Childfree Wealth®

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!🔹 Celebrating Our Wins🔹 Holiday Finance Trivia🔹 Rapid-Fire Holiday Q&A🔹 Amazing Stats & Listener Impact🔹 The Future is Now! Stick around to the end as we reveal the exciting rebrand and relaunch — you won't want to miss what's next! 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.

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:🔹01:00 - Why being Childfree doesn't mean you're parent-free🔹02:00 - The surprising impact a parent's financial plan can have on yours🔹03:00 - The challenging question of how much help is too much🔹04:00 - Setting healthy boundaries with parents🔹06:00 - The emotional difficulty of the parent-child role reversal🔹08:00 - The stress of managing caregivers and staff🔹09:00 - Why you might want to hire a professional care team🔹11:00 - Why single women are often the best at planning ahead🔹13:00 - The hard decision of living with a parent🔹18:00 - The nightmare of dealing with banks and power of attorney🔹26:00 - Don't put your important papers in a safe deposit box🔹27:00 - The "death file" and where to put your important papers🔹29:00 - Beth's biggest takeaway from her bookConnect with Beth:🔹Beth’s website: https://bethpinsker.com/🔹Purchase her book:🔹Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethpinsker_ny/🔹LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpinsker/Mentioned in this episode:🔹How to add a legacy contact in Apple: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102631🔹Google inactive account manager (Android): https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3036546?hl=en🔹Childfree Trust®: https://childfreetrust.com/ The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn, CFP®, and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, is a financial and lifestyle podcast that explores the unique perspectives and concerns of Childfree individuals and couples. Like the show? Leave us a rating & review! If you want to join the conversation, email us at media@childfreewealth.com, follow Childfree Wealth® on social media, or visit our website www.childfreewealth.com! Join our newsletter HERE. Schedule a meeting with a Childfree Wealth Specialist® HERE. Instagram: @childfreewealth Facebook: @childfreewealth LinkedIn: @childfree-wealth YouTube: @ChildfreeWealthPodcast Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Join us for a 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.🔹 1:35 Identifying key recipients: Veteran's causes, St. Jude's, and nieces🔹 3:15 Gifting to nieces: Monetary gifts without preconceived notions🔹 4:40 Exploring 529 plans vs. Roth for a grandniece's college fund🔹 8:44 Don's significant philanthropic goals: $100,000 to Tunnel to Towers🔹 12:07 Navigating healthcare: HSAs, high-deductible plans, and the VA🔹 17:40 The mental challenge of spending after years of saving🔹 20:35 Optimizing investments: HSA in stock, international exposure, and ditching high fees🔹 37:43 Estate planning for solo agers: Trustees, power of attorney, and avoiding single points of failureMentioned in this Episode:- Die with Zero by Bill Perkins https://bookshop.org/p/books/die-with-zero-getting-all-you-can-from-your-money-and-your-life-bill-perkins/15130122 - NokBox- The Purpose Code by Jordan Grummet, MD- Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers by Sara Zeff Geber, PhD- Living the Golden Life: Solo Aging Strategies with Dr. Sara Zeff Geber, Ep 130 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/16368024  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.

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.

Dive into the emotional and practical challenges of retirement planning. A cancer diagnosis reshapes retirement timelines, prompting a deep exploration of dreams and desires in Arkansas. The struggle of leaving a high-paying job contrasts with the freedom that financial independence offers. Unique topics like estate planning for childfree individuals, encore careers, and managing wealth without enabling loved ones are discussed. Mindset shifts from questioning financial stability to envisioning a fulfilling retirement journey create an engaging dialogue.

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.🔹 00:40 – When retirement chooses you 🔹 02:00 – Why retiring to something matters more than retiring from something 🔹 04:00 – Test-driving retirement before you commit 🔹 06:15 – The “Retirement Smile” and how spending changes over time 🔹 10:00 – Why the 4% rule might not apply to you 🔹 14:30 – Taxes, RMDs, and IRMA—oh my! 🔹 18:45 – How to plan for retirement abroad without tax surprises 🔹 23:30 – Why most people could’ve retired earlier (but didn’t)Whether you’re a “never work again” dreamer or just want to know your options, this is your sign to make a plan before life forces your hand.Mentioned in this episode:🔹Navigating Your "Second Half of Life": FIRE vs. FILE and Accessing Your Money Early, Ep 162 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/17816731The 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 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:InstagramTwitterLinkedInYoutubeThe 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🔹 0:48 - When can I retire vs. do you want to retire?🔹 2:28 - Are you a FIRE or FILE person?🔹 3:33 - Dr. Jay's "mental chew toy"🔹 5:39 - The importance of planning for what you’ll do with your time🔹 6:40 - The "Purpose Code" and living with lowercase "p" purpose🔹 11:53 - The difficulty of giving up a specific career path🔹 14:49 - Overcoming self-limiting beliefs🔹 15:49 - Why age is the least important factor in retirement🔹 18:24 - The debate: Are you ready to make a change?🔹 19:13 - What brings you joy?🔹 25:23 - Accessing your retirement money before 59½🔹 28:37 - The rule of 55🔹 32:17 - The rule of 72t, or SEPP🔹 34:05 - Accessing Roth IRA contributions penalty-free🔹 35:48 - Inherited IRAs🔹 37:53 - 401k loans: The good, the bad, and the ugly🔹 45:36 - Health insurance options for early retireesMentioned in this episode:🔹 Andy & Libbi Financial Planning Sessions1️⃣ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/16367564 2️⃣ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/16367713 3️⃣ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/16368047 4️⃣ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/16962286 5️⃣ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/17411168 🔹 Finding Purpose Beyond Financial Independence with Doc G, Ep 120 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/16367437 🔹 The Purpose Code by Jordan Grummet, MD https://jordangrumet.com/books/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.

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:🔹Introduction to the episode and Maggie🔹Maggie's decision to move to Portugal🔹The logistics of being a business owner while abroad🔹Maggie's advice for those considering a move🔹Sibu's introduction and her life as a full-time digital nomad🔹The magic of house-sitting🔹The story behind The Hybrid Tours🔹Why traveling won't ruin your careerConnect with Maggie Dickens:- Cathartic Counseling | Unapologetically Childfree™️- Hello@MaggieDickens.com- Instagram - Facebook - TikTok- Find Group Coaching here or here.- Book a FREE Consult here.Connect with Sibu Szymanowska:- The Hybrid Tours - Go Global with Sibu - Hey@GoGlobalWithSibu.com- Instagram - LinkedIn- Find Free Accommodation through Trusted Housesitters here.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.