The Long View

Dr. Jay Zigmont: Handling Your Finances When You Don’t Have Kids

Apr 1, 2025

Dr. Jay Zigmont, a certified financial planner and founder of Childfree Wealth, discusses the unique financial realities faced by child-free individuals. He debunks myths about this lifestyle, emphasizing income equality among child-free households. The conversation explores tailored financial strategies, the importance of personal values in spending, and the significance of careful estate planning. Jay also introduces the 'Die with Zero' approach, encouraging listeners to enjoy their wealth now while considering future care plans.

54:27

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Episode guests

Jay Zigmont

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Quick takeaways

Dr. Jay Zigmont emphasizes the necessity for child-free individuals to tailor their financial strategies to align with unique lifestyle choices and priorities.

The gender wage gap is notably reduced among child-free couples, highlighting the impact of caregiving responsibilities typically assumed by parents.

Child-free individuals should prioritize planning for long-term care early and advocate for their health and financial decisions without relying on traditional family support.

Deep dives

Understanding the Need for Child-Free Financial Planning

A significant portion of the population in the U.S. is child-free, yet conventional financial planning often overlooks their specific needs. Dr. Jay Zygmunt emphasizes the importance of tailored financial strategies for those without children, as traditional life scripts typically assume the presence of dependents. Many child-free individuals face unique financial circumstances, including differing priorities on wealth distribution and retirement plans, which necessitate a reconsideration of standard financial advice. By focusing on creating a life plan first, rather than merely a financial one, child-free persons can develop a strategy that aligns with their lifestyle choices and values.

Intro

4min

Rethinking Financial Planning: The Impact of Caregiving and Generosity

18min

Adapting Financial Strategies in a Changing Demographic Landscape

4min

Financial Planning for Child-Free Individuals

25min

Estate Planning Essentials for the Child-Free

2min

Reflections on Financial Conversations and Upcoming Events

3min

Our guest on the podcast today is Dr. Jay Zigmont. He’s the author of a new book called The Childfree Guide to Life and Money, and he’s also the founder and CEO of Childfree Wealth, a financial planning firm dedicated to helping people without kids. Dr. Jay is a certified financial planner, and he also has his MBA, as well as his PhD in Adult Learning from the University of Connecticut. He hosts the Childfree Wealth podcast, and he previously published another book called Portraits of Childfree Wealth. Dr. Jay, welcome to The Long View.