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 book

Connect 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 failure

Mentioned 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 matters
04:32 — The three stages of tax planning: before, during, and after retirement
10:48 — Roth conversions: when they make sense (and when they don’t)
18:25 — Managing healthcare costs before Medicare eligibility
27:10 — Building a tax-efficient income plan for the long run

Mentioned 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?

🔹1:05: Navigating market fluctuations and the unexpected shifts in retirement timelines (including a cancer diagnosis that changed everything).

🔹3:16: Unpacking Claudia's dream retirement in Arkansas, from free university courses to attending sports games.

🔹8:50: The surprisingly emotional struggle with leaving a high-paying job, even when you're financially ready.

🔹10:47: A jaw-dropping revelation about Claudia's net worth and the incredible possibilities it unlocks.

🔹18:51: The complexities of estate planning for childfree individuals, including supporting loved ones without enabling poor financial habits.

🔹36:14: The profound mental shift from "can I retire?" to "what do I want to do in retirement?"

🔹49:00: Exploring "encore careers" and how meaningful part-time work can enhance your retirement joy (and budget!).

🔹53:45: The unique challenges and solutions for "solo agers" and ensuring your wishes are honored, chips and all.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating retirement decisions, seeking financial clarity, or simply trying to align their money with their ideal life. You'll hear how the "math is the easy part" and why understanding your "head trash" is crucial to unlocking true financial freedom.

Mentioned in this Episode:

- Childfree Trust®

- The Childfree Guide to Life & Money by Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®

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.

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/17816731

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 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-retirements
• 1:42 Challenging the old life script: Why the 25-year grind to retirement might be outdated
• 2:07 The evolving economy and why frequent career breaks are becoming the new norm
• 3:00 What exactly is a mini-retirement? Defining the key elements
• 5:49 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 treadmill
• 11:25 Keeping your job and taking a break: Negotiating a mini-retirement with your current employer
• 17:00 Tackling societal pressures and internal narratives around work and rest
• 25:07 Budgeting for your break: You don't need millions to take a mini-retirement

Connect with Jillian

• Website
• Retire Often Book
• Book Purchasing Link
• Free Opt-In Worksheets:
  • Planning
  • Negotiating
• Workbook
• Group Coaching
• Social Media:
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube

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

🔹 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.