Childfree Life by Design

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 freedom and travel they both value. They also face a common Childfree tension: how to live fully now while navigating guilt, caregiving expectations, and financial boundaries.If you’ve ever wondered how to spend your money without legacy pressure or how to set limits with aging parents, this one’s for you.We’ll cover:[1:15] Discovering Childfree Wealth and rethinking what retirement means[2:40] Why their joint approach to money just works[7:35] Retiring "early enough" and choosing purpose over a bigger pension[13:00] Supporting parents without sacrificing your own goals[21:11] How travel became their biggest shared value[31:36] Navigating solo vs. shared travel, and planning for quality over quantity[41:00] Drawing the line: compassion fatigue, boundaries, and family expectationsMentioned in this episode:Morningstar podcast episode featuring Dr. JayDie with Zero by Bill PerkinsThe 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.

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 debt to fruit dresses and prenups, this episode tackles the nuances of doing life and money together, your way.We'll cover:(00:00) Navigating Finances as a Couple(02:49) Understanding Marriage and Finances(06:05) The Importance of Financial Planning Together(09:09) Exploring Different Financial Structures(11:57) Weekly Financial Check-ins(14:45) Managing Separate Finances(17:54) Creating Joint Goals and Agreements(20:54) Finding Fairness in Contributions(24:06) The Role of Documentation in Financial Planning(27:13) Final Thoughts on Financial StructuresMentioned in this Episode:Join the Childfree Trust Waitlist: https://childfreelegacy.comSchedule your Childfree Wealth Checkup: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/Want more insights like this? Sign up for our newsletter HERE and get advice tailored to your life.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.

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 handy every day), and how Scott’s decades of experience in the financial world led him here, to a team that puts life before spreadsheets.Together, they share what it means to serve the Childfree community with empathy, curiosity, and a bit of nerdy joy. From redefining what legacy looks like to finding the right time to switch financial planners, this episode is equal parts heartfelt and practical.If you’ve ever wondered who’s in your corner, you’ll want to tune in.We’ll cover:[0:00] Introducing Fiona and Scott, and their unique journeys to Childfree Wealth®[2:40] How financial planning changes when you're Childfree[5:40] Signs it’s time to change your financial planner[08:30] Rapid fire questions with the CW team[12:20] The surprising overlap between therapy, coaching, and financial planning[20:55] What are Scott and Fiona’s hobbies?[27:30] What are your most impactful client stories?[32:40] Who are the best clients for you to work with?[38:30] How to schedule your checkup and choose the right planner for youMentioned in this episode:Portraits of Childfree Wealth - Dr. Jay's 1st book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60883044-portraits-of-childfree-wealthAndy and Libbi Planning Session 1 Podcast Episode: https://youtu.be/-_Y5wDwWQH8Schedule your Childfree Wealth Checkup: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/Learn more about our team: https://childfreewealth.com/about/#ChildfreeWealth #ChildfreeFinancialPlanning #MeetTheTeam #PersonalFinance #FinancialPlanningThatFitsConnect 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.

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 caregiving becomes your responsibility [06:26] How to start the conversation before a crisis hits [09:54] Setting boundaries based on your capacity, not just expectation [17:06] What dementia caregiving looks like in real life [20:04] How burnout sneaks up and what you can do about it [23:10] What needs to change in our system to actually support caregiversMentioned in this episode:The AARP Caregiver Answer Book: https://www.guilford.com/books/The-AARP-Caregiver-Answer-Book/Jacobs-Mayer/9781462549498 Schedule your Childfree Wealth Checkup: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/Want more insights like this? Sign up for our newsletter HERE and get advice tailored to your life.About Drs. Julia Mayer and Barry Jacobs:Barry J. Jacobs, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist, family therapist, and a Principal at Health Management Associates, a national health care consulting firm. A former magazine journalist, he authored The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers (Guilford, 2006) and coauthored with his wife, Julia L. Mayer, PsyD, AARP Meditations for Caregivers (Hachette, 2016), AARP Love and Meaning After 50 (Hachette, 2020), and The AARP Caregiver Answer Book (Guilford, 2025).Julia L. Mayer, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Media, Pennsylvania. For over three decades, she has specialized in helping women in caregiving roles, troubled marriages, and those with past sexual trauma. She is the author of A Fleeting State of Mind (2014) and coauthor of AARP Meditations for Caregivers and AARP Love and Meaning After 50. A past president of PSCP—The Psychology Network, she is the cohost on Shrinks on Third podcast. 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.

Elder abuse is a troubling reality, especially for those choosing a child-free lifestyle. The conversation explores the financial and emotional implications of exploitation, highlighting the need for protective measures. Listeners learn how community connections and proactive planning can safeguard against these threats. Real-life stories reveal the harsh realities of scams targeted at seniors and the importance of prioritizing well-being over inheritance. Strategies are discussed to ensure a secure future and advocate for oneself as one ages.

