Podcasts about childfree wealth

For Childfree adults over 50, the next wave of AI-driven job displacement does not have to be a crisis. It can be the push that finally makes starting something of your own feel not just possible but necessary. In this episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® and Alli Gage break down what it actually takes to launch a small business in the second half of life,  from the two questions every founder needs to answer first, to how AI can make you a more efficient and resilient solopreneur from day one.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why the two most important questions before starting any business are who do you want to serve and how do you want to serve them -- and why the answers to those questions also happen to make your business more AI-resistantHow to tell the difference between owning a job and building a business, why most people actually want the former, and why getting clear on that distinction early saves you from building the wrong thingWhy Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® asks every client to double their prices before anything else, what happened when a dog walker raised her rates by 50%, and why setting boundaries around the clients you serve is the most important business decision you will makeHow to use AI as a thinking partner rather than a replacement for your own expertise, why the first draft AI gives you will always be terrible, and why fighting with it upfront is exactly how you get value out of it laterWhy the business has to help you rather than hurt you, what limits to set before you start, and how to know when it is time to walk away from something that is no longer adding joyEpisode Hosts:Dr. Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP® is the Founder of Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping people simplify their finances so they can live an amazing Childfree life. Dr. Jay is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Childfree Wealth Specialist, and author of the book “The Childfree Guide to Life and Money.” Alli Gage is the Chief of Staff at Childfree Insights. Alli is the behind-the-scenes coordinator who ensures all organizations operate in an orderly fashion across the board.About Childfree Insights:Childfree Insights focuses on planning for solo aging and later life without children. It offers trusted education on financial planning, estate planning, and building support systems for people aging independently. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Bri Conn, CFP® and Melissa Holcombe, DSW, LCSW sit down with Jennifer Crowley, registered nurse, certified life care planner, and founder of The Life Care Experts, for a conversation about what it actually takes to plan for aging with intention. Jennifer has spent over 30 years walking alongside individuals through the most vulnerable chapters of their lives, and she brings a clear-eyed, practical framework for Childfree and solo aging adults who want to stay in the driver's seat of their own care -- even if their health or cognitive abilities change.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why hope is not a care plan and what the difference between reactive crisis management and proactive life care planning actually looks like in practiceHow Jennifer's seven-step U DECIDE framework helps solo agers and Childfree adults build a structured, values-aligned aging roadmap without feeling overwhelmed by where to startWhy sharing your financial and healthcare information with a trusted person is not about losing control -- it is about preserving it -- and what someone needs to know to step in on your behalf if you cannotWhat dementia-proofing your future actually means, why rural aging requires earlier and more intentional planning than most people realize, and how to start building your care ecosystem before you need itWhy your power of attorney document is only as useful as the conversation you have had with the person you named, and what it costs when that conversation never happensEpisode Guest:Jennifer Crowley is a registered nurse of 32 years, dual certified life care planner and care manager, and founder of The Life Care Experts in northwest Montana. She is the author of 7 Steps to Long-Term Care Planning, The Life Care Management Handbook, and The Ultimate Care Plan Guide, and co-founder of the Life Care Management Institute, which offers over 30 online courses and do-it-yourself resources for aging and life care planning.Connect with Jennifer:7 Steps to Long-Term Care Planning by Jennifer Crowley: available at https://thelifecareexperts.com  Family Aging Life Care Planning online course: https://lifecareexperts.thrivecart.com/familyagingplan/ Instagram: @lifecaremanagementinstitute Facebook: @lifecaremanagementinstitute LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/lifecaremanagementinstituteEpisode Hosts:Bri Conn, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®, and Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®.Melissa Holcombe, DSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and Doctor of Social Work with a background in probate court and guardianship. She brings a unique clinical perspective to the intersection of aging, legal planning, and intentional life design for Childfree adults.About Childfree Insights:Childfree Insights delivers education for financial and estate planning without children. It supports people with no kids in making informed decisions about retirement, legacy planning, beneficiaries, and long-term care. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Maddy Roche sits down with Sherrill Wayland, Senior Director of Special Initiatives and Partnerships at SAGE, the country's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults. Sherrill brings over two decades of advocacy experience, a deeply personal connection to the community she serves, and a clear-eyed understanding of what it means to age as an LGBTQ+ adult in a world that was not always built to support you -- particularly when you are doing it without children.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why LGBTQ+ older adults face a unique set of aging challenges rooted in a lifetime of discrimination, family estrangement, and a legal system that was not designed with their relationships in mind -- and what SAGE is doing at the national level to change thatWhat the Long-Term Care Equality Index is, how it helps LGBTQ+ older adults identify affirming housing and care communities, and what specific questions to ask when evaluating whether a provider is truly equipped to serve your communityHow SAGE Care's cultural competency training is equipping senior centers, assisted living facilities, and area agencies on aging across the country to serve LGBTQ+ older adults with dignity and respectWhat Sherrill's sabbatical to Antarctica with her mother taught her about the freedom that comes with being Childfree by choice, and why building a life on your own terms sometimes means spending it exactly the way you wantEpisode Guest:Sherrill Wayland (she/they) is the Senior Director of Special Initiatives and Partnerships at SAGE, the country's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults. With a career rooted in advocacy for marginalized communities, Sherrill oversees the National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, SAGE Care, SAGE Collab, and SAGE U, and has spent over two decades working to ensure LGBTQ+ elders have access to affirming, dignified care and community.Learn more about SAGE on their website: https://www.sageusa.org/And follow along on social media: https://www.instagram.com/sageusa https://www.facebook.com/SAGEUSA Episode Host:Maddy Roche (she/her) is Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust®. She understands the challenges of being Childfree as it relates to estate planning and is passionate about educating her community about ways to prepare.About Childfree Insights:Childfree Insights is the trusted education hub for people who are Childfree or permanently Childless. It provides guidance on finances, estate planning, relationships, and life decisions for adults without children. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®, supporting long-term planning for people living without kids.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Bri Conn, CFP® sits down with Nikolai Blinow for a conversation about wise mind decision-making, the real definition of rest, and what calm hustle actually looks like when you are building a business on your own terms. Nikolai Blinow built her entire practice around one idea, that you should not have to burn your life down to build a successful business. As a licensed mental health counselor, life coach, and TEDx speaker specializing in professional burnout and adult ADHD, she brings both the clinical framework and the lived experience to back it up.In This Episode, You'll Learn:What the wise mind concept from Dialectical Behavior Therapy actually means and how applying it to business decisions helps you stop swinging between guilt-driven overwork and avoidance of the hard stuff.Why being entirely rational in business is just as problematic as being entirely emotional, and how finding the overlap between the two leads to more grounded, effective decisions.How to use a values inventory to identify whether you are building a business around what you actually care about or unconsciously chasing someone else's definition of success.Why the idea that productivity means being at your desk for 40 hours a week is a byproduct of technology, not human biology.Resources Mentioned:Stolen Focus by Johann Hari: https://stolenfocusbook.com/   Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski: https://www.burnoutbook.net/ Episode Guest:Nikolai Blinow is a licensed mental health counselor, life coach, and TEDx speaker. Her clinical specialties include professional burnout, adult ADHD, and the science of stress. She integrates mindfulness and holistic living with behavioral science in her virtual therapy and coaching practice, and her TEDx talk Yoga and Its Connection to Mental Health has over 300,000 views.Connect with Nikolai on her website: ompowermentpsych.comRequest her Free burnout checklist: ompowermentpsych.com/checklist  And request the values inventory by emailing: nikolai@ompowermentpsych.com Episode Host:Bri Conn, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®, and Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®.About Childfree Insights:Childfree Insights is a trusted resource for life planning without children. It explores financial planning, estate planning, relationships, and long-term decisions for adults building a future without kids. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® brings his TED Conference takeaways directly to the Childfree community for a straight-talking look at what the AI economy actually means for people building a future without children. He does not sugarcoat it. The next recession will likely be the one that takes the jobs and does not bring them back, and the people who will be okay are not necessarily the ones who saw it coming, they are the ones who prepared before it arrived.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why the next recession is likely to be a structural job loss event rather than a temporary one, and why AI replacing 80% of desk jobs is not doom and gloom, it is just mathWhy being the expert in your field is no longer the competitive advantage it once was, and what the one skill is that will actually protect you in an AI economyHow Childfree adults are uniquely positioned to navigate a post-work world, and why not having to worry about your children's job prospects is a genuine advantage when the economy shiftsWhy Dr. Jay is temporarily back on the hustle train and what he is doing personally to build his financial cushion before the window closesWhat the obituary exercise has to do with AI, why your second line will not say "Father of three," and why figuring out what it does say is the most important work you can do right nowResources Mentioned:Leadership Lessons from NASCAR with Drew Blickensderfer:  https://childfreeinsights.com/resources/podcast/episode-176/ The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist - Available on YouTube, Apple TV & Amazon PrimeWant to talk more about this? Join us on June 3rd for Navigating the AI Economy a Real Talk with Dr. Jay: https://childfreeinsights.com/event/20260603-realtalk/Can't make it on June 3rd? Check out our other free events here: https://childfreeinsights.com/events/Episode Hosts:Dr. Jay Zigmont, MBA, CFP® is the Founder of Childfree Wealth®, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping Childfree and Permanently Childless people, and Childfree Trust®. He is also the author of The Childfree Guide to Life and Money.About Childfree Insights:Childfree Insights is the trusted education hub for people who are Childfree or permanently Childless. It provides guidance on finances, estate planning, relationships, and life decisions for adults without children. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®, supporting long-term planning for people living without kids.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Buying a home has been sold as the responsible, obvious next step for so long that most people have never actually stopped to ask whether it fits their life. Dr. Jay Zigmont CFP® owned homes from age 21 to 45 and now rents. Fiona Waller CFP® works with clients who have spent years in properties they quietly resented. In this episode, they take apart the financial math, the family voices, the passive income myth, and the real cost of owning a vacation home to help Childfree adults make housing decisions based on what they actually want rather than what they have been told to want.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why the stock market returning seven to ten percent annually makes a stronger financial case than a mortgage at six percent interest on a home appreciating three to five percent per year.How to tell whether you should buy or rent based on your life first and your finances second, and why being unable to say where you will be in three years is the only answer you needWhy rent is the most you will pay each month while a mortgage is the least, and what that difference means for a Childfree adult who values flexibility and simplicityWhy rental properties are not passive income, what the 1031 exchange strategy assumes about passing wealth to children, and why that assumption does not work for Childfree peopleWhy vacation homes are the worst of all worlds for Childfree adults, and why renting wherever you want to go beats owning a property you have to manage from a distanceResources Mentioned:What if your Parents Run out of Money | Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® & Bri Conn, CFP®https://childfreeinsights.com/resources/podcast/episode-136/ Inheriting Parent Care Responsibility | Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® & Bri Conn, CFP®https://childfreeinsights.com/resources/podcast/episode-137/ Episode Hosts:Dr. Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP® is the Founder of Childfree Wealth®, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping Childfree and Permanently Childless people, and Childfree Trust®. He is also the author of The Childfree Guide to Life and Money.Fiona Waller, MSW, LCSW, CFP® is a Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®. She brings a unique perspective as a former therapist, focusing on the intersection of mental health and money using a trauma-informed background to help clients align their financial and life plans with their values.About Childfree Insights:Childfree Insights delivers education for financial and estate planning without children. It supports people with no kids in making informed decisions about retirement, legacy planning, beneficiaries, and long-term care. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

