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 retirees

Mentioned in this episode:

🔹 Andy & Libbi Financial Planning Sessions

1️⃣ 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 Overview
04:12 — Tax Strategies That Still Work (and What’s New)
09:45 — RMDs, IRMA Surcharges & Medicare Must-Knows
15:30 — Spending Analysis: Does Your Money Reflect Your Values?
22:18 — Estate Planning for the Childfree: Protecting Your Legacy

Mentioned 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 career

Connect 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.