Childfree Wealth®

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 terrifyi...

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...

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 h...

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 tr...

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...

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 star...

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 ...

What happens when your financial planner keeps telling clients to quit their jobs? Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® and Bri Conn, CFP® unpack the now-infamous tagline: "I'll Make You Quit Your Job." From sabbaticals to soul-searching, this conversation is full of real talk, tough love, and a refreshing challenge to the status quo—especially for the Childfree crowd.

 🔹 00:30 – Why Bri says Dr. Jay's tagline should be “I’ll...

What if aging didn’t have to feel like a downgrade?

In this episode, Jay and Bri explore what long-term care can look like when you’ve got the financial resources to design it your way. From high-end independent living communities to cruise ships and even Golden Girls-style co-living, this conversation is packed with creative (and practical!) ways to age with intention, dignity, and—yes—luxury.

Whether you're planning for your o...

Long-term care is one of the most complicated and overlooked parts of financial planning, especially when you're Childfree. Without kids to step in, who actually takes care of you when you can’t? In this episode, Dr. Jay sits down with Scott Barnes, CFP® and CLTC®, to explore what care really costs, what insurance does (and doesn’t) cover, and how to start building a plan you can trust.

We'll cover:

[1:21] Talking to y...

In this episode,  Dr. Jay sits down with Pete Krull, a pioneer in sustainable investing, to unpack what it really means to align your money with your values. They explore how ESG has become politicized, what the media gets wrong about ethical investing, and why ‘green hushing’ might be the most honest thing happening in finance right now.

Whether you’re new to ESG or skeptical of it, this episode offers a grounded, practic...

What does it really take to leave everything behind and start a new life abroad?

In this episode, Dr. Jay reconnects with Andy and Libbi to talk about their move from Hawaii to the French countryside—and how financial independence made it possible. From navigating long-stay visas and currency conversions to learning a new pace of life, they share the unfiltered reality of becoming expats.

They open up about the emotional si...

What if the life you're living was always enough, no kids required, no apologies necessary?

In this episode, Bri sits down with Emily Paulsen, the founder of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, to explore what it means to build a joyful, curious, and unapologetically Childfree life. From starting her podcast and navigating judgment to building community and reclaiming curiosity, Emily shares what it means to follow you...

How do you plan your finances when there’s no one but the two of you to consider? For Childfree couples, that question changes everything. It shapes how much is enough, and what role family plays in your future.

In this episode, Bri sits down with Pamela and Robert, a Childfree couple who’ve spent nearly three decades as Team Us. Robert is already retired. Pamela is still working, not out of necessity but to fund the freed...

How should couples manage money when marriage isn’t a given and independence still matters?

In this episode, Dr. Jay and Bri break down what it really means to combine (or not combine) finances as a couple, especially when you’re Childfree. Whether you’re all in on joint accounts or prefer a roommate-style setup, they cover the legal, emotional, and financial conversations that actually make it work. From disability and de...

You hear from Bri and Dr. Jay all the time. But who else is behind the scenes helping make Childfree Wealth® what it is?

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and introducing you to Fiona Waller, CFP® and Scott Barnes, CFP® and CLTC — two of our incredible Childfree Wealth Specialists®. You'll hear how Fiona moved from a career in therapy to financial planning (and why her counseling skills still come in han...

In this episode, Dr. Jay talks with Drs. Barry Jacobs and Julia Mayer — co-authors of The AARP Caregiver Answer Book — about what it really takes to be a caregiver, why setting boundaries matters, and how to make caregiving more manageable for everyone involved. Together, they share real-life stories, cultural tensions, and practical strategies for planning ahead and staying sane.

We'll cover:

•  [02:11] Recognizing when careg...

Elder abuse is more common than you think. And if you’re Childfree or aging solo, you might be more vulnerable to it unless you have a plan in place.

In this episode, Dr. Jay and Bri talk through the financial and emotional realities of elder abuse, how it shows up in real life, and what it means to protect yourself or your loved ones as you age. From hidden family manipulation to legal safeguards and community building, they walk t...

Let’s be real. Death isn’t optional. But having a plan? That part is up to you.

In this episode, Dr. Jay sits down with Marni Blank, end-of-life doula and founder of Begin with the End, to unpack what it really means to prepare for death and aging when you’re Childfree or solo. From digital logins and legal paperwork to caregiving and community, they cover the practical and emotional tools you need to manage the end of lif...