Daily Archives: May 28, 2025

🛋️ Mom Therapy Bingo: A Free Printable That Might Just Save Your Relationship (or Ruin a Sunday Brunch)

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(Yes, it’s a funny therapy tool for moms—complete with journaling prompts, sass, and healing vibes)

By A.L. Childers
Author | Overthinking Mother | Creator of “The Freckled Oracle™”

Free printable therapy bingo card for moms with a sense of humor! Perfect for Gen X daughters healing mother wounds, over-apologizing moms, and anyone who needs a laugh while working through trauma. Includes journaling prompts and mental health resources.

Let me start with this truth bomb:

Motherhood is the only job where you’re expected to carry trauma, cook dinner, apologize for your mother’s mistakes, and still remember everyone’s sock preferences.

And if you’ve got a grown kid in therapy (like I do), you start wondering…
Am I the villain in someone else’s healing journey?

Apparently not. I asked.
And I asked again.
And then—because I’m me—I asked a third time just to be sure.

🙋‍♀️ So, Did You Talk About Me in Therapy?

Here’s the thing. My daughter goes to therapy. Not because I made her (Gen X moms don’t get to demand that), but because she’s emotionally intelligent and tired of my “just suck it up” pep talks.

After one of her sessions, I asked:

“Did you talk about me today?”

She looked at me like I’d just asked if she discussed the price of cucumbers.

“No, Mom.”

I took a beat, looked her square in the eye, and said:

“Well then… clearly I failed as a parent.”

And that’s how our Mother-Daughter Emotional Audit™ began—with sarcasm, heart, and a silent prayer that I wasn’t the main character in her therapy trauma arc.

🎉 Introducing: Mom Therapy Bingo (Yes, It’s a Thing)

So what’s a mom to do?
Laugh. Reflect. Repeat.
Preferably with wine and a downloadable worksheet.

That’s why I created a FREE printable called “Mom Therapy Bingo”—a fun way to process those slightly awkward post-therapy convos and lean into the healing (without making it weird).

You’ll find bingo squares like:

  • “Mentions childhood snacks”
  • “Asks if you ever talk about her in therapy”
  • “Says ‘You’re too sensitive’”
  • “Texts you a meme after an argument”
  • “Cries but says she’s not crying”

It’s funny. It’s warm. And it just might open up a conversation you didn’t even know you needed.

Alt text for image: funny bingo card for therapy moms – healing through humor

👉 Download Your Free Mom Therapy Bingo Card Here

✍️ Bonus: Journaling Prompts That Don’t Judge

If you’re ready to go deeper (or just don’t want to make eye contact during dinner), I’ve also created a journaling companion to help you process the big stuff:

  • What did your mom do right?
  • What did she miss?
  • What have you carried that you’re finally ready to put down?

🎁 Click here to download the companion journaling PDF

💬 Healing Tools for Moms (Who Use Humor as a Coping Mechanism)

Let’s be real—some of us process trauma by crying.
Some of us process it by reorganizing the spice rack.
And some of us make Bingo cards and write blogs.

Whatever your process is, I see you. And I want to share a few resources that have helped me and my daughter along the way:

❤️ Mental Health Support Links:

You don’t have to go it alone. And you don’t have to be perfect to be worthy of healing.

💖 Final Thoughts from One Healing Mama to Another

If your child is in therapy, that’s not a failure.
It’s a family success story in progress.

And if they never talk about you?
Well… you either nailed it, or they’re saving you for season two.

Either way, download the bingo card. Write a little. Laugh a lot.
Because breaking cycles can be beautiful—even when it’s messy.

With wine, wisdom, and warm sarcasm,
A.L. Childers
☀️ Author of “Silent Struggles,” “The Hidden Empire,” “Roots to Health,” and more
📚 Amazon Author Page
🌐 TheHypothyroidismChick.com

⚠️ Disclaimer (Because This Is Real Life)

This blog is written with humor and love, but depression and trauma are serious matters. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a licensed mental health provider or emergency support. Therapy is a personal and powerful tool—and joking about it doesn’t minimize its value. It makes it more human.

🛋️ “Did You Talk About Me in Therapy?” – A Love Letter from a Nosy Gen X Mom

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By A.L. Childers
Author | Mother | Licensed Eavesdropper™

I know this can be a deeply personal matter for many, and I want to say this right out of the gate:

💬 I’m proud that my daughter goes to therapy.
Like, “announce it at brunch with extra mimosa” proud.

She made the decision, as an adult, to take control of her depression and walk her sweet self into a therapist’s office. And she stuck with it. That, to me, is strength. That is bravery. That is self-awareness with a co-pay.

Now… let’s get to the part where I messed it up—because naturally, I had questions.

💬 The Conversation That Proved I’m Still Extra

So after one of her recent sessions, I casually (read: nosily) asked:

“How was therapy today, baby?”

She goes,

“Fine.”
Cue that “don’t start” tone.

I ask:

“Did you talk about me?”
Her:
“No.”
Said with a face that looked like I just asked if she discusses microwave popcorn in there.

So naturally I had to go full Gen X:

“Do you ever talk about me in therapy?”
(She’s clearly wondering if this is a trap.)

Her final “No” felt so definitive, so I’m-not-sure-why-you’d-think-you’re-the-main-character-of-my-trauma-ish that all I could do was reply with:

“Well dang. As a Gen X mom, I think I failed you as a parent if you don’t even complain about me in therapy…”

Then I dramatically fake-sobbed and walked off into the kitchen to overcook something as penance.

🤣 Laughter as Medicine (But Let’s Be Real…)

Listen, I get it. Depression isn’t funny.
Mental health isn’t a punchline.
But moms coping through humor? Oh honey, that’s practically genetic.

I joke because I love. I joke because that’s how I connect with my girls.
And I joke because talking openly about therapy in any way—even if it’s a little awkward or playful—helps make it normal. And that’s the goal.

🧠 Mental Health Is Health. Period.

We’ve come a long way from “just pray about it” or “get some air.”
Mental health care is real, powerful, and life-saving.

If you or someone you love is struggling, there are amazing resources out there:

❤️ Mental Health Resources:

You’re never alone. And therapy isn’t a weakness—it’s a wellness tool. Kind of like yoga, but with less sweating and more insight into your childhood rage.

💖 A Note to My Fellow Parents

If your kids are in therapy, don’t take it personally.
(Unless, of course, you were truly unhinged—then maybe take it a little personally.)

We’re not perfect. We were raising babies while trying to heal from our own childhoods that never talked about feelings unless it involved a belt and a casserole.

If your child is strong enough to ask for help, then guess what?
✨ You probably did something right.

📚 About the Author

A.L. Childers is a Southern-born author, creative truth-slinger, and the force behind The Freckled Oracle™. She writes about life, healing, history, and humor with just enough sass to be a threat and just enough warmth to be invited to the cookout.

Check out her books on everything from thyroid healing to emotional survival at:
📚 Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/alchilders

And follow her blog for more laughs, real talk, and life-saving resources:
🌐 TheHypothyroidismChick.com

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This blog is meant to be humorous, heartfelt, and encouraging. It is not medical advice. Depression is a serious condition, and we encourage anyone struggling to reach out to a licensed professional, trusted support system, or emergency services if needed. Therapy is a personal journey—and we’re just out here trying to normalize it with a little laughter and a lot of love.

Output image

Your free printable “Mom Therapy Bingo” card is ready! 🧠💗💬

Click below to download and share it with your email subscribers, social media followers, or Gen X therapy squad:

👉 Download Mom Therapy Bingo Card (PDF)

It’s 8.5″ x 11″ and print-ready—perfect for laughs at brunch, therapy debriefs, or just a little healing humor in the chaos.

Your “Mom, Me & Therapy: A Journaling Companion” printable PDF is ready! 📓💬✨

👉 Download the Journaling Prompts (PDF)

It includes 10 heartfelt, healing, and reflective prompts designed to complement your “Mom Therapy Bingo” card—perfect for self-reflection, email opt-ins, or workshop freebies.

🌼 Want the Laughs and the Healing?