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 life on your terms.Marni shares her personal story of navigating her mother's care after a sudden accident and how that experience shaped her approach to planning, grief, and legacy. Whether you have a complicated family dynamic or no next of kin at all, this conversation will help you build a thoughtful plan that aligns with your values.We'll cover:Building an end-of-life plan when you're solo or Childfree (15:17)What paperwork matters (and how to actually complete it) - (10:59)Talking to aging parents about death, care, and future decisions (04:08)Creating a support system when there’s no next of kin (17:26)Understanding long-term care costs and why Medicare often falls short (23:27)Mentioned in this Episode:Begin with the End: https://beginwiththeend.coReach out to Marni: marni@beginwiththeend.coPlan Well Organizer Workbook: https://beginwiththeend.kit.com/products/plan-well-workbookJoin the Childfree Trust Waitlist: https://childfreelegacy.comSchedule your Childfree Wealth Checkup: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/Signup for the Childfree Wealth Newsletter: https://bit.ly/cwnewsletter2Want more insights like this? Sign up for our newsletter HERE and get advice tailored to your life.#ChildfreeWealth #SoloAging #EndOfLifePlanning #LegacyPlanning #EstatePlanning #ChildfreeLife #DigitalAfterlife #PlanWithPurposeAbout Marni Blank:Marni Blank is the founder of Begin With The End. Her services are curated to empower individuals and families to prepare for logistical and emotional aspects of death, dying, and grief.  This can include accountability in completing end-of-life decisions and documents, facilitating family conversations, getting your important documents and digital life organized, and legacy projects. For families in grief, she offers after loss support to help overwhelmed executors and families work through the paperwork and logistics to close the estate.Marni is a trained end-of-life doula, mediator, after loss consultant, recovering lawyer and female founded small business owner (a lifelong learner at heart). Marni liveConnect 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.

Planning for aging parents is hard. It’s even harder when there’s no financial safety net.In this episode, Dr. Jay and Bri walk through the real-life challenges of supporting parents who may not have the means—or the plan—for their long-term care. From boundaries and Medicaid to power of attorney, family dynamics, and even “granny pods,” they share strategies that help childfree adults show up for their family without losing themselves in the process.We'll cover:- How to approach difficult conversations with empathy (and honesty)- What documents matter—and how to access or create them- The difference between helping and overextending yourself- What long-term care might really cost you- Smart ways to support without going brokeMentioned in this Episode: - NokBox: https://www.thenokbox.com- Schedule your Childfree Wealth Checkup: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/ - Freewill.com: https://www.freewill.com- Interested in a Parent Checkup? Email us at media@childfreewealth.com for more info!- Sign-up for our Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/cwnewsletter2#ChildfreeWealth #FamilyFinance #LongTermCare #EstatePlanning #MedicaidPlanning #Boundaries #NoKidsNoProblem #FinancialIndependenceConnect 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.

Having parents with money doesn’t mean planning is easier—just different.In this episode, Dr. Jay and Bri explore what it really means to be the childfree adult expected to step in when your wealthy parents age, pass, or hand over the keys to the family empire. From complex trust structures to inherited businesses, sibling conflict, and the emotional toll of taking over someone else’s legacy, they cover it all.We'll cover:- What documents and conversations you must have with wealthy parents- Why financial planning should include both parties—parents AND you- When to bring in professionals (hint: now)- How to avoid family feuds before they startWhether you’re dealing with land, crypto, or cold wallet passwords, this episode will help you plan smarter and sleep easier.Mentioned in this Episode: - Schedule your Childfree Wealth® Checkup https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/ - Interested in a Parent Checkup? Email us at media@childfreewealth.com for more info!- Sign-up for our Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/cwnewsletter2#ChildfreeWealthPodcast #ChildfreeWealth #EstatePlanning #Inheritance #WealthPlanning #ChildfreeLife #FinancialPlanningConnect 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.

Andy and Libbi are back with big updates, bigger decisions, and a whole new plan. After six months of financial planning, a few international job offers that didn’t pan out, and many late nights researching visa rules, they’ve chosen to lean fully into early retirement and build a new life in France.In this episode, Dr. Jay reconnects with them to unpack the emotional and financial pivots they’ve made along the way. From rethinking whether to keep their Dominican Republic property to navigating the ins and outs of French visas and healthcare, Andy and Libbi are embracing the freedom to design a flexible, travel-forward life that aligns with their Childfree values.They’re not aiming for extravagance. Just a life where their money supports their priorities, not the other way around.Action Items:Exploring your visa options and understanding the tax impact of an international moveEvaluating whether holding onto international property supports your lifestyle visionSimplifying your finances to reduce stress and increase freedomTracking your monthly spending to adjust your budget as you goCreating a sustainable travel budget that lets you enjoy life without overspendingMentioned in this episode:Childfree Wealth® Core Offering: https://childfreewealth.com/core-offering/ This one is for anyone dreaming about a different kind of life and wondering what it really takes to make it happen. Tune in and see where the journey leads next. 💡 Want more insights like this? Sign up for our newsletter HERE and get advice tailored to your life.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.

Being Childfree comes with its own set of financial rules—so does that mean life insurance is off the table? In this episode, we dive into whether Childfree individuals actually need life insurance, uncovering scenarios where it might make sense (hint: it usually doesn’t!).We explore why term life insurance could be valuable if others truly rely on your income—like a disabled spouse, dependent parents, or business partners—and caution against costly traps like whole life or universal policies often pushed by commission-based agents. You'll learn why mixing investment with insurance rarely pays off, and why working with a fee-only financial planner is crucial.We'll also help you evaluate existing policies, figure out if you're over-insured, and determine when employer-provided life insurance makes sense.Action Items:✅ Review existing life insurance policies to assess their necessity.✅ Consult a fee-only financial planner for personalized guