Podcast appearances and mentions of jay zigmont

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, 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.

Jay Zigmont, Ph.D., MBA, CFP®, founder of Childfree Trust® and author of “The Childfree Guide to Life and Money: Make Your Finances Simple So Your Life Without Kids Can Be Amazing,” discusses the persepctive of people who choose to NOT have children, and ~defy~ the paradigm of "the success sequence."

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.

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.

In this episode, Keltie Maguire discusses some of the key themes and insights that have come up in her private and group coaching sessions during Season 7 of The Kids or Childfree Podcast, as well as episodes from Season 7 that address these topics.  We'll explore: Why it's important to make sure you're trying to solve the right problem when making this choice. (4:50) That it's good to want to be prepared - but why you should stop striving for perfection. (15:03) The importance of cultivating self-trust. (19:54) How to be conscious about what you're consuming, and asking yourself what you're hoping to hear. (24:58) As mentioned in the episode: Ep. 95 with Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP on Childfree Trust & Estate Planning Ep. 94 with Amrita Vijay on When Platonic Life Partners Have a Child Ep. 99 with Helena de Groot on Finding Peace Amid the Discomfort of Doubt Ep. 90 with Heather and Doug Boneparth on How to Money Together in Parenthood Ep. 98 with Jordy Snyder on Overcoming Your Fears to Become a Mom Ep. 100 - We Celebrate 100 Episodes Hearing From You Ep. 91. with Marcia Drut-Davis on Being Unapologetically Childfree Ep. 102: Katie Snooks on Her View from the Fence __ MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION: Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP 

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.

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.

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.

Solving the Financial Planning Gaps for Child-Free Clients with Dr. Zay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP® Kathleen and Amy speak with Dr. Jay Zigmont, PhD, CFP®, founder of Child Free Wealth and Child Free Trust, a fiduciary solution built specifically for the growing population of adults without children. Dr. Zigmont is on a mission to address what he calls the "fiduciary void" for the roughly 25% of U.S. adults who are child-free yet are still served by an industry that typically assumes every client has (or will have) kids. Jay shares his personal path from healthcare leadership and academia to financial planning, and what he discovered while earning his CFP®: the standard planning "life script" is baked into the education, tools, and assumptions of our profession. That insight led him to research child-free households, write books on the topic, and ultimately build a planning model aligned with child-free client goals—including a flat annual fee structure designed to eliminate conflicts that can arise when clients want to intentionally spend down assets. We discuss: Why traditional AUM pricing can clash with "Die With Zero" goals How Jay uses a "Die With Zero Safety Net" approach, including long-term care planning, delayed Social Security, and a lower Monte Carlo target paired with ongoing adjustments The estate planning reality for child-free adults—why many don't have documents in place, and how the system assumes a next-of-kin safety net How Child Free Trust works as a nationwide backstop for medical and financial decision-making (POA, executor, trustee), coordinated with care teams and 24/7 support Why long-term care planning is a fiduciary responsibility for every advisor—especially for solo agers—and how clients weigh self-insuring vs. standalone coverage This episode is a practical, thought-provoking look at how our planning process, tools, and business models may need to evolve to better serve a large (and growing) segment of clients—particularly those navigating retirement and aging without children. https://childfreewealth.com/ https://childfreetrust.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayzigmont/  

Ep 119: For many retirees, the question of who will serve as a power of attorney or executor is often answered by naming their children, but there is a growing population of "solo agers" who don't have that traditional safety net. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Sara Zeff Geber and Dr. Jay Zigmont to explore how those without children can navigate the complexities of aging, from managing healthcare decisions to protecting their financial legacy. We dive into the creation of the Child-Free Trust, a first-of-its-kind national service that provides professional fiduciary support to ensure you have a dedicated advocate in your corner, regardless of your family structure. Whether you are child-free by choice or circumstance, this conversation offers essential insights into building a secure, independent future and finding a support network that truly has your back. Chapters: 04:11 – Defining Solo Aging: Dr. Geber defines solo agers as those 60+ who lack children or family they can depend on for support as they age. 05:03 – The Service Gap: Dr. Zigmont discusses the "existential crisis" of finding decision-makers for the 15 million child-free people over age 55 who lack a clear next of kin. 08:40 – Legal Protections: The guests highlight the importance of having legal paperwork in place to avoid falling into court-appointed guardianships or conservatorships. 13:27 – The Risk of Naming Friends: Dr. Zigmont and Dr. Geber discuss why relying on friends—who may be the same age or on vacation—can lead to significant burdens and complications. 17:32 – Child-Free Trust Logistics: A breakdown of the subscription model, which includes document creation, a $999 annual membership, and 24/7 emergency response for medical crises. 20:19 – Intentional Planning: Why solo agers should prioritize senior living communities to maintain social networks and ensure they have access to care as they stop driving or face frailty. 24:00 – Combating Elder Fraud: A look at how professional fiduciaries and trusted account contacts can help protect solo agers from sophisticated scams and abuse. 31:24 – Legacy and Purpose: An exploration of how to leave a meaningful "legacy without lineage" through mentorship, leadership, and leaving the world a better place. 37:12 – Challenges in Rural Maine: Dr. Zigmont explains why retirees in remote areas like Maine must stress-test their plans against limited local caregiving resources. 43:56 – Redefining Retirement Success: The guests share their personal definitions of success, focusing on a "next chapter" filled with meaning rather than a total cessation of work.

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:

In this conversation, we hear from writer and researcher, Laura Carroll, about how societal and cultural narratives — including pronatalist beliefs — influence and shape our Kids or Childfree desires and the choices we ultimately make. Keltie and Laura... Delve into the complexities of choosing a childfree life, and the idea of "shifting sureness". Discuss Laura's extensive research on childfree individuals and her works, "25 over 10" and "The Baby Matrix". Explore the importance of questioning societal norms and the impact of personal experiences on life decisions. Unpack some of the deep-rooted beliefs that influence individuals' decisions to have children. Explore the notion that childfree individuals are responsible for societal issues resulting from population decline.   As mentioned in the show Find Laura online at https://lauracarroll.com Read Laura's books: The Baby Matrix: lauracarroll.com/book-review/the-baby-matrix/ 25 Over 10: A Childfree Longitudinal Study: lauracarroll.com/book-review/25-over-10/ Families of Two: lauracarroll.com/book-review/ebook-families-of-two-interviews-with-happily-married-couples-without-children-by-choice/ Find Laura on social media: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lauracarroll88.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrollcommunicationsconsulting/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauralcarroll88/ FB The Baby Matrix Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBabyMatrix/ FB Families of Two: Childfree & Beyond Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeandBeyond/ X: https://x.com/LauraCarroll88 Check out Dr. Jay Zigmont's new business, Childfree Trust: childfreetrust.com You can also find him in Episode 24 of the podcast About Laura Laura Carroll is an internationally recognized expert on the childfree choice and pronatalism. She has studied the childfree choice and those who make it for over 25 years, and pronatalism for 15 years. Laura has authored six books and contributed to textbooks. Since 2000, she has been featured on network television, been a guest on many podcasts and radio talk shows, as well as US and Canadian public radio. She and her work have appeared in many print and digital media publications, including Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Globe and Mail, New York Magazine, Women's Health South Africa and UK. __ Join us for an upcoming Kids or Childfree workshop: kidsorchildfree.com/workshop Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree

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.

Labor Department says the U.S. added just 22,000 jobs in August, lower than expectations, and the unemployment rate goes up to 4.3%. President Donald Trump says the real jobs numbers will be next year, after his policies have a chance to take effect; Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) talks about her vision of keeping the needs of the U.S. middle class front and center in U.S. foreign policy; Heritage Foundation think tank is about to publish a paper recommending government policies reward and promote married heterosexual couples having more children. We will talk about the implications with Jay Zigmont, CEO of Childfree Trust (12); President Trump to sign an Executive Order on renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, the name it had from its creation in 1789 until 1949; U.S. Attorney for the DC Jeanine Pirro says two 17 year old suspects have been arrested in the fatal shooting of a 21-year old Capitol Hill intern in June.. and they will be tried as adults; New York City Mayor Eric Adams says he is staying in the race for reelection as an independent, after reports the Trump Administration made him job offers to drop out to try to block the election of Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani; British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigns after admitting  she failed to pay enough taxes when she bought an apartment, leading to a major shakeup in the Labour government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Ever feel like your passion is actually… burning you out? This week, we're diving deep into the often-unseen downsides of passion-driven work with licensed mental health therapist and entrepreneurial wellness specialist, Jennifer Gray. We explore how that fiery drive can unknowingly fuel overwork, blur your personal identity, and even make you blind to burnout.Jennifer, who started her career in finance before realizing her true calling was in helping people build sustainable careers, shares her insights on why high-achievers often struggle with boundaries. We discuss how to recognize when your nervous system is dysregulated and practical steps to create "passion-free zones" that protect your well-being and fuel your creativity outside of work. If you've ever found yourself working at 3 AM because an idea popped into your head, this episode is for you!Timestamps:

Ever dreamed of quitting your job but wondered, "How the heck do I actually do it?" This episode is for you! In the final episode of our “I'll Make You Quit Your Job” series, we're diving deep into the mechanics, finances, and structure needed to make that leap when you've decided it's time for a change. Bri and Dr. Jay discuss how much money you need to save before jumping ship, emphasizing the importance of an emergency fund and having a plan.We explore different scenarios, from barely making ends meet to having a fully funded emergency fund, and discuss the often-overlooked aspects like potential pay delays when switching jobs. Plus, we get into the nitty-gritty of planning a "sabbatical" — Dr. Jay's ideal six-month plan for decompressing, soul-searching, and trying out new things before making your next big career move.We also tackle the common fear of healthcare (spoiler: it doesn't have to trap you!) and even discuss how being laid off could surprisingly be a good thing. For couples, we cover the "gardener and the rose" approach to career changes, and for everyone, a crucial reminder to question everything—including where you live—to truly find happiness. Tune in to learn how to simplify your finances so your life can be amazing!Timestamps:

Ever wondered what it's like to quit a big tech job without a Plan B and actually thrive? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Stephanie Ramos, who went from "LinkedIn famous" to living her best childfree life! Stephanie shares her candid experience leaving Amazon, and how having "F.U. money" allowed her to prioritize her well-being over a paycheck. We dive into her unique financial journey, from starting as a teacher to becoming a self-made millionaire, and how simplifying finances led to an amazing life filled with travel and purpose, not just luxury goods. Stephanie also opens up about the emotional shift from saving for safety to spending for joy, and why having a clear vision for your life is more important than hitting a magic number.In this episode, we cover:

What if the biggest thing standing between you and a better life… is your job?In this episode, Bri and Dr. Jay get real about why so many Childfree people stay in jobs they hate—and what it would take to finally walk away. From financial fears to cultural expectations to the ever-persistent voice in your head saying, “but it's good money,” we unpack the emotional and practical sides of career change.You don't have to be stuck. And you definitely don't have to do it alone.⏱️ Timestamps:(00:01) The episode that made people actually quit their jobs(02:00) Are you trading your happiness for a paycheck?(03:15) Why the “25-year career plan” is outdated(06:15) Who picked your job—you or someone else?(10:25) Seasons of life, identity shifts, and rediscovering passion(14:00) If your job causes pain, you can walk away(17:30) Working with purpose vs. burning out for money(20:00) Career changes as value-driven life decisions(24:00) The financial (and emotional) math of quitting(26:25) Therapy, coaching, and building a support system(27:30) You don't need to suffer through the rest of your careerMentioned in this Episode:REPLAY: I'll Make You Quit Your Job Pt. 1 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/17514288The Gardner and the Rose: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/13190469 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/adchoices

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.

Delanie Fischer is joined by Certified Financial Planner and Childfree Wealth Specialist, Dr. Jay Zigmont, to discuss how vital it is to rethink traditional systems around wealth, financial planning, and retirement—because they don't work for many of us. Through the lens of a child-free lifestyle, Dr. Jay shares how to ensure that our current life, and retirement plan, actually reflects our values and goals—including the most important question to ask your financial planner to avoid an enormous conflict of interest. Whether you have kids or not, this episode will forever change the way you approach the systems we live in.Plus:+ Is The "Die With Zero" Concept Actually a Better Fit For You Than Traditional Advice?+ FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) vs. FILE (Financial Independence, Live Early)+ Do You Want To Opt Out of Home Ownership And Pursue Something Else?More episodes related to this topic:Creating a Life Brief and Getting "Fuzzy Clear with Bonnie Wan: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/251bf5df/creating-a-life-brief-and-getting-fuzzy-clear-with-bonnie-wanMaking Less And Living More with Creator of Lore and Lust Karla Nikole: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/24656068/making-less-and-living-more-with-creator-of-lore-and-lust-karla-nikoleDo We Want Kids? with Taylor Tomlinson, Kelsey Cook, and Delanie Fischer: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/3bde4f0a/do-we-want-kids-with-taylor-tomlinson-kelsey-cook-and-delanie-fischerLessons Learned From 5 Years of RV Life with Jamie Feinberg: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/23bebe71/lessons-learned-from-5-years-of-rv-life-with-jamie-feinbergLet's Define What Enough Means To YOU: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/20310cb2/lets-define-what-enough-means-to-youSupport the podcast, vote on topics, and more: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelplessYour Host, Delanie Fischer: https://www.delaniefischer.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.