Subscribe below and get your FREE Mom Therapy Bingo Card 🛋️ plus a printable journaling companion packed with thoughtful (and slightly nosy) prompts for working through your inner mama drama.

Because mental health is serious—but healing doesn’t have to be humorless.
You bring the tissues. I’ll bring the sass. 💁‍♀️

👉 Sign up now at TheHypothyroidismChick.com
🔒 No spam. Just soul work and Southern wit.

Thyroid, Don’t Fail Me Now: 5 Things Every Warrior Should Avoid to Help Heal Hypothyroidism” By A.L. Childers, Author of “Reset Your Thyroid” and “Hashimoto’s Crockpot Recipes”

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When your thyroid is struggling, your whole life feels like it’s stuck in molasses — slow, foggy, and frustratingly off. From weight gain that won’t budge to the exhaustion that no nap can fix, hypothyroidism is more than a hormone problem — it’s a life interruption.

But here’s the empowering truth: while you can’t always control the diagnosis, you can control your daily choices.

As someone who put her Hashimoto’s into remission (yes, remission!) through lifestyle changes, I’m here to share five things to avoid if you’re serious about healing your thyroid — with warmth, real-life experience, and no fluff.

🚫 1. Avoiding Iodine Altogether (But Also Overloading It)

There’s a fine line between deficiency and excess when it comes to iodine. Your thyroid needs it — but too much can trigger autoimmune flares, especially if you have Hashimoto’s.

✔ What to do: Use iodine mindfully. Sea vegetables like dulse or nori (in moderation) can be helpful. Always test levels before supplementing — guessing isn’t healing.

🧁 2. Refined Sugar: The Thyroid’s Silent Saboteur

Sugar doesn’t just wreck your waistline — it fuels inflammation, spikes cortisol, and messes with hormone conversion.

✔ What to do: Swap in natural sweeteners like monk fruit or raw honey in moderation. And yes, I have some crockpot-friendly sweet recipes in Hashimoto’s Crockpot Recipes if you need healing comfort food without the crash.

🥛 3. Dairy & Gluten: The Dynamic Duo of Dysfunction

Gluten and dairy look innocent on the plate but can act like villains in your gut, especially for thyroid warriors. They’re often linked to leaky gut, which messes with hormone absorption.

✔ What to do: Try a 30-day elimination and reintroduction to see how your body responds. Many with hypothyroidism (myself included) have found tremendous relief in cutting both.

☕ 4. Overcaffeinating to “Push Through” the Fatigue

We get it — you’re exhausted, and coffee feels like survival. But too much caffeine spikes cortisol, exhausts your adrenals, and creates an energy rollercoaster that worsens thyroid fatigue.

✔ What to do: Swap one cup a day for an adrenal-supporting herbal tea like ashwagandha, holy basil, or licorice root (check with your doc if you’re on meds). You’re not lazy — you’re healing.

🧴 5. Toxic Products Lurking in Your Home

From your shampoo to your nonstick pans, endocrine disruptors are everywhere. BPA, parabens, phthalates — these chemicals mess with your thyroid and mimic estrogen, throwing your hormones off balance.

✔ What to do: Start small. Choose glass over plastic. Switch to non-toxic cleaners and beauty products. My book Fresh & Fabulous Hypothyroidism Body Balance walks you through DIY options that won’t break the bank.

Bonus Tip: Healing Takes Time… and Grit

Don’t believe the overnight miracle stories. Real healing — the kind that lasts — comes from learning your body, giving it what it truly needs, and avoiding what steals your spark.

And I promise you this:
You’re not broken.
You’re becoming.

Recommended Reads by A.L. Childers:

📘 Reset Your Thyroid: 21-Day Meal Plan to Reset Your Thyroid
🍲 Hashimoto’s Crockpot Recipes
🧼 Fresh & Fabulous Hypothyroidism Body Balance

Explore all titles on my Amazon Author Page
…and if you’re looking for a Southern truth-teller with a thyroid warrior’s heart, I’m your girl.

Disclaimer:
This blog is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional before making changes to your health plan, especially if you’re on thyroid medication. I’m sharing what worked for me as a journalist, researcher, and survivor.

About the Author
A.L. Childers is a nationally published author, health advocate, and proud Gen X Southern mama who beat the odds (and the fatigue) by healing her thyroid naturally. She writes with humor, hope, and a dose of sass at TheHypothyroidismChick.com.

#HypothyroidHealing #HashimotosWarrior #ThyroidReset #CleanLiving #AutoimmuneAwareness #ALChildersBooks #ThyroidSupport #TheHypothyroidismChick

Finally Free: Why I’m Cheering for Todd and Julie Chrisley’s Pardon (And Ready for a Comeback)

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By A.L. Childers
Southern sass, truth with class, and the freckles to match.

The world has watched their rise, their fall, and now, their long-awaited redemption.

Todd and Julie Chrisley — the beloved, bougie Southern couple who made us laugh, cringe, and feel like family through our screens — have officially been pardoned after a rollercoaster legal battle that landed them behind bars. And let me be the first to say: I’m thrilled they’re out and I’m rooting for their healing, their comeback, and maybe even a little reality TV reboot.

Let’s unpack it.

What They Were Jailed For (And Why It Still Feels Off)

The Chrisleys were convicted in 2022 of bank fraud and tax evasion — with charges claiming they falsified documents to secure over $30 million in loans and then dodged taxes on the income they flaunted on their hit show Chrisley Knows Best. But since day one, rumors of a setup have swirled.

Their daughter Savannah has fought tooth and perfectly-manicured nail for their freedom, raising questions about missing evidence, prosecutorial misconduct, and—yes—whether they were made an example of.

Allegedly, it’s been said they were targeted, plain and simple. Whether you believe it was politically motivated, a vendetta, or just a high-profile opportunity to prove a point, there’s one thing most of their fans agree on:

The punishment never fit the people.

Why This Pardon Feels Like Justice

Justice isn’t just about punishment — it’s about fairness, context, and a little common sense. And if you ever watched Todd and Julie parent their wild, lovable crew, you know one thing:

These folks are many things, but hardened criminals? Not quite.

They were human. Flawed, yes. Over-the-top? Absolutely. But at their core, they were parents, partners, and unapologetically themselves. And after spending years away from their children — especially their youngest, Grayson, and raising their granddaughter Chloe from afar — it was time.

We’ve seen celebrities skate by with worse. We’ve seen corrupt billionaires, political powerhouses, and tech execs dodge more serious charges with less time.

So this pardon? It felt like a long-overdue reset button.

I’m Ready for the Comeback — and the Comedy

Let’s be real. The world is too dry and too dramatic right now to not have Todd Chrisley back on our screens. His hilarious one-liners, Southern zingers, and shameless shade were chef’s kiss. Remember when he told Nanny Faye:

“Mama, you can’t flirt with the guy pumping your gas. This ain’t a Hallmark movie.”

And her response?

“Honey, if I wanted Hallmark, I’d go knit a sweater and fake a smile.”

These two could’ve had their own spin-off — and honestly, they should.

The bond between Todd and his mama Faye was the stuff of sitcom gold. Whether she was gambling at the dog track, sipping something spiked in her coffee cup, or calling Todd out for being “too extra,” we were here for it.

And now, we might be again.

Why I’m Glad They’re Out

Because this family never stopped fighting.

Because Savannah showed a new generation how to advocate with grace and grit.

Because Todd and Julie paid a price most would have cracked under.

Because families deserve second chances.

Because the media doesn’t always get it right — and sometimes, truth takes time to rise through the noise.

And because frankly? The world’s a better place when Todd’s roasting Chase, Nanny Faye is plotting a casino run, and Julie is in the kitchen judging their entire life with a lemon pie in one hand and Southern class in the other.

A Message to the Chrisleys

Todd and Julie — if you’re reading this:

Welcome home.

Take your time. Heal. Protect your peace. But when you’re ready… give us that glorious chaos, humor, heart, and realness we’ve missed. America needs it.

Because in a world full of lies, filters, and fake influencers, the Chrisleys were messy, loud, and totally unfiltered — and somehow, that made us feel a little more okay about our own chaos.