For Childfree adults building a future without a traditional family support structure, the quality of your later years matters as much as the quantity. In this episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont CFP® sat down with Joshua Herring, President and CEO of the Longevity Science Foundation, to talk about what it actually takes to fund the research that could extend not just how long you live, but how well. In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why 85% of researchers spend the majority of their time looking for funding instead of doing research, and what the Longevity Science Foundation is doing to change thatHow 100% of every donation to the LSF goes directly to research, and why that is possible when most nonprofits allocate 10 to 20% to operational overheadWhy women who go through menopause before 40 face a 43% higher risk of Alzheimer's, and how a menopause clock currently in development could become one of the most impactful predictive health tools ever builtResources Mentioned:Dr. Jyoti Patel | How medicine is failing women and what you can do to fix it | TEDxWilsonParkhttps://youtu.be/z8SXmSi0eGI?si=F20HYvyXOBUlQ0b7 The Diary Of A CEO Female Health Debate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kizDk8idpT8 Episode Guest:Joshua Herring is the President and CEO of the Longevity Science Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funding research to expand the healthy human lifespan. Prior to joining the LSF, he managed over $2 billion in assets for ultra-high-net-worth clients at AllianceBernstein. Since taking the helm at LSF, he has launched funding for research at Oxford, Stanford, and the University of Copenhagen, and developed the LSF Education Bank to give everyday people agency in their own health journeys. Connect with Joshua on his website: https://longevity.foundation/ On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-herring-2a6099185/Or send him an email: jh@longevity.foundationEpisode Host:Dr. Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP® (he/him) is the Founder of Childfree Wealth®, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping Childfree and Permanently Childless people, and Childfree Trust®. He is also the author of The Childfree Guide to Life and Money.About Childfree Insights:Childfree Insights is the trusted education hub for people who are Childfree or permanently Childless. It provides guidance on finances, estate planning, relationships, and life decisions for adults without children. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®, supporting long-term planning for people living without kids.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Rental properties, passive income, and long-distance real estate investing sound great on social media. The reality looks a lot more like what Justin Brown-Woods actually lived -- two properties across Michigan and Ohio, squatters, stolen copper pipes, three evictions in one year, and a net loss of $25,000 on the first property alone. Bri Conn, CFP® sits down with Justin Brow-Woods, Accredited Financial Counselor® and co-founder of Price of Avocado Toast, for an honest look at what small investors need to know before they buy.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why rental properties are rarely passive income, and how a single repair -- a sewer pipe, a roof, a set of stolen copper pipes -- can wipe out months of cash flow for a small investor with no cushion to absorb itWhat inheriting tenants actually means, why the deal that looks great on paper can come with problems that no inspection uncovers, and how three evictions in one year became Justin's realityWhy out-of-state investing creates a specific set of risks around property management, oversight, and the gap between what you are paying for and what you are actually gettingHow social media turns real estate investing into a fantasy product, and why the person with 99 properties and a beach vacation is not the same person as the small investor trying to build long-term wealthWhy having trusted people in your corner -- a real estate coach, a financial therapist, a straight-talking property manager -- made the difference between staying stuck and getting out with a planEpisode Guest:Justin Brown-Woods is an accredited financial counselor and co-founder of Price of Avocado Toast, a podcast and financial counseling service he runs with his wife Hailey. He helps people ditch shame, embrace mindful spending, and build a sustainable financial life aligned with their values, with a focus on progress over perfection.Learn more about Justin on his website: priceofavocadotoast.com And on Instagram: https://instagram.com/priceofavocadotoastEpisode Host:Bri Conn, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®, and Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®.About Childfree Insights:Childfree Insights is a trusted resource for life planning without children. It explores financial planning, estate planning, relationships, and long-term decisions for adults building a future without kids. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

