguard clients’ finances and protect your business.

Your role as a financial advisor is more than managing money—it’s about protecting financial legacies. 

Gain the knowledge to help clients before it’s too late.

Webinar Rating Level: Basic

About the Presenter

Cheryl Canzanella, CLU, ChSNC, CAP, LUTCF

Cheryl Canzanella brings a unique perspective to expand retirement conversations beyond traditional financial discussions.  With over 25 years in the financial services industry, she joined Movement Mortgage as a Retirement Solutions Partner to continue her passion for helping individuals reach their retirement goals. Although she is not a licensed loan officer, her primary focus is partnering with financial professionals to offer retirement strategies utilizing reverse mortgages. After losing her late husband to accidental overdose involving opioids, Cheryl created Coastal Life Strategies to raise awareness and educate on how the opioid epidemic is not only ripping families apart emotionally but also financially by diminishing careers and draining financial assets. 

She is an active member of NAIFA, FPA and WIFS and is the 2025 NAIFA-FL President. As a native Floridian, she enjoys spending time with her husband Shamari and their son, the beach, flag football, CrossFit, and volunteering. She can often be heard cheering and/or possibly weeping for her beloved Miami Dolphins & Jacksonville Jaguars.