Disclaimer:
This blog is based on publicly available information and the personal opinion of the author. Allegations mentioned remain unproven and are included for commentary purposes only. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in a court of law.

About the Author
A.L. Childers is a Southern-born writer, truth-seeker, and firestarter who mixes storytelling, satire, and social commentary with a healthy dose of warm biscuits and real talk. You can find her books on Amazon or read her blog at TheHypothyroidismChick.com.

#ChrisleyKnowsBestAgain #ToddChrisleyReturns #FreeTheChrisleys #JusticeServed #SouthernComeback #RealityTVReboot #NannyFayeForPresident

🎓 Yes, You Can Take Free Harvard Classes—Here’s How to Enroll and Add It to Your Résumé

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By A.L. Childers
Author | Lifelong Learner | Southern Firestarter

If someone told you that you could start taking free online courses from Harvard University—yes, that Harvard—you might think it’s a scam, or at best, a clickbait promise. But I’m here to tell you:
🧠 It’s real. It’s accessible. And it could change your future.

Whether you’re reskilling for a new job, chasing a personal goal, or just want to add an Ivy League credential to your résumé—Harvard has opened the digital doors to hundreds of free online courses through its HarvardX initiative.

And you don’t need perfect grades, test scores, or a trust fund to walk through them.

🌐 Where to Find Harvard’s Free Online Courses

Harvard offers these courses through several platforms, but the most popular (and easiest) way to access them is through:

✅ HarvardX on edX

Here, you’ll find more than 150 free courses, ranging from:

  • Computer science and AI
  • Business and finance
  • Health and public policy
  • Humanities and social justice
  • Writing and personal development

➡️ Link to start browsing:
🔗 https://online-learning.harvard.edu/catalog/free

✍️ How to Register (No Application Required)

Good news: you don’t need to apply or be accepted into Harvard College to join these classes. All you need is:

  1. A free edX account (takes 2 minutes)
  2. An email address
  3. Internet access

📚 To enroll:

  • Click on any course you’re interested in.
  • Select the “Audit This Course” or “Enroll for Free” option.
  • You can start learning immediately—or on your own schedule.

If you want a verified certificate, you can upgrade for a small fee (usually between $49–$199). That certificate is what you can list on your résumé or LinkedIn profile as:

“HarvardX Verified Certificate – [Course Name], edX (Harvard University)”

🧾 Do You Need to Take a Test to Get In?

Nope. There are no entrance exams, essays, or GPA requirements. These are open learning experiences designed to share knowledge with people from all walks of life.

Some courses do have quizzes or projects along the way if you’re aiming for a certificate, but you’re not required to take or pass anything to enroll.

It’s like having an Ivy League textbook come to your screen—with zero pressure and zero cost.

💼 Why It’s Worth Putting on Your Résumé

Taking a HarvardX course tells employers:

  • You’re motivated and self-driven
  • You pursue growth on your own time
  • You’ve studied content from one of the most prestigious universities in the world

Whether you’re breaking into tech, exploring entrepreneurship, or simply brushing up on communication or leadership, it’s a resume-builder that’s both impressive and authentic.

❤️ A Note from A.L. Childers

As someone who rebuilt her life through knowledge, not privilege, I believe deeply in accessible education. These free courses are a reminder that learning doesn’t belong to the elite—it belongs to the hungry, the humble, and the brave.

If you’ve ever thought:

“Harvard? That’s not for people like me…”

Now’s the time to rewrite that script.

📚 Start with one class. Build from there. And if you need help registering, choosing a course, or navigating the platform—reach out. I’ll walk you through it.

🖱️ Helpful Links to Get You Started:

✨ Final Thought

You don’t need to move to Cambridge.
You don’t need student loans.
You just need a spark and a screen.

So go ahead—add Harvard to your résumé and never let imposter syndrome hold you back again.
I’ll be cheering you on the whole way. 💪🎓

With Southern grit and Ivy League flair,
A.L. Childers
📖 Author of “Silent Struggles,” “The Hidden Empire,” and “Roots to Health”
✨ Truth, Wit & Wearable Wisdom™

🔒 Disclaimer:

This blog is for informational purposes only and reflects the HarvardX offerings as of May 2025. Course availability, pricing, and platform terms are subject to change. A.L. Childers is not affiliated with Harvard University or edX and provides this resource purely to encourage accessible education and lifelong learning.