In this crossover episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® sat down with Dr. Bill Yount, host and founder of the Catching Up to FI podcast, for a conversation that starts where most financial conversations never go. Bill recently hit financial independence and found himself in what he calls the fog of FI -- that disorienting stretch after you reach the number and realize the number was never really the point. He and Dr. Jay compare notes on what it actually feels like to arrive at a goal you spent years building toward, what it takes to build a meaningful second chapter, and what legacy really means when you are not leaving it to children.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Reaching your goals is an identity shift, not a finish line. Dr. Bill calls it the "fog of FI." For Childfree people, legacy is not about lineage. Dr. Jay's second-line obituary exercise cuts to it: after your name and date, what does your life actually say?Lowercase p purpose is what keeps you from wandering. It's not a grand mission, it's knowing who you want to serve and how.Most retirement readiness has nothing to do with money. Fritz Gilbert's framework puts roughly 15 of 20 steps in the "soft" category: relationships, creativity, identity, and giving.The right financial planner is a thought partner. Both Dr. Jay and Dr. Bill make the case for flat-fee planners who focus on life and behavior, not portfolio management.Episode Host:Dr. Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP® is the Founder of Childfree Wealth®, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping Childfree and Permanently Childless people, and Childfree Trust®. He is also the author of The Childfree Guide to Life and Money.Episode Guest:Dr. Bill Yount is a practicing Emergency Physician and the host and founder of Catching Up to FI, a podcast for late starters at any age on the journey to financial independence. A self-described late starter himself, his mission is to help others begin where they are. Learn more on the Catching Up to FI Website: https://catchinguptofi.com/And find him on Catching up to FI: https://www.facebook.com/groups/catchinguptofi/ And the Financial Literacy Project: https://www.facebook.com/groups/371081386982173/ About Childfree InsightsChildfree Insights is a trusted resource for life planning without children. It explores financial planning, estate planning, relationships, and long-term decisions for adults building a future without kids. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Every major life change comes with a to-do list most people don't think about until they're already in the middle of it. The job switch that leaves you a month without a paycheck. The move that triggers a tax bill from a state you no longer live in. The divorce where nobody updated the beneficiary and the ex-spouse got the pension.Being Childfree means more flexibility to make bold moves. It also means more responsibility to plan them deliberately. In this episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® and Bri Conn, CFP® walk through the financial and legal checklist that should come with every major life transition, from career pivots and relocations to marriage, divorce, and everything in between. In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why timing a job change can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.How to build a relocation plan that accounts for the costs most people miss.Why a prenup is really a financial conversation first, and how working through money values, spending habits, and what Jay calls compatible baggage.What gray divorce means for Childfree adults and why updating beneficiaries is non-negotiable.How to build a sinking fund for any major life transition, so that when the move, the career pivot, or the life change actually happens, your emergency fund stays untouched and the stress stays manageable.The episode referenced in this conversation can be heard here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/18504425Episode Hosts:Dr. Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP® is the Founder of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®. He is also the author of “The Childfree Guide to Life and Money.”Bri Conn, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®, and Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®.About Childfree InsightsChildfree Insights focuses on planning for solo aging and later life without children. It offers trusted education on financial planning, estate planning, and building support systems for people aging independently. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Bri Conn CFP®, Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, and Maddy Roche share four real client stories, the kind that start with someone doing everything more or less right, and then life intervening in ways nobody planned for. These stories are not cautionary tales. They are honest, human reminders that planning is not about predicting the future, it is about being ready for the version of it that actually shows up.In This Episode, You'll Learn:How an inheritance can sit quietly in the background of someone's life for years before a financial planner asks the right question and everything changes.What homeowner's insurance actually needs to cover, why so many people are underinsured without knowing it, and what 80% of home value really means when a tree comes through the roof.Why stock options are often dismissed as monopoly money and what that mindset costs people when an acquisition or IPO creates a narrow, time-sensitive window to save millions in taxes.How one form filed within 30 days with the IRS can protect up to $10 million in stock option gains.Additional Resources Mentioned in this Episode are: Building Your Bench with Maddy Roche and Bri Conn, CFP®https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/18504425 Planning Without Next of Kin | Maddy Roche & Chris Dale, CFP®, CeFT®https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/18748824 What if your Parents Run out of Money | Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® & Bri Conn, CFP®https://childfreeinsights.com/resources/podcast/episode-136/ Inheriting Parent Care Responsibility | Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® & Bri Conn, CFP®https://childfreeinsights.com/resources/podcast/episode-137/ Episode Hosts:Bri Conn, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®, and Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®.Maddy Roche is Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust® and handles all marketing, growth, and prospect engagement. Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® is the Founder of Childfree Wealth®, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping Childfree and Permanently Childless people, and Childfree Trust®. He is also the author of The Childfree Guide to Life and Money.About Childfree Insights:Childfree Insights is the trusted education hub for people who are Childfree or permanently Childless. It provides guidance on finances, estate planning, relationships, and life decisions for adults without children. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®, supporting long-term planning for people living without kids.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Bri Conn CFP® sits down with Hillary, a client who is Childfree not by choice, for a real-life Childfree Wealth® checkup. Hillary has already done much of the emotional heavy lifting, moving through grief, redefining what her future looks like, and arriving at a place of clarity and intention. Now she is ready to match that clarity with a financial plan that actually fits her life.What unfolds is an honest, grounded conversation about inherited accounts, trust income, estate planning gaps, career sustainability, and what it really means to plan for a future you once imagined differently.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why a Childfree Wealth® checkup is a discovery session first, and how the process of gathering your financial information can bring surprising clarity before the first meeting even beginsHow the emotional journey from childless not by choice to Childfree by intention shapes the way you save, plan, and envision your futureWhy inherited IRAs come with time-sensitive distribution rules that depend on the original account owner's date of death, and what that means for long-term planningHow to tell the difference between an HSA and an FSA, why it matters more than most people realize, and the triple tax advantage you may already have access toWhy six months of liquid savings carries even more weight when you are single, and how an accessible emergency fund protects you when disability coverage, job changes, or healthcare costs create unexpected gapsThe episode mentioned in this conversation can be found here: https://childfreeinsights.com/resources/podcast/episode-168/ Episode Host:Bri Conn, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®, and Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®.About Childfree Insights:Childfree Insights is a trusted resource for life planning without children. It explores financial planning, estate planning, relationships, and long-term decisions for adults building a future without kids. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Sister Monica Clare knew from a young age that marriage and children were not her calling. She just spent decades being told otherwise. By the time she made it to the Groundlings in LA, she had checked every box society handed her: the career, the marriage, the full script, and none of it fit. What came next was a $150,000 debt payoff, a cross-country search for a convent that actually aligned with her values, and a vow of poverty that she says left her feeling more taken care of than ever before.In this episode, Bri Conn CFP® sits down with Sister Monica Clare, Episcopal nun and author of A Change of Habit, for a conversation about what it actually takes to stop living for other people's expectations and start designing a life around who you actually are.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why the pressure to marry and have children has always been more economic than emotional.How the Episcopal Church differs from Roman Catholicism and other denominations, and why its LGBTQ-affirming, progressive theology surprised even BriWhat it costs to become a nun, financially and otherwise, and how Sister Monica Clare paid off $150,000 in debt before she could answer her calling.How communal living under a vow of poverty actually works, what $50 a month in allowance looks like in practice.Why the doors that close are just as important as the doors that open, and how Sister Monica Clare learned to read the difference between a path that is hard and one that is wrongEpisode Host:Bri Conn, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®, and Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®.Episode Guest:Sister Monica Clare is a nun at the Community of St. John Baptist, an Episcopal religious order based in Mendham, New Jersey. She is the Superior of the convent and will soon be an ordained priest. She is a trained spiritual counselor specializing in religious trauma, mental illness, and addiction.Her forthcoming memoir, A Change of Habit, was released on April 29, 2025 by Crown and Sugar23 Books at Penguin Random House. Before becoming a nun in 2012, she worked as a photo editor in Los Angeles and was a member of the Groundlings Sunday Company. She started her TikTok account, @nunsenseforthepeople, in June 2021, to make people laugh and to demystify life as an Episcopal nun. To her great surprise, the popularity of her TikTok channel has continued to grow and she now has over 227K followers and 2.9M likes.Follow her on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nunsenseforthepeopleAbout Childfree InsightsChildfree Insights focuses on planning for solo aging and later life without children. It offers trusted education on financial planning, estate planning, and building support systems for people aging independently. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Women could not open their own bank accounts without a man's signature until 1974. That is not ancient history. The people who lived through it are still alive. And the financial world Childfree women are navigating today was built in that shadow.In this episode, Bri Conn, CFP® sits down with Grace L. Williams, financial journalist and author of Give Her Credit, to trace the women's banking movement from a living room in Denver to the laws that changed everything. Grace spent nearly a decade researching the founders of Women's Bank, the legislation that finally gave women access to credit, and the remarkable, often overlooked stories of the women who made it happen. In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why women's access to credit is recent history that still shapes how Childfree women plan today.How the founders of Women's Bank in Denver built something extraordinary within the constraints of their time, and what their stories reveal about financial autonomy, resilience, and the power of collective action.Why lenders once required women to disclose their reproductive plans before applying for a loan.How access to credit changed the calculus of marriage, independence, and life design for women, and what it means to build a financial life grounded in choice rather than circumstance.Why financial rights remain fragile and worth protecting, and what the arc of the women's banking movement can teach us about where we are now and what we stand to lose.Episode Host:Bri Conn, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®, and Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®.Episode Guest:Grace L. Williams is a financial journalist, content strategist, and author with over 20 years of experience translating complex financial and cultural topics into accessible, engaging narratives. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and Yahoo Finance. She is the author of “Give Her Credit” (Little A, 2025), which chronicles the women's banking movement and the rise of female financial empowerment. Grace is an alumna of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and has spent her career following the money to understand what people buy, why they buy it, and what it reveals about culture and power.Find Grace on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-l-williams-547a054/Give Her Credit is available at independent bookstores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target.About Childfree InsightsChildfree Insights delivers education for financial and estate planning without children. It supports people with no kids in making informed decisions about retirement, legacy planning, beneficiaries, and long-term care. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Today on Perspectives, we're exploring a quiet but profound shift happening in American life. Nearly one in four U.S. adults — more than 50 million people — do not have children. Yet our financial systems, estate laws, and even our expectations around aging still assume that adult children will eventually step in to help make decisions or provide care. So what happens when that assumption doesn't exist? My guest today, Dr. Jay Zigmont, says millions of Americans are facing what he calls a “fiduciary void” — a growing gap between how people actually live and how financial and legal systems are designed. Dr. Zigmont is a Certified Financial Planner, TEDx speaker, and founder of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®, where he studies how childfree adults are redefining legacy, caregiving, and long-term planning.

Finances have never been a level playing field for women, and for women who are Childfree, the landscape gets even more specific. It was only 1974 when the Equal Credit Opportunity Act gave women the legal right to open their own credit accounts, and the echoes of that delayed access still shape how women experience wealth, work, and financial security today.In this episode, Maddy Roche and Bri Conn, CFP®, sit down for an honest conversation about what the numbers actually say about Childfree women and money. From the real cost of single hood to the gender wage gap that nearly disappears among Childfree women, they walk through the data, the disparities, and the roadmap that makes intentional planning possible. They also cover the eight No Baby Steps, with a lens specifically focused on what solo aging and long-term financial independence look like for women without children.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why the "singularity tax" is a real financial challenge for Childfree women, and how the Fidelity study should factor into your planning.Why Childfree women have the highest median net worth among any demographic 55 and older, and how understanding that data can help counter the financial anxiety and internalized pressure that so many single women carry.How the eight No Baby Steps provide a financial foundation built specifically for Childfree life.Why estate planning looks fundamentally different without traditional next of kin, and how tools like wills, living wills, powers of attorney, and a trust protect your autonomy when the healthcare or legal system might otherwise step in.How to approach the often-overlooked step of planning for aging parents, and why being proactive protects both you and them.Episode Hosts:Maddy Roche is Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust® and handles all marketing, growth, and prospect engagement. She understands the challenges of being Childfree as it relates to estate planning and is passionate about educating her community about ways to prepare.Bri Conn, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®, and Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®.About Childfree InsightsChildfree Insights is the trusted education hub for people who are Childfree or permanently Childless. It provides guidance on finances, estate planning, relationships, and life decisions for adults without children. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®, supporting long-term planning for people living without kids.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Maddy Roche sits down with Zeena Regis, MDiv,  Director of Priority Populations at Compassion and Choices, to explore one of the most requested, and most avoided, conversations in the Childfree community: medical aid in dying.Zeena brings nearly 20 years of end-of-life experience, beginning as a hospice chaplain and evolving into a national advocate for equitable access to end-of-life options. She and Maddy unpack what medical aid in dying actually is, who it's for, and why having open conversations about death leads to better care for everyone, whether or not medical aid in dying is ever something you'd personally choose.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why medical aid in dying is one option within a broader spectrum of end-of-life care, and what the legal safeguards around it actually look likeHow Childfree adults face unique risks when no healthcare proxy or estate documents are in place.How community, storytelling, and even art can open the door to death planning conversations that feel impossible to start aloneWhy having a healthcare proxy who truly knows you and is prepared to advocate for your wishes makes a difference in the quality of your final chapterJoin a Live Q&A with Zeena Regis: Title: Designing Your End-of-Life: A Live Q&A with Zeena Regis, MDivDate: 4/1/2026   Time: 5 PM EasternRegistration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_g-AYE_5GR1O2nRM-7l9tCg Episode Host:Maddy Roche: Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust® and responsible for all sales and marketing initiatives.Episode Guest:Zeena Regis, MDiv serves as the Director of Faith Engagement and Priority Populations at Compassion & Choices, improving care, expanding options, and empowering everyone to chart their end-of-life journey. Prior to her role with Compassion & Choices, Zeena served as a chaplain and grief care specialist for over a decade. Zeena also serves on the faculty of Columbia Theological Seminary's Older Adult Ministry Certification program and was selected as a 2024 American Society on Aging Fellow. Zeena is also a playwright, and her latest work, A Free Black Woman's Guide to Death & Dying, was selected for the Synchronicity Theatre's arts incubator project.Learn more about Compassion and Choices: https://compassionandchoices.org/ About Childfree InsightsChildfree Insights is a trusted resource for life planning without children. It explores financial planning, estate planning, relationships, and long-term decisions for adults building a future without kids. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us: Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com. Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Maddy Roche sits down with Chris Dale, CFP®, CeFT®, founder of Life After Grief Financial Planning, to share the real-life story of helping a client navigate aging, medical emergencies, and end-of-life decisions.From hospice-informed insights to a sudden car accident just weeks after estate documents were signed, Chris walks through what actually happens when someone declines, and why having the right team and paperwork in place makes all the difference.This conversation is honest, practical, and grounded in lived experience. If you've ever wondered what planning for emergencies and end-of-life truly looks like without traditional next of kin, this episode will give you clarity.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why Childfree individuals need both estate planning documents and a coordinated financial services team before a medical emergency occursHow powers of attorney and professional fiduciaries protect your healthcare decisions, financial accounts, and long-term care optionsWhat can go wrong when there is no clear next of kin, and how the state may become involved in decision-makingHow a financial advisor acting as a fiduciary helps manage insurance claims, hospital bills, and long-term care costs during crisisWhy building your aging plan early preserves autonomy, protects assets, and ensures your end-of-life wishes are honored.Episode Host:Maddy Roche - Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust® and responsible for all sales & marketing initiatives.Episode Guest:Chris Dale, CFP®, CeFT® is a financial advisor with 21 years of experience and the founder of Life After Grief Financial Planning™. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Certified Financial Transitionist®, he specializes in guiding clients through the financial and emotional complexities of loss. His approach integrates technical planning with psychological insight rooted in his significant personal experience and 200+ hours of hospice volunteering.A five-time "Top Financial Advisor" in Orlando (2019–2023), Christopher is a prominent speaker, author, and host of the podcast Real Talk With Life After Grief Chris. Beyond his clinical expertise, he is a dedicated advocate for addressing how racism and discrimination intersect with grief. Through Life After Grief Consulting™, he provides CE-approved training, earning the reputation of the "Advisor's Advisor."He lives in Orlando with his wife and two sons.Learn more about Chris: Lifeaftergrieffp.com About Childfree InsightsChildfree Insights focuses on planning for solo aging and later life without children. It offers trusted education on financial planning, estate planning, and building support systems for people aging independently. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us: Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com. Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Life choices that fall outside the traditional script can expose weaknesses in systems built on long-standing assumptions. When marriage, children and default heirs are not part of the picture, planning must adapt or risk unintended consequences. In this episode of Celebrity Estates, Senior Editor David Lenok explores the estate of Coco Chanel alongside Dr. Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP, founder and CEO of Childfree Wealth. Their discussion centers on how outdated legal frameworks intersect with modern family structures, why capacity and undue influence claims arise in high-profile estates, and what happens when significant wealth is directed outside bloodlines. Jay outlines how childfree and permanently childless adults face unique estate and long-term care considerations, why powers of attorney and fiduciary appointments are critical, and how a “die with zero” philosophy can reshape retirement and legacy strategies. Join David Lenok and Dr. Jay Zigmont as they unpack the estate planning lessons behind nontraditional family structures and the importance of aligning financial systems with evolving life paths. Key takeaways: Why 25% of U.S. adults identify as childfree or permanently childless How estate law assumptions can create guardianship and inheritance risks Why many professionals suggest evaluating powers of attorney by midlife Why “die with zero” planning challenges traditional AUM models How advisors can adapt systems to better serve nontraditional families Resources: Listen to Celebrity Estates on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Spotify Trust and Estates Magazine Connect With David Lenok: david.lenok@informa.com  Wealth Management LinkedIn: David Lenok LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management Connect With Jay Zigmont: LinkedIn: Jay Zigmont Website: Childfree Wealth Website: Childfree Trust About Our Guest: Dr. Jay Zigmont is on a mission to help people without kids live their best lives, with the plan and finances to support it. He's a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and Childfree Wealth Specialist with Childfree Wealth. In short, he's the go-to expert on navigating the financial road less traveled for people without kids. He's the author of The Childfree Guide to Life and Money and a cohost of the Childfree Life by Design podcast, where he drops expert knowledge with a dose of humor. Dr. Jay is a frequent contributor to top-tier media outlets, including Forbes, C-Span, TheStreet, and the Wall Street Journal.

In this episode, Maddy Roche and Bri Conn, CFP®, explain why legal documents alone aren't enough. Estate plans grant authority. Care plans provide direction. They spell out the details that make real-world care possible: where to find your mailbox key, your alarm code, how to feed your pets, what medical history your doctors should know, and what living with dignity truly means to you.They also discuss documenting cultural or religious preferences and why these plans should be treated as living documents, updated as your life, relationships, and values evolve.Key Takeaways:Estate plans give the who, care plans give the how. Legal documents grant someone the power to make decisions. Care plans outline what those decisions should actually look like, from daily routines to end-of-life wishes.Document the everyday details others wouldn't know. Alarm codes, mailbox locations, pet feeding routines, storage facilities, and where to find important items are all critical for someone stepping into your life.Define what life with dignity means to you. Cultural preferences, religious practices, LGBTQ+ identity, and personal boundaries should be clearly stated so your wishes are honored, not someone else's assumptions.Build a team to support you as you age. Financial planners, doctors, and aging care managers all play a role in ensuring your care plan can actually be executed when you need it.Treat your care plan as a living document. Update it as your life changes. New pet, new home, new diagnosis, new preferences. The goal is to keep it current so it reflects who you are now.Episode Hosts:Maddy Roche - Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust® and responsible for all sales & marketing initiatives.Bri Conn, CFP® - Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®. Bri coaches clients through estate planning and care plan development, helping them document their wishes and build support teams.About Childfree InsightsChildfree Insights is a trusted resource for life planning without children. It explores financial planning, estate planning, relationships, and long-term decisions for adults building a future without kids. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us: Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com. Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Who makes decisions for you when you can't? For Childfree people, the answer has never been straightforward. Dr. Jay Zigmont sits down with Robert Allan and John Steiner from Welon Trust to reveal how they spent two and a half years building something that didn't exist: a trust company designed specifically for the Childfree community.This episode pulls back the curtain on creating Childfree Trust®. From a 752-page application to navigating banking regulators who'd never seen this model, John and Robert share why every other trust company said no, the social bias they faced raising capital, and how they're building a system that has to outlive everyone involved. If you've ever wondered what it takes to create something entirely new in a 200-year-old industry, this conversation delivers the unfiltered truth.Key Takeaways:Traditional trust companies refused to serve Childfree clients: Every company demanded $10,000-$20,000 annual minimums and wouldn't touch medical power of attorney. They just don't want to do it.Banking oversight protects like the FDIC: If Welon fails, regulators step in seamlessly—the document doesn't die, the company may. To clients it looks like nothing happened.Building to outlive the founders: This company has to bury Dr. Jay, John, and Robert. They're creating documented processes that ensure continuity for decades.Social bias against Childfree investing: One investor loved Childfree Trust® but couldn't invest because "they can't go to church and say they invested in a Childfree company." Robert: "There's a market that needs to be served."Episode Host:Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® - Founder & CEO of Childfree Wealth®, Childfree Trust®, & Childfree Insights. Board member and investor in Welon Trust. Jay spent two and a half years partnering with John and Robert to create the first trust company designed specifically for the Childfree community.Meet the Guests:John Steiner, CFA® - a Founding Member and Managing Director of Welon Trust. He brings more than 35 years of investment management expertise to the firm working with both individuals and institutions. Robert Allan, CFP®, CFA®, CPA - a Founding Member and Managing Director of Welon Trust. With over a decade of financial, operational, and accounting experience, he brings a unique perspective that allows him to provide value to his client's beyond managing their portfolio.Learn more about Welon Trust:  https://welon.comAbout Childfree InsightsChildfree Insights delivers education for financial and estate planning without children. It supports people with no kids in making informed decisions about retirement, legacy planning, beneficiaries, and long-term care. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us: Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com. Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont returns to the podcast to discuss the unique future planning needs of childfree individuals.  He and Keltie chat about: The importance of having proper medical and financial directives and the necessity of a support team. The paperwork and planning documents every childfree person should have in place. Why relying on a family member to help you manage future estate and health concerns is usually a bad idea. The special considerations for estate planning that cater to those without kids. Legacy planning and the impact childfree individuals can make in their lives and communities. (0:22) Meet Dr. Jay and his project Childfree Trust  (11:31) Estate & medical emergency planning for childfree people (24:34) Special challenges in documents for childfree people (29:10) How to think about aging as a childfree individual   As mentioned in the show: Hear Jay's first appearance on the podcast in Episode 24: kidsorchildfree.com/podcast/episode/219886a3/24-dr-jay-zigmont-cfp-on-childfree-wealth-and-legacy Find Dr. Jay on Instagram: instagram.com/childfreewealth/ On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/childfree-wealth/ Find out more about Dr. Jay and Childfree Trust at childfreetrust.com Join our upcoming Confidently Childfree Support Session with Dr. Jay (happening on May 11th) here: https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series About Dr. Jay: Dr. Jay Zigmont is on a mission to help people without kids live their best lives, with the plan and finances to support it. He's a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and Childfree Wealth Specialist® with Childfree Wealth®. In short, he's the go-to expert on navigating the financial road less traveled for people without kids. He's the author of The Childfree Guide to Life and Money and a cohost of the Childfree Life by Design podcast, where he drops expert knowledge with a dose of humor. Dr. Jay is a frequent contributor to top-tier media outlets, including Forbes, C-Span TheStreet, and the Wall Street Journal. __ MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP

Send a textWho will take care of me as I age? In this eye‑opening conversation, Dr. Jay Zigmont breaks down the REAL costs and realities of long‑term care — with zero sugar‑coating. Whether you have children or not, Dr. J explains why relying on family isn't a plan, what long‑term care actually costs, and how to prepare before a crisis hits.Learn about his new nationwide solution for solo agers, the Childfree Trust, and why every adult needs a documented plan for who makes decisions when they can't.

What happens to your pets if you're suddenly unable to care for them? For Childfree people with animal companions, this isn't just about planning for after you're gone. It's about having a solid plan for emergencies, temporary disability, and ensuring your pets get the care they need when you can't provide it.Bri Conn, CFP® and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® tackle pet protection planning, from 155-pound English Mastiffs with special dietary needs to orange cats with attitude problems. They break down the difference between temporary care (you're in the hospital for three days) and permanent arrangements (you pass away), the legal reality that pets are considered property, how pet trusts work differently than wills, and Childfree Trust®'s 24/7 emergency response system that activates care plans the moment someone is hospitalized.Key Takeaways:Temporary vs permanent care requires different plans: Emergency disability needs immediate pet care with existing sitters or facilities. Permanent arrangements require identifying long-term guardians willing to take animals with special needs, plus backup options like specialized shelters.Pet trusts protect animals beyond wills: Pet trusts ensure trustees oversee that guardians actually spend funds on your pet's benefit.Care documents enable emergency response: Document feeding schedules, medical conditions, allergies, medications, veterinarian contacts, and house access information so caregivers know exactly what your pet needs.The 3 C's framework: Caretaker, Communication, Critical information: Who takes responsibility, how they're reached in emergencies, and everything they need to know about food, medicine, behavior, and routines.Professional support fills the family gap: Childfree Trust®'s 24/7 emergency response activates care plans immediately when clients are hospitalized.Mentioned in this episode:Protecting pets emergency checklist - Download it hereStart your estate planning here - www.ChildfreeTrust.comEpisode Hosts:Bri Conn, CFP® -  Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®. Bri has multiple backup caretakers lined up for her dog and maintains a detailed "doggy resume" with all care information readily accessibleDr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® - Founder & CEO of Childfree Wealth®, Childfree Trust®, & Childfree Insights. Jay's 155-pound English Mastiff has extensive special needs and a precise 5:00 PM dinner schedule, making detailed care planning essential.About Childfree InsightsChildfree Insights is the trusted education hub for people who are Childfree or permanently childless. It provides guidance on finances, estate planning, relationships, and life decisions for adults without children. Home of Childfree Wealth and Childfree Trust, supporting long-term planning for people living without kids.Connect with Us:Ready to design your ideal Childfree life? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.comJoin the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before i

Who will make decisions for you when you can't? For Childfree people, that question has never had a good answer until now.In this episode, Maddy Roche and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® introduce Childfree Trust®, the first nationwide professional fiduciary solution designed specifically for Childfree individuals. After three and a half years of research and development, Childfree Trust® solves a problem that's plagued the Childfree community: who will act as your medical power of attorney, financial power of attorney, executor, and trustee when you don't have the traditional next of kin most estate planning assumes you have?Jay and Maddy break down the four crucial estate planning roles every person needs to fill, what really happens if you don't have these documents in place, and why relying solely on friends and family can put everyone in a difficult position. Key Takeaways:Estate planning is about decisions while you're alive: The four critical roles,  medical power of attorney, financial power of attorney, executor, and trustee, ensure someone can make decisions on your behalf during emergencies, cognitive decline, or after death. Childfree Trust® is the first nationwide professional fiduciary solution: Acting in all 50 states & DC, Childfree Trust® can serve as your medical power of attorney, financial power of attorney, executor, or trustee. Professional fiduciaries protect everyone involved: Even if you have someone willing to serve in estate planning roles, appointing Childfree Trust® as a backup gives your loved ones an out if circumstances become too challenging. Guarantees ensure lifelong protection: If you've been a client for 24 consecutive months and go on Medicaid, Childfree Trust® will continue making decisions on your behalf without billing you. Your decisions are protected even if you run out of assets.Episode Hosts:Maddy Roche - Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust® and responsible for all sales & marketing initiatives.Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® - Founder & CEO of Childfree Wealth®, Childfree Trust®, & Childfree Insights. After spending three and a half years researching estate planning solutions for Childfree people, Jay created Childfree Trust® to solve a problem no one else would address.

The Childfree Life By Design team just got back from CES in Las Vegas, and they're sharing everything: the coolest tech, the weirdest products, and what it's really like to run a booth at the world's biggest consumer electronics show.From hip airbags and remote dementia diagnosis tools to robot dogs and AI-powered picture frames that clone voices, this episode covers it all. The team also reflects on community connections, including a special dinner with Childfree community members, and what they learned about the growing interest in Childfree resources from around the world.Key Takeaways:Age tech is having a moment. Hip airbags, remote dementia diagnosis, subtitle glasses for hearing impairment, and exoskeletons for everyday use signal a shift toward technology that supports aging well.The Childfree mission resonates globally. International attendees and even parents expressed genuine interest in Childfree resources, confirming the team is on the right track.Community connection matters. The team dinner with Childfree community members was a highlight, reinforcing the value of gathering with people who just get it.Focus on the people who get it. Rather than convincing skeptics, spend energy on the millions who already understand and want to engage.Resources Mentioned: Tech Crunch Article: https://techcrunch.com/snippet/3081558/childfree-trust-was-one-of-the-sleeper-surprises-at-ces-unveiled/ Episode Hosts:Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® - Founder & CEO of Childfree Wealth®, Childfree Trust®, & Childfree Insights. Author of "The Childfree Guide to Life and Money."Bri Conn, CFP® - Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust® and co-host. Bri joined the Childfree space after connecting with Dr. Jay while studying to become a CFP® professional.Scott Barnes, CFP®, TPCP®, CLTC - Associate Advisor at Childfree Wealth®. Scott is the go-to expert for long-term care strategies and tax planning questions.Maddy Roche - Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust® and responsible for all sales & marketing initiatives.Alli Gage - Chief of Staff at Childfree Insights. Alli is the behind-the-scenes coordinator who ensures all organizations operate in an orderly fashion across the board.About Childfree Life by Design: Childfree Life By Design is dedicated to helping Childfree individuals thrive by providing resources, guidance, and community. We recognize that when you've made a decision roughly 75% of the population doesn't make, conventional wisdom simply doesn't apply to you. Our mission is to help you design a life that works for you, covering everything from finances and relationships to career decisions and building support networks that will actually be there when you need them. Connect with Us: Ready to design your ideal Childfree life? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com Join the conversation on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast...

What do you want the second line of your obituary to say? For most people, it reads "father of three" or "survived by spouse and children." For Childfree people, that line looks different. This episode tackles the identity crisis that comes when your career defines you and you're facing a major transition without the traditional markers of legacy.Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® sits down with Drew Blickensderfer, two-time Daytona 500-winning crew chief and current Competition Director at Front Row Motor Sports, to discuss his transition from crew chief to leadership after nearly 20 years at NASCAR's highest level.  This conversation reveals how Childfree people can create legacy through leadership, not lineage.Key Takeaways:The obituary question reframes identity: What do you want the second line of your obituary to say? Legacy through leadership, not lineage: Childfree people build impact through mentoring, developing talent, and doing the morally right thing for others' careers. Being Childfree enabled career longevity: Crew chiefs rarely last 19 years. No children meant Drew could travel 36-38 weeks per year, miss no little league games, and pursue his dream longer than peers with family obligations.Platinum rule over golden rule: Treating people how you want to be treated fails with different generations and learning styles.Small wins sustain teams through adversity: When winning seems impossible (35 losers every NASCAR race), celebrate incremental progress. Episode Host:Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® - Founder & CEO of Childfree Wealth®, Childfree Trust®, & Childfree Insights. Jay embedded with Drew's NASCAR team for a year to research leadership and legacy for Childfree individuals, creating what he calls his "secret project" exploring how people build impact without traditional lineage.Meet the Guest:Drew Blickensderfer - Competition Director at Front Row Motor Sports. Two-time Daytona 500-winning crew chief with 19 years in NASCAR. Drew transitioned from crew chief (NASCAR's "head coach") to competition director, managing multiple teams instead of one. Being Childfree allowed him to travel constantly and stay in his role longer than most, while now entering an encore career with better work-life balance.About Childfree Life by Design: Childfree Life By Design is dedicated to helping Childfree individuals thrive by providing resources, guidance, and community. We recognize that when you've made a decision roughly 75% of the population doesn't make, conventional wisdom simply doesn't apply to you. Our mission is to help you design a life that works for you, covering everything from finances and relationships to career decisions and building support networks that will actually be there when you need them. Connect with Us: Ready to design your ideal Childfree life? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com Join the conversation on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast...

What if the way you think about wealth is keeping you from building it? In this episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® and  Carl Richards, CFP® creator of the Sketch Guy column in the New York Times, sit down to explore how simple drawings unlock profound truths about money and life.Carl shares the stories behind his most powerful sketches, including the Venn diagram asking "What can I control?" and "What matters?" and why their overlap is where real financial planning happens. Key Takeaways:Focus on the overlap of what matters and what you control.Real financial planning aligns money with life.The only goal that matters is yours.Childfree planning requires different tools and thinking.Episode Host:Dr. Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP® is the Founder of Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping people simplify their finances so they can live an amazing Childfree life. Dr. Jay is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Childfree Wealth Specialist, and author of the book “The Childfree Guide to Life and Money.” His Ph.D. is in Adult Learning from the University of Connecticut.Meet the Guest:Carl Richards, CFP®, wrote The Sketch Guy column in The New York Times for a decade, using cardstock and a Sharpie to make money feel less complicated. He's the author of bestsellers The Behavior Gap and The One-Page Financial Plan, and his latest book, Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in 101 Simple Sketches, released in October 2025. Carl hosts the daily podcast Behavior Gap Radio and founded The Society of Advice, a community for financial planners dedicated to the craft of advice. Learn more on his website: behaviorgap.com.Connect with Carl Online: LinkedIn   X   Instagram. Pre-order Carl's book on Amazon or at your favorite bookstore. To place a bulk order of Carl's book, visit this link and use the code YourMoney5 at checkout to save aAbout Childfree Life by Design: Childfree Life By Design is dedicated to helping Childfree individuals thrive by providing resources, guidance, and community. We recognize that when you've made a decision roughly 75% of the population doesn't make, conventional wisdom simply doesn't apply to you. Our mission is to help you design a life that works for you, covering everything from finances and relationships to career decisions and building support networks that will actually be there when you need them. Connect with Us: Ready to design your ideal Childfree life? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com Join the conversation on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast...

Building better financial habits is less about willpower and more about understanding how your brain works. In this episode, Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, and Fiona Waller, MSW, LCSW, CFP® dive into the behavioral side of personal finance, exploring why all-or-nothing thinking keeps you stuck, how to make progress visible, and what the science of habit formation teaches us about lasting change.Drawing from Dr. Jay's background in adult learning and Fiona's training as a therapist, this conversation goes beyond spreadsheets and investment strategies to tackle the messy, gray area of human behavior. If you've ever wondered why you keep repeating financial patterns you inherited or why your budget never seems to stick, this episode offers practical tools to help you build habits that actually support the intentional Childfree life you're designing.Key Takeaways:All-or-nothing thinking sabotages progress: The mindset of "be the best or don't do it at all" keeps you stuck at extremes and prevents you from making meaningful progress in the messy middle ground where real change happens.Financial success is 80% behavioral: The hard work of personal finance isn't in the spreadsheets or investment calculations. It's in understanding your behaviors, mental models, and the voices in your head that drive your financial decisions.Starting small creates sustainable change: Rather than attempting major overhauls that lead to failure, focus on getting 1% better each day or making one small improvement at a time to build momentum without burnout.Naming your internal voice creates distance: Identifying whose voice is in your head and why it's there allows you to acknowledge its role in getting you this far, then consciously choose to take it from here on your own terms.Episode Hosts:Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® - Founder & CEO of Childfree Wealth®, Childfree Trust®, & Childfree Insights. Author of "The Childfree Guide to Life and Money." Dr. Jay's background in adult learning brings a unique behavioral focus to financial planning.Fiona Waller, MSW, LCSW, CFP® - Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®. Fiona brings a unique perspective as a former therapist, focusing on the intersection of mental health and money using a trauma-informed background to help clients align their financial and life plans with their values. About Childfree Life by Design: Childfree Life By Design is dedicated to helping Childfree individuals thrive by providing resources, guidance, and community. We recognize that when you've made a decision roughly 75% of the population doesn't make, conventional wisdom simply doesn't apply to you. Our mission is to help you design a life that works for you, covering everything from finances and relationships to career decisions and building support networks that will actually be there when you need them. Connect with Us: Ready to design your ideal Childfree life? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com Join the conversation on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast...

Welcome to a brand new era! After two and a half years as the Childfree Wealth® Podcast, we're excited to introduce Childfree Life By Design. This isn't just a rebrand; it's an expansion of our mission. While finances remain a cornerstone, we're now diving deeper into relationships, career decisions, and designing a life that works for you. In this special relaunch episode, hosts Bri Conn and Dr. Jay Zigmont introduce the expanded team. Key Takeaways:The rebrand expands the mission: Childfree Life By Design goes beyond financial planning to cover relationships, career pivots, healthcare navigation, community building, and finding meaning on your own terms.Traditional planning doesn't work for Childfree people: The financial planning industry is built around funding college educations and passing wealth to the next generation, leaving Childfree individuals without tailored resources.Childfree planning is actually more complex: End-of-life planning, long-term care, and determining who makes decisions when you can't advocate for yourself require more intentional planning without children.Meet the Team:Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® - Founder & CEO of Childfree Wealth®, Childfree Trust®, & Childfree Insights. Author of "The Childfree Guide to Life and Money."Bri Conn, CFP® - Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust® and co-host. Bri joined the Childfree space after connecting with Dr. Jay while studying to become a CFP® professional.Fiona Waller, MSW, LCSW, CFP® - Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®. Fiona brings a unique perspective as a former therapist, focusing on the intersection of mental health and money using a trauma-informed background to help clients align their financial and life plans with their values.Scott Barnes, CFP®, TPCP®, CLTC - Associate Advisor at Childfree Wealth®. Scott is the go-to expert for long-term care strategies and tax planning questions.Maddy Roche - Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust® and responsible for all sales & marketing initiatives.Alli Gage - Chief of Staff at Childfree Insights. Alli is the behind-the-scenes coordinator who ensures all organizations operate in an orderly fashion across the board. About Childfree Life by Design: Childfree Life By Design is dedicated to helping Childfree individuals thrive by providing resources, guidance, and community. We recognize that when you've made a decision roughly 75% of the population doesn't make, conventional wisdom simply doesn't apply to you. Our mission is to help you design a life that works for you, covering everything from finances and relationships to career decisions and building support networks that will actually be there when you need them. Connect with Us: Ready to design your ideal Childfree life? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com Join the conversation on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast...

We've reached the final episode of the Childfree Wealth podcast hosted by Bri and Dr. Jay, CFP®!  It's been an incredible two-and-a-half-year run with 171 episodes published and over 100,000 downloads, and we couldn't be more grateful for this community.So, to celebrate all the amazing things that have happened, the whole Childfree Wealth team—Bri, Dr. Jay, Scott, and Fiona—joins us for a special episode to share wins, battle it out with some hilarious holiday finance trivia, and drop some major news about the future of the podcast.Note to Listeners: The podcast is NOT going away! It is simply changing names to Childfree Life by Design and launching with a new episode on January 1st. Stay subscribed!

Caring for aging parents is a universal experience, but for the Childfree, the dynamics are completely unique. In this episode, Dr. Jay sits down with Beth Pinsker, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and retired MarketWatch columnist, to discuss her new book,My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving. They share personal stories and professional insights on navigating the emotional and financial challenges of becoming a financial caregiver.Tune in to learn how to prepare for the unexpected and ensure you can care for the people you love without derailing your own financial future.Timestamps:

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Don, a disciplined saver who's embracing the "Die With Zero" philosophy but finding it hard to shift gears! We dive into his journey of planning generous gifts to family and charities now, rather than later, and the mental gymnastics required to actually spend the money he's so diligently saved. We also tackle the nitty-gritty of optimizing investments, navigating healthcare, and the unique estate planning considerations for those who are Childfree. Get ready for some honest talk, a few laughs, and actionable insights on truly living your best life with your wealth.

What does it really take to plan your taxes to - and through - early retirement? In this week's episode, Dr. Jay sits down with Certified Financial Planner® and author Cody Garrett to unpack the key ideas from Cody's new book, Measure Twice, Money Once. Together, they explore how intentional tax planning can turn early retirement from a financial dream into a sustainable reality.From understanding how tax brackets shift when your income changes, to strategically timing Roth conversions and managing healthcare costs before Medicare — they cover it all. You'll also hear practical, values-based advice on aligning your tax and income strategies with the kind of life you actually want to live.Whether you're five years from early retirement or already there, this conversation will help you create a tax strategy designed for freedom, flexibility, and purpose.We'll Cover:00:00 — Welcome and why early retirement tax planning matters04:32 — The three stages of tax planning: before, during, and after retirement10:48 — Roth conversions: when they make sense (and when they don't)18:25 — Managing healthcare costs before Medicare eligibility27:10 — Building a tax-efficient income plan for the long runMentioned in this Episode:- Get Cody's book here: https://www.measuretwicemoney.com/book- Get Dr. Jay's book "The Childfree Guide to Life and Money" here: https://childfreewealth.com/childfree-guide/- Learn more about Childfree financial www.childfreewealth.com- Learn more about Childfree Trust: https://www.childfreetrust.com About our Guest: Cody Garrett is an advice-only financial planner, educator, and founder of Measure Twice® Money, where he helps DIY investors make informed financial decisions aligned with their values. He also leads Measure Twice(R) Planners, an educational community for financial planners. Cody's insights have been featured by The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Forbes, and CNBC. He's a frequent guest on personal finance podcasts, including ChooseFI, The Long View (Morningstar), and Bogleheads on Investing.Connect with Cody here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codylgarrett/ The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn, CFP®, and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, is a financial and lifestyle podcast that explores the unique perspectives and concerns of Childfree individuals and couples. Like the show? Leave us a rating & review! If you want to join the conversation, email us at media@childfreewealth.com, follow Childfree Wealth® on social media, or visit our website www.childfreewealth.com! Join our newsletter HERE. Schedule a meeting with a Childfree Wealth Specialist® HERE. Instagram: @childfreewealth Facebook: @childfreewealth LinkedIn: @childfree-wealth YouTube: @ChildfreeWealthPodcast Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Ever wonder if you truly have enough to retire, or if your long-term plans are actually achievable? This week, we dive deep with Claudia, a bright, resourceful, and wonderfully human individual who, despite a significant net worth, finds herself grappling with the emotional side of financial independence. We tackle her core question: should 60% of her portfolio be in fixed index annuities? But as always, we dig beyond the numbers to uncover the real questions: What life does she truly want to live, and what's holding her back from embracing it?

Today, Bri Conn, CFP® and Dr. Jay, CFP® dig into what it really means to retire as a Childfree person—and why it might not look like what you've been told. Whether you're dreaming of beaches or terrified of boredom, this episode helps you get real about what comes after work.

Ever feel like the traditional "work for 40 years, then retire" plan just isn't cutting it anymore? You're not alone! This week we're flipping the script with Jillian Johnsrud, author of Retire Often. We dive deep into the concept of "mini-retirements" – intentional breaks from your primary profession that are a month or longer and focused on something meaningful to you.Jillian shares how these strategic breaks aren't just about vacations; they can actually boost your financial independence and career trajectory in surprising ways! We tackle everything from negotiating time off with your current employer (even if you think you're "too important"!) to navigating those well-meaning but often unhelpful opinions from friends and family. Get ready to challenge your assumptions about work, rest, and living your best life, now!Timestamps:0:48 Why Jillian wrote Retire Often and the life-changing potential of mini-retirements1:42 Challenging the old life script: Why the 25-year grind to retirement might be outdated2:07 The evolving economy and why frequent career breaks are becoming the new norm3:00 What exactly is a mini-retirement? Defining the key elements5:49 Unpacking the financial benefits: How taking time off can actually make you richer 8:57 The power of pausing: Gaining clarity and new opportunities by stepping off the treadmill11:25 Keeping your job and taking a break: Negotiating a mini-retirement with your current employer17:00 Tackling societal pressures and internal narratives around work and rest25:07 Budgeting for your break: You don't need millions to take a mini-retirementConnect with JillianWebsiteRetire Often BookBook Purchasing LinkFree Opt-In Worksheets:PlanningNegotiatingWorkbookGroup CoachingSocial Media:InstagramTwitterLinkedInYoutube The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn, CFP®, and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, is a financial and lifestyle podcast that explores the unique perspectives and concerns of Childfree individuals and couples. Like the show? Leave us a rating & review! If you want to join the conversation, email us at media@childfreewealth.com, follow Childfree Wealth® on social media, or visit our website www.childfreewealth.com! Join our newsletter HERE. Schedule a meeting with a Childfree Wealth Specialist® HERE. Instagram: @childfreewealth Facebook: @childfreewealth LinkedIn: @childfree-wealth YouTube: @ChildfreeWealthPodcast Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Are you tired of the traditional work-and-retire-at-65 plan? This episode is for you. We're diving into the concepts of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and FILE (Financial Independence, Live Early), and exploring how you can break free from the traditional script. Dr. Jay and Bri challenge the idea that retirement is an "on/off switch" and introduce the "dimmer switch" approach of FILE, which allows you to design a life you love now, rather than waiting for a distant retirement.Timestamps

A growing 25% of U.S. adults—childfree or permanently childless—face unique aging challenges without traditional family support. In the Positive Aging Community's October 29, 2025 webinar, moderated by Steve Gurney, experts Dr. Sara Zeff Geber, PhD, and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, unpacked financial, legal, and social strategies for thriving as "solo agers."## Redefining Solo Aging: Empowerment Over StigmaGeber, who coined "solo aging" 12 years ago, shared her wake-up call: Married but childless, she realized "there was going to be nobody left behind" in a crisis. Ditching the painful "elder orphans" label, she promotes "solo aging" as neutral and proactive. "It doesn't put a negative spin on things. It just works," she said. Surveys show childfree solo agers crave deeper connections, outliving networks due to longevity gains.Geber urges building social communities early: "Build your network now—before health declines." Retirement or moves often disrupt ties, but villages, cohousing, and apps like Snug (for check-ins) help.## Tailored Financial and Legal SafeguardsZigmont, founder of Childfree Wealth (four years strong), exposed flaws in standard planning: It assumes kids. "It's bad advice," he warned. His new Childfree Trust fills the gap, serving as nationwide medical/financial power of attorney, executor, and trustee for $999/year.Via "care docs," it captures wishes for activation in emergencies—like hospital calls triggering pet sitters or asset management. A survey of 600+ childfree adults? Less than 20% have wills. Zigmont partners with trust firms for scalability: "We're that person when friends can't be."Hybrid approach: Lean on chosen family for daily support, pros for heavy lifts like long-term care. For legacies sans heirs, opt for "warm hand" giving (live philanthropy) over cold bequests.## Actionable Takeaways from AttendeesChat buzzed with queries: International travel? Trust handles it. No relatives? Free tools like freewill.com start basics. Pets? Line up immediate caregivers. Resources flowed—Aging Life Care (aginglifecare.org), Five Wishes directives, Area Agencies on Aging.As one participant noted: "I'm more worried about community than money." Geber and Zigmont agree: Plan now for dignity.For more, visit sarazeffgeber.com or childfreetrust.com. Solo aging? It's liberated control.

As the year comes to a close, it's time to pause, review, and make sure your finances are in shape for what's next. In this episode, Dr. Jay and Childfree Wealth Specialist® Scott Barnes walk through their 2025 Year-End Financial Checklist - covering everything from tax strategies and RMDs to Medicare IRMA surcharges, spending analysis, and estate planning for Childfree individuals.They discuss what's changed this year, what you need to know before the calendar resets, and how to make smart financial decisions that align with your goals and values.From avoiding penalties to ensuring your estate plan reflects your wishes (including care for your pets), this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you end the year confident and prepared.Tune in for clear guidance, actionable steps, and a reminder that financial planning isn't just about saving money—it's about designing a life that truly fits you.We'll cover:00:00 — End-of-Year Financial Planning Overview04:12 — Tax Strategies That Still Work (and What's New)09:45 — RMDs, IRMA Surcharges & Medicare Must-Knows15:30 — Spending Analysis: Does Your Money Reflect Your Values?22:18 — Estate Planning for the Childfree: Protecting Your LegacyMentioned in this episode:- Get the Childfree Wealth®'s 2025 Childfree Tax Guide: https://childfreewealth.com/2025-childfree-tax-guide/- Childfree Trust® Website: https://childfreetrust.com/- Childfree Wealth® Checkup: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/ The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn, CFP®, and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, is a financial and lifestyle podcast that explores the unique perspectives and concerns of Childfree individuals and couples. Like the show? Leave us a rating & review! If you want to join the conversation, email us at media@childfreewealth.com, follow Childfree Wealth® on social media, or visit our website www.childfreewealth.com! Join our newsletter HERE. Schedule a meeting with a Childfree Wealth Specialist® HERE. Instagram: @childfreewealth Facebook: @childfreewealth LinkedIn: @childfree-wealth YouTube: @ChildfreeWealthPodcast Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Ever fantasized about moving abroad or traveling the world while working? This episode is your permission slip to start! Join us as we talk with two incredible women living their best expat and digital nomad lives.First, we chat with Maggie Dickens, founder of Unapologetically Childfree, who shares her inspiring journey as a therapist and business owner in Lisbon, Portugal. She gives us the real scoop on what it's like to transition to a new country and why living authentically is the key to a fulfilling life.Then, we dive into the fascinating world of full-time digital nomad Sibu Szymanowska, who has perfected the art of house-sitting to see the world. As the founder of The Hybrid Tours, she shares her best tips on traveling the globe on a budget and how to find a community no matter where you are. Get ready to have your wanderlust sparked and learn that a life of travel doesn't have to break the bank.Key Points:

Join us for a transparent and insightful Childfree Wealth® Checkup with Casey and Garrett, a couple who are preparing to trade in the corporate grind for time abroad. We dive deep into the unique financial fears and planning complexities of a childfree couple in their late 20s and early 30s with a solid net worth.

Is 2025 the year you're finally considering a move outside the US? Dr. Jay and Bri dive into the increasingly popular topic of becoming an expat, an idea more and more people are considering. They get into the weeds of what it really takes to make moving abroad work, from the financial realities of moving pets (it's not cheap!) to the complex world of tax treaties and international law.Whether you're looking for a permanent move or just a temporary change of scenery, this episode will help you think through the financial and personal considerations you need to live a life on your own terms.Timestamps:

Ever feel like you don't have enough to make a real difference? Or maybe you're just overwhelmed by all the options for giving? You're not alone. This week, we're joined by Allison Patterson of Patterson Philanthropic Advisors, who acts as a "giving coach" to help everyday people create a strategy for their generosity.Listen in to learn how to make an impact that's meaningful to you, no matter what you have to give.

This episode takes a departure from the usual financial advice to get an unfiltered look at Dr. Jay's journey to the TEDx stage. Listeners will hear about the months of intense preparation, the fear of stepping on stage, and the unexpected challenges that arose along the way, including a moment where he completely forgot his script. The episode explores how he, a self-described "hardcore introvert," believes this terrifying experience—scarier than his time as a paramedic—was a crucial step to propel the company's mission and start a vital conversation about the Childfree economy with a broader audience.Timestamps:

Ever feel like your employee benefits package is a mystery? You're not alone! In this episode, Bri sits down with benefits expert Christy Smith from The Horton Group, a Marsh & McLennan Agency, to demystify the world of workplace perks. Christy, who has extensive experience in HR and as an employee benefits broker, shares insights on everything from health, dental, and vision insurance to the often-overlooked benefits like disability and legal support. Get ready to learn how to ask your HR team for new benefits (yes, you can do that!) 2, why understanding your options is crucial, and the surprising ways some companies are making benefits more inclusive (think doggy daycare!). Plus, we dive deep into the power of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and why they might be your secret weapon for retirement savings. Tune in and empower yourself to make the most of your workplace benefits!Timestamps:- 00:52: Christy's journey from HR to employee benefits broker.- 02:24: Common misconceptions about workplace benefits and how to approach your HR team.- 06:41: Navigating multiple health plan choices and software to assist in decisions.- 09:50: The evolution of vision and dental insurance.- 13:17: Inclusive benefits like "doggy daycare" and pet insurance.- 15:56: The importance of understanding company culture for tailored benefits.- 18:48: Deep dive into short-term and long-term disability, including state-paid leave benefits.- 23:14: Understanding legal benefits and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).- 27:50: The one employee benefit Christy wishes everyone would maximize (hint: it's about retirement!).- 33:28: Key advice for open enrollment season.Connect with Christy:- LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-smith-cebs-49283810 - The Horton Group, a Marsh & McLennan Agency https://www.thehortongroup.com/  The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn, CFP®, and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, is a financial and lifestyle podcast that explores the unique perspectives and concerns of Childfree individuals and couples. Like the show? Leave us a rating & review! If you want to join the conversation, email us at media@childfreewealth.com, follow Childfree Wealth® on social media, or visit our website www.childfreewealth.com! Join our newsletter HERE. Schedule a meeting with a Childfree Wealth Specialist® HERE. Instagram: @childfreewealth Facebook: @childfreewealth LinkedIn: @childfree-wealth YouTube: @ChildfreeWealthPodcast Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Join us for a truly inspiring conversation with Jennifer, who's redefining retirement on her own terms! We dive deep into her desire to retire sooner rather than later, ideally without a mortgage still in play, and how she's navigating the unpredictable market with confidence. Jennifer shares her vision for a leisure-filled life, complete with travel, daily exercise, home-cooked meals, and plenty of reading. You'll hear about her "practice retirement" weekends and the joy she finds in simple, nurtured moments. We also explore the emotional aspects of transitioning from a fulfilling career, the surprising financial realities of her robust savings, and why paying off the house isn't always the only answer. Get ready to challenge your own notions of retirement and discover how to design a life that truly brings you joy!In this episode, we cover:Jennifer's vision for retirement and why she wants to retire as soon as feasible.The emotional journey of preparing for retirement and practicing leisure time.Jennifer's current travel budget and future travel aspirations. The dilemma of paying off a mortgage before retirement.Insights into Jennifer's financial situation and "the $14 million problem."Exploring phased retirement and reducing work hours. Strategies for accessing retirement funds before age 59 1/2, including 72T elections.The psychological shift from saving to spending in retirement.Considering long-term care and end-of-life planning.Optimizing investments and understanding Roth conversions.Mentioned in this Episode:- The Purpose Code by Jordan Grumet, MD The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn, CFP®, and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, is a financial and lifestyle podcast that explores the unique perspectives and concerns of Childfree individuals and couples. Like the show? Leave us a rating & review! If you want to join the conversation, email us at media@childfreewealth.com, follow Childfree Wealth® on social media, or visit our website www.childfreewealth.com! Join our newsletter HERE. Schedule a meeting with a Childfree Wealth Specialist® HERE. Instagram: @childfreewealth Facebook: @childfreewealth LinkedIn: @childfree-wealth YouTube: @ChildfreeWealthPodcast Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Amy is joined by Dr. Jay Zigmont to discuss his book, The Childfree Guide to Life and Money, and better understand patriarchy's impact on our wallets, how parenthood shapes our finances, and the challenges and advantages of veering off the standard life script by choosing a child-free lifestyle.Donate to Breaking Down PatriarchyJay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP® is the Founder of Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping Childfree and Permanently Childless people. Childfree Wealth is the first (and currently the only) life and financial planning firm dedicated to serving Childfree people.Jay is also the author of the forthcoming book The Childfree Guide to Life and Money and the co-host of the Childfree Wealth podcast. His Ph.D. is in Adult Learning from the University of Connecticut. He has been featured in Fortune, Forbes, MarketWatch, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Business Insider, CNBC, and many other publications.

What if the traditional blueprint for life—marriage, mortgage, and a couple of kids—just doesn't fit you? In this week's episode of The Lo Life, Lo sits down with Dr. Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP®, a best-selling author and financial planner who built his entire career on one radical question: What does financial freedom look like when kids aren't part of the plan? Dr. Jay is the founder of Childfree Wealth® and a nationally recognized voice featured in Forbes, Fortune, and The Wall Street Journal. He and his wife made the conscious decision to live childfree—and in doing so, redefined what success, security, and legacy truly mean. This conversation isn't just for people without kids. It's for anyone who wants to rethink their relationship with money, homeownership, retirement, estate planning, and even cryptocurrency—with clarity and confidence. Lo and Dr. Jay break down: Why so many are choosing to live childfree—and what the data actually says about the future of family and finance. Whether you really need life insurance or a will if you don't have kids. How to prepare for retirement without relying on the “raise a family = built-in safety net” model. How to approach investing—even if you're starting late, scared, or unsure where to begin. The best piece of financial advice Dr. Jay has ever received (and why it applies to literally everyone). This episode will challenge your assumptions, offer real solutions, and might just change the way you think about your future. Whether you're childfree by choice, by circumstance, or you're simply tired of outdated money advice—this one's for you. Stay Connected to The Lo Life! Facebook: Join the Coven: The Lo Life FB Group Instagram: @thelolifepodcast Your host: @stylelvr Guest: Dr. Jay -The finance guy $$$ TikTok: @thelolifepodcast We have deals and steals for our kings and kweens- All thanks to our sponsors QUINCE: High fashion clothing for affordable prices. Discount code lolife at check out for free shipping NUTRAFOL: $10 off your first month's subscription and FREE travel kit with promo code LOLIFE PIQUE PU'ER TEA: lo lifers will get 20% off FOR LIFE and a FREE STARTER KIT (yesss... a rechargeable frother and chic glass beaker to elevate your tea experience) at PIQUELIFE.com/LOLIFE SPOT and TANGO: Delicious and nutritious meals for your pup made with 100% whole, fresh ingredients- real USDA meats, fruits and veggies. Use code LOLIFE to get 50% off your first order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the traditional blueprint for life—marriage, mortgage, and a couple of kids—just doesn't fit you? In this week's episode of The Lo Life, Lo sits down with Dr. Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP®, a best-selling author and financial planner who built his entire career on one radical question: What does financial freedom look like when kids aren't part of the plan? Dr. Jay is the founder of Childfree Wealth® and a nationally recognized voice featured in Forbes, Fortune, and The Wall Street Journal. He and his wife made the conscious decision to live childfree—and in doing so, redefined what success, security, and legacy truly mean. This conversation isn't just for people without kids. It's for anyone who wants to rethink their relationship with money, homeownership, retirement, estate planning, and even cryptocurrency—with clarity and confidence. Lo and Dr. Jay break down: Why so many are choosing to live childfree—and what the data actually says about the future of family and finance. Whether you really need life insurance or a will if you don't have kids. How to prepare for retirement without relying on the “raise a family = built-in safety net” model. How to approach investing—even if you're starting late, scared, or unsure where to begin. The best piece of financial advice Dr. Jay has ever received (and why it applies to literally everyone). This episode will challenge your assumptions, offer real solutions, and might just change the way you think about your future. Whether you're childfree by choice, by circumstance, or you're simply tired of outdated money advice—this one's for you. Stay Connected to The Lo Life! Facebook: Join the Coven: The Lo Life FB Group Instagram: @thelolifepodcast Your host: @stylelvr Guest: Dr. Jay -The finance guy $$$ TikTok: @thelolifepodcast We have deals and steals for our kings and kweens- All thanks to our sponsors QUINCE: High fashion clothing for affordable prices. Discount code lolife at check out for free shipping NUTRAFOL: $10 off your first month's subscription and FREE travel kit with promo code LOLIFE PIQUE PU'ER TEA: lo lifers will get 20% off FOR LIFE and a FREE STARTER KIT (yesss... a rechargeable frother and chic glass beaker to elevate your tea experience) at PIQUELIFE.com/LOLIFE SPOT and TANGO: Delicious and nutritious meals for your pup made with 100% whole, fresh ingredients- real USDA meats, fruits and veggies. Use code LOLIFE to get 50% off your first order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices