Who makes decisions for you when you can't? For Childfree people, the answer has never been straightforward. Dr. Jay Zigmont sits down with Robert Allan and John Steiner from Welon Trust to reveal how they spent two and a half years building something that didn't exist: a trust company designed specifically for the Childfree community.
This episode pulls back the curtain on creating Childfree Trust®. From a 752-page application to navigating banking regulators who'd never seen this model, John and Robert share why every other trust company said no, the social bias they faced raising capital, and how they're building a system that has to outlive everyone involved. If you've ever wondered what it takes to create something entirely new in a 200-year-old industry, this conversation delivers the unfiltered truth.
Key Takeaways:
- Traditional trust companies refused to serve Childfree clients: Every company demanded $10,000-$20,000 annual minimums and wouldn't touch medical power of attorney. They just don't want to do it.
- Banking oversight protects like the FDIC: If Welon fails, regulators step in seamlessly—the document doesn't die, the company may. To clients it looks like nothing happened.
- Building to outlive the founders: This company has to bury Dr. Jay, John, and Robert. They're creating documented processes that ensure continuity for decades.
- Social bias against Childfree investing: One investor loved Childfree Trust® but couldn't invest because "they can't go to church and say they invested in a Childfree company." Robert: "There's a market that needs to be served."
Episode Host:
Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP® - Founder & CEO of Childfree Wealth®, Childfree Trust®, & Childfree Insights. Board member and investor in Welon Trust. Jay spent two and a half years partnering with John and Robert to create the first trust company designed specifically for the Childfree community.
Meet the Guests:
John Steiner, CFA® - a Founding Member and Managing Director of Welon Trust. He brings more than 35 years of investment management expertise to the firm working with both individuals and institutions.
Robert Allan, CFP®, CFA®, CPA - a Founding Member and Managing Director of Welon Trust. With over a decade of financial, operational, and accounting experience, he brings a unique perspective that allows him to provide value to his client’s beyond managing their portfolio.
Learn more about Welon Trust: https://welon.com
About Childfree Insights
Childfree Insights delivers education for financial and estate planning without children. It supports people with no kids in making informed decisions about retirement, legacy planning, beneficiaries, and long-term care. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.
Connect with Us:
Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.
Childfree Life by Design