Claiming No Dependents: Life & Money For DINKs, SINKs and Childfree People

Today I talk about my feelings of impostor syndrome, the Dunning-Krueger effect and embracing my inner weirdness.

Today, we talk about goats, game shows and variable change. Specifically, we talk about the Monty Hall problem, how new information can guide us to change our approach and how anchoring in decision-making gets in the way.

If you've read any of the online banter within the Childfree forums that exist out there, you quickly realize that there are a lot of very angry people there. Why? Are they genuinely representative of all people without kids? Or does "childfree" conflate with "anger"? I'm genuinely curious.Finally, we could all use a little empathy toward one another.

We talk about flattening the curve when it comes to slowing the spread of coronavirus, but it's also an idea that we can apply to our cash flow during times like these. We are all becoming aware of the importance of cash flow during the country's shut-down due to the pandemic.Own a business? Go to your vendors and ask for a price drop or a temporary stop in services. Concerned about personal cash? Do the same. A forbearance can apply to credit cards and auto loans as well as a mortgage. The CARES Act has a provision to protect your credit score during this extreme and unusual time.

Do you have the right things in place if something were to happen to you? Estate planning documents go beyond the simple question of, "Who gets my stuff?" They become even more important for those of us who don't have kids.More often than not, people don't have the three important estate planning documents in place when they start working with me. Don't assume that doctors can take orders from your spouse or relatives if there's an emergency!

There's been quite a bit published on the internet recently about how to work from home. You can tell most of it was written by someone sitting in an office. Forget time blocking and follow these steps instead.

There's a quote: "Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional." During stressful times like we're experiencing with the global pandemic, it's normal to feel uncomfortable, especially around our finances. However, we have the opportunity to use this time to motivate us to prepare for the next one.

Sorry folks, spring has been canceled.Frustrated or scared about your investments, finances and retirement in light of what's happened because of COVID-19?

In this week's episode, I interview Kelly Theresa Linton, the COO of Arobase Group. In the past, Kelly has worked for big-name retail brands such as Kate Spade, Pottery Barn Kids and Spanx.In our interview, Kelly talks about how she came to meet (and later work for) Kate Spade and gives her take on not having kids. Be sure and listen to the very end where she describes the intentional giving strategy that she and her husband use to support the causes and charities that they believe in.

This week, I interview Matthew Bivens, a balance lifestyle coach and host of the Having It A.L.L. Podcast. Matthew and I talk about balance in life (and what that looks like), what it means to have it all, and the difference between a purpose and a mission.Be sure and listen to the end, where Matthew talks about IOU Syndrome -- and how to overcome it.

Have you ever been shamed for not having kids? What did that look like for you? In a day and age where society is becoming more sensitive and compassionate toward groups that have been historically marginalized, it's funny that being childfree is not seen the same way.

What are the social norms these days about kids in public? There are plenty of kid-friendly places, but what about kid-free places, especially during the day? Is it wrong to even ask? When is it inappropriate to take a kid in public?Most of the kid-free places in Atlanta are also smoking-friendly bars. Which begs the question, is being childfree the new smoking? Are those of us without kids deviants?

In this week's episode, I talk about the idea of legacy. In my experience, when it comes to legacy, kids tend to be priority number one for people who have them. For those of us who don't have kids, it can be a much trickier issue.What legacy are you working to create? What are your thoughts on legacy for those of us who don't have kids? patrick@claimingnodependents.com

In this week's episode, I talk about Paradise Falls, the fictional adventure destination from the movie, Up. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and check it out. What is your "Paradise Falls"?I also talk about packing for my trip to Italy, how people with purpose have a higher net worth and earn more than those who don't have purpose and what I've been doing lately to add more fun into my life.

In this week's episode, I talk about five of the top financial considerations for people who don't have kids. While there are some that you would expect, I think there are a few here that are counter-intuitive.

What's the #1 way to move toward your financial (and life) goals? Take the first small step. In this week's episode, I talk about the power of taking that first, small action toward your goals.

Lifestyle creep is simply the expansion of your expenditures over time - and most frequently happens when there's an increase in income. Fighting lifestyle creep is key to building wealth. But what can you do? Is it always a bad thing? Find out in this week's episode.

Welcome to the Claiming No Dependents Podcast. In our very first episode, we discuss what this show is about -- and just as importantly -- what this show isn't about.