Childfree Life by Design

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-retirements1:42 Challenging the old life script: Why the 25-year grind to retirement might be outdated2:07 The evolving economy and why frequent career breaks are becoming the new norm3:00 What exactly is a mini-retirement? Defining the key elements5:49 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 treadmill11:25 Keeping your job and taking a break: Negotiating a mini-retirement with your current employer17:00 Tackling societal pressures and internal narratives around work and rest25:07 Budgeting for your break: You don't need millions to take a mini-retirementConnect with JillianWebsiteRetire Often BookBook Purchasing LinkFree Opt-In Worksheets:PlanningNegotiatingWorkbookGroup CoachingSocial Media:InstagramTwitterLinkedInYoutubeConnect 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.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: 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 retireesMentioned in this episode:🔹 Andy & Libbi Financial Planning Sessions1️⃣ 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/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.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: 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 Overview04:12 — Tax Strategies That Still Work (and What’s New)09:45 — RMDs, IRMA Surcharges & Medicare Must-Knows15:30 — Spending Analysis: Does Your Money Reflect Your Values?22:18 — Estate Planning for the Childfree: Protecting Your LegacyMentioned 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/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.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: 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 careerConnect 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.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.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Casey and Garrett are trading the corporate grind for a dream life abroad. They explore the challenges of a childfree financial plan, overcoming societal pressures of family milestones. With a $450k net worth at 28, they debate the balance of secure investments versus enjoying life now. Tapping into digital nomad visas, they seek to live in countries with universal healthcare while managing the costs of relocation. The conversation highlights the importance of aligning their finances with their values and prioritizing quality of life over traditional scripts.

Is 2025 the year you’re finally considering a move outside the US? Dr. Jay and Bri dive into the increasingly popular topic of becoming an expat, an idea more and more people are considering. They get into the weeds of what it really takes to make moving abroad work, from the financial realities of moving pets (it's not cheap!) to the complex world of tax treaties and international law.Whether you're looking for a permanent move or just a temporary change of scenery, this episode will help you think through the financial and personal considerations you need to live a life on your own terms.Timestamps:🔹1:20 - Why every country has its "own weirdness" and the importance of having an exit plan🔹2:50 - The financial realities of an expat life, including the cost of moving pets🔹5:30 - The first step: looking into citizenship by heritage🔹9:20 - Exploring digital nomad and retirement visas as an alternative to citizenship🔹11:45 - The importance of getting professional help early from a CFP, lawyer, and CPA🔹16:30 - How tax treaties can affect your Roth contributions and other investments🔹18:20 - Planning for healthcare and long-term care abroad🔹20:55 - The "expat not expat" plan: maintaining US residency while living abroad🔹23:25 - Addressing the emotional and social challenges of leaving friends, family, and community🔹25:30 - A final word on fear and finding a plan that balances your life and financesMentioned in this Episode:Nomad Capitalist: https://nomadcapitalist.comJoin the Childfree Trust Waitlist: https://childfreelegacy.comSchedule your Childfree Wealth Checkup: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/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.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Ever feel like you don't have enough to make a real difference? Or maybe you're just overwhelmed by all the options for giving? You're not alone. This week, we're joined by Allison Patterson of Patterson Philanthropic Advisors, who acts as a "giving coach" to help everyday people create a strategy for their generosity.Listen in to learn how to make an impact that's meaningful to you, no matter what you have to give.🔹 00:58 - The biggest challenges people face with giving🔹 01:56 - Overcoming the "scarcity mindset"🔹 03:01 - How to make a difference that's unique to you🔹 04:19 - Measuring your impact with your own "measuring stick"🔹 05:46 - Giving with a warm hand vs. a cold hand🔹 08:50 - How to identify which charities you can trust🔹 10:49 - The difference between project, capital, and trust-based giving🔹 13:03 - The debate between giving to nonprofits and B CorpsConnect with Alison:+ Website: https://www.patterson-advisors.com/+ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsgogiveyall/ + LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-b-patterson-mpa-ipa-95aa84b/Alison offers custom Generosity Strategy Sessions to help you create a giving plan that aligns with your values, resources, and long-term goals.Your generosity should feel authentic, empowering, and impactful. Let's guild a plan that makes a difference-on your terms.https://www.patterson-advisors.com/workwithmeConnect 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.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

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 terrifying experience—scarier than his time as a paramedic—was a crucial step to propel the company's mission and start a vital conversation about the Childfree economy with a broader audience.Timestamps:🔹1:12 The mission: spreading the word about the childfree community.🔹2:06 Understanding the TEDx platform and how I got involved.🔹2:59 The demographic "pitch" that started it all.🔹4:09 Navigating a politically charged topic in the Deep South.🔹4:48 The insane amount of preparation and work involved.🔹7:18 Why a verbatim script was a huge challenge for me.🔹8:52 The core message of my talk: immigration and sustainable growth.🔹11:34 The unexpected moment that rattled my nerves and safety.🔹19:40 The moment I stepped on the red dot and the nerves kicked in.🔹24:00 The on-stage mistake and what happened next.🔹25:49 What's next and why this was the right choice.🔹26:33 The bonus of having a TEDx Talk and the call to action.🔹28:57 Navigating online "haters" and why this is so important.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.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

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 disability and legal support. Get ready to learn how to ask your HR team for new benefits (yes, you can do that!) 2, why understanding your options is crucial, and the surprising ways some companies are making benefits more inclusive (think doggy daycare!). Plus, we dive deep into the power of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and why they might be your secret weapon for retirement savings. Tune in and empower yourself to make the most of your workplace benefits!Timestamps:- 00:52: Christy's journey from HR to employee benefits broker.- 02:24: Common misconceptions about workplace benefits and how to approach your HR team.- 06:41: Navigating multiple health plan choices and software to assist in decisions.- 09:50: The evolution of vision and dental insurance.- 13:17: Inclusive benefits like "doggy daycare" and pet insurance.- 15:56: The importance of understanding company culture for tailored benefits.- 18:48: Deep dive into short-term and long-term disability, including state-paid leave benefits.- 23:14: Understanding legal benefits and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).- 27:50: The one employee benefit Christy wishes everyone would maximize (hint: it's about retirement!).- 33:28: Key advice for open enrollment season.Connect with Christy:- LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-smith-cebs-49283810 - The Horton Group, a Marsh & McLennan Agency https://www.thehortongroup.com/ 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.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

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 hear about her "practice retirement" weekends and the joy she finds in simple, nurtured moments. We also explore the emotional aspects of transitioning from a fulfilling career, the surprising financial realities of her robust savings, and why paying off the house isn't always the only answer. Get ready to challenge your own notions of retirement and discover how to design a life that truly brings you joy!In this episode, we cover:Jennifer's vision for retirement and why she wants to retire as soon as feasible.The emotional journey of preparing for retirement and practicing leisure time.Jennifer's current travel budget and future travel aspirations. The dilemma of paying off a mortgage before retirement.Insights into Jennifer's financial situation and "the $14 million problem."Exploring phased retirement and reducing work hours. Strategies for accessing retirement funds before age 59 1/2, including 72T elections.The psychological shift from saving to spending in retirement.Considering long-term care and end-of-life planning.Optimizing investments and understanding Roth conversions.Mentioned in this Episode:- The Purpose Code by Jordan Grumet, MDConnect 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.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.