📚 “Pennies No More: Why I’m Raising My Book Prices (and Still Fighting for Fairness)”

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By A.L. Childers
Author | Advocate | The Freckled Oracle™

If you’ve loved supporting indie authors like me, you may notice a small change starting this June: some of my print book prices will go up. And I want you to hear directly from me why this matters—not just for me, but for thousands of other creators trying to survive in a system that keeps changing the rules.

💸 What’s Changing?

On June 10, 2025, Amazon KDP is changing its royalty structure for print books priced under $9.99. That means:

  • Instead of earning 60% of royalties after print costs…
  • Authors will now only earn 50%.
  • And some books will earn zero—yes, nothing—if they remain under that threshold.

That’s not a typo.

Books I lovingly priced affordably to make them accessible—because I care about my readers—will now cost me money to sell unless I raise the price.

🧾 Real Talk: What That Looks Like for Me

Let’s break this down:

  • A $6.99 book (once a helpful budget title) used to earn me around $0.66 after costs.
  • After June 10th? $0.00.

Even on a $9.99 book, I’m only netting $1–2 after printing, distribution, and taxes. That’s before counting:

  • Editing
  • Layout
  • Time spent researching
  • Original photography or design
  • Marketing

So when I say I’m raising prices to $10.99, $12.99, or higher, know this:
🧡 It’s not about greed. It’s about survival.

✍️ Why It Hurts (But Has to Happen)

I love writing for y’all. I truly do.
But I can’t keep pouring heart, truth, and time into my books and walk away with pennies.

And while Amazon also announced reduced color printing costs for some titles (finally), the royalty shift will affect the entire indie author economy, especially for:

  • Wellness guides
  • Journals
  • Coloring books
  • Budget-friendly gift books

These are the very books we keep affordable on purpose.

💬 What You Can Do to Help

If you’ve ever loved one of my titles, I ask this from the bottom of my freckled heart:

  • Buy directly through Amazon at the new list price
  • Leave a review (it’s free and makes a world of difference)
  • Tell a friend about a book you loved
  • Follow my blog at TheHypothyroidismChick.com for updates and deals
  • Join The Freckled Oracle mailing list for flash sales and sneak peeks

This isn’t just about one author. It’s about supporting truth-tellers, healers, survivors, and storytellers who refuse to sell out—even if platforms try to silence our worth.

🙏 Thank You

Raising prices feels weird. I know what it’s like to count every dollar. But I also know the value of our stories, our healing, and the time we pour into our creative work.

Your support helps me keep writing books that challenge, uplift, and empower.
Not for algorithms. But for you.

With gratitude and grit,
A.L. Childers
☀️ Truth, Wit & Wearable Wisdom™
Author of Archons, Silent Struggles, The Hidden Empire, The Happy Hound Cookbooks, and more

📘 Want to Browse My Books?

Visit my author page on Amazon

🔒 Disclaimer:

This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects the current royalty policy changes communicated by Amazon KDP as of May 2025. This content is not financial or legal advice. Authors and readers are encouraged to review the full royalty structure updates at kdp.amazon.com or consult with publishing professionals. A.L. Childers and The Freckled Oracle™ are not responsible for platform changes beyond our control—but we sure do talk about them. #SouthernWink

🚫📜No Class? No Problem? Why Some States Are Dropping Prelicensing for Insurance — And What That Means for You

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There’s a quiet revolution happening in the insurance world — and if you blink, you might miss it. Several states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Alabama, have officially eliminated the prelicensing education requirement for major lines of insurance: Property & Casualty, Life, and Health.

This means that individuals can now take the state licensing exam without completing the traditional 20 to 40 hours of prelicensing coursework. Other states like Georgia and North Carolina are watching closely, with similar legislation under review.

So what does this mean for aspiring agents, industry veterans, and consumers? Is this a step toward freedom and opportunity — or are we setting future professionals up for failure?

Let’s take a closer look.

