Money, Independence & the Childfree Woman | Maddy Roche & Bri Conn, CFP®

Mar 19, 2026

A candid look at how historical laws and current data shape finances for women without children. They unpack the lifelong cost of singlehood and why Childfree women 55+ often hold higher net worth. Practical planning topics include a tailored eight-step roadmap, insurance and estate tools for solo aging, and strategies for caring for aging parents while protecting your autonomy.

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INSIGHT

Historical Credit Exclusion Still Shapes Women's Wealth

Women's financial exclusion persisted into the 1970s and still shapes wealth accumulation today.
Maddy Roche and Bri Conn note the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (1974) ended legal discrimination but its legacy affects access to credit and wealth generations later.

INSIGHT

The Singlehood Financial Tax Is Substantial

Singlehood imposes a measurable lifetime cost from housing, healthcare, and taxes according to Fidelity research.
The study estimates being single can cost between $480,000 and $1,000,000 over a lifetime compared to married/partnered households.

ANECDOTE

Clients Break Down When Financial Fears Are Heard

Many single women who come to financial planners arrive emotionally burdened and relieved when finally heard.
Bri Conn recounts clients in their 50s–60s who cried during meetings and were surprised to learn they could retire today and be fine.

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Finances have never been a level playing field for women, and for women who are Childfree, the landscape gets even more specific. It was only 1974 when the Equal Credit Opportunity Act gave women the legal right to open their own credit accounts, and the echoes of that delayed access still shape how women experience wealth, work, and financial security today.

In this episode, Maddy Roche and Bri Conn, CFP®, sit down for an honest conversation about what the numbers actually say about Childfree women and money. From the real cost of single hood to the gender wage gap that nearly disappears among Childfree women, they walk through the data, the disparities, and the roadmap that makes intentional planning possible. They also cover the eight No Baby Steps, with a lens specifically focused on what solo aging and long-term financial independence look like for women without children.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

Why the "singularity tax" is a real financial challenge for Childfree women, and how the Fidelity study should factor into your planning.
Why Childfree women have the highest median net worth among any demographic 55 and older, and how understanding that data can help counter the financial anxiety and internalized pressure that so many single women carry.
How the eight No Baby Steps provide a financial foundation built specifically for Childfree life.
Why estate planning looks fundamentally different without traditional next of kin, and how tools like wills, living wills, powers of attorney, and a trust protect your autonomy when the healthcare or legal system might otherwise step in.
How to approach the often-overlooked step of planning for aging parents, and why being proactive protects both you and them.

Episode Hosts:

Maddy Roche is Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust® and handles all marketing, growth, and prospect engagement. She understands the challenges of being Childfree as it relates to estate planning and is passionate about educating her community about ways to prepare.

Bri Conn, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®, and Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®.

About Childfree Insights

Childfree Insights is the trusted education hub for people who are Childfree or permanently Childless. It provides guidance on finances, estate planning, relationships, and life decisions for adults without children. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®, supporting long-term planning for people living without kids.

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.