✅ The Potential Benefits

1. Lower Cost of Entry

Historically, prelicensing courses have cost anywhere from $300 to $700, not including exam fees or fingerprinting. Removing this barrier opens the door for more people — especially those facing financial hardship — to enter the insurance field.

2. Faster Licensing Timeline

Without the mandatory coursework, candidates can study at their own pace and schedule their exam more quickly. This could reduce the time it takes to transition into a new career from several weeks to just a few days.

3. Self-Directed Learning

For those who are highly motivated and experienced in sales or finance, self-study may be more effective and efficient than traditional prelicensing programs.

❌ The Risks and Realities

1. Lower Exam Pass Rates

Without guided instruction, many candidates may not adequately prepare for the licensing exam. The material can be complex and regulatory, with legal definitions, ethics, and case-based scenarios that require thorough understanding — not guesswork.

2. Inconsistent Agent Knowledge

Without a standardized educational foundation, knowledge and professionalism could vary widely among newly licensed agents. This could lead to misinformation, compliance issues, or poor service delivery to clients.

3. Shifts Responsibility to Agencies

Training will now fall more heavily on hiring companies and brokerages, many of which are already stretched thin. The risk is that agents may be pushed into production before they’re fully ready — something that benefits no one, especially the client.

✏️ My Experience as an Agent in North Carolina

As someone currently pursuing my Property & Casualty license in North Carolina, I can tell you — this journey is no small feat.

I’ve completed 40 hours of state-required coursework, which has cost me $300.00, and I’m currently deep in study mode. I’ve paid $150 for my lines of authority, and I now have 90 days to pass the state exam, which costs $100 per attempt. If you add that up, that is a whopping $550.00 thus far.

This is on top of already holding my Health Insurance license, which required another 40 hours of training, plus fingerprinting, background checks, and all the state fees that came with it.

And just recently? I completed my Continuing Education class for health — 24 hours and $250 every two years just to stay compliant.

That’s a real commitment. Time. Money. Focus. Dedication.

🧾 Will This Change Stop Continuing Education?

Short answer? No — at least, not yet.

Removing the prelicensing education requirement is entirely separate from continuing education (CE) requirements, which are still enforced by state Departments of Insurance. CE is considered a way to maintain professional knowledge and uphold industry standards — and it applies to licensed agents, not just new ones.

So, even if you’re thrilled about skipping a course to get licensed faster, you’ll still need to complete CE hours every license renewal period (typically every 2 years). And yes, they’ll still cost you money.

So far, no states have announced plans to remove CE requirements, and in fact, some are tightening them — especially for ethics or specialty products.

💬 Why I’m Switching Gears

I’m making a shift away from health insurance, particularly the ACA (Affordable Care Act) market, because frankly — it’s become unsustainable. Carriers delay or avoid paying agents fairly. Clients are overwhelmed or hostile. Some want help, some don’t — and some just wish you’d stop calling.

There’s a major disconnect between effort and reward.

So yes, I believe that education matters — not just because it’s required, but because it prepares you to serve people right. And I take pride in doing exactly that.

🧠 Final Thought

Would you want advice on your insurance from someone who just winged it?

Not everyone will cut corners — but some will. That’s just reality.

Regardless of the path you take, I wish you success. Just don’t let a shortcut become a setback. Study hard. Be proud of your license. And serve people with the heart and integrity this industry deserves.

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#InsuranceLicensing #PCLicenseNC #ACAInsurance #NoPrelicensing #InsuranceExamTips #LifeHealthAgent #InsuranceCareer #TheHypothyroidismChick

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or licensing advice. Please consult your state’s Department of Insurance for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements.

✍️ About the Author:

A.L. Childers is a Southern-born author, mother, and advocate who writes to empower others with truth, transparency, and tools for transformation. She is the voice behind TheHypothyroidismChick.com and author of over 200 books across health, history, and personal empowerment. With a passion for helping others rise from burnout and misinformation, she continues to speak boldly about broken systems — and how to beat them with brains, heart, and humor.

🔗 Learn more at TheHypothyroidismChick.com
📚 See her books on Amazon: amazon.com/author/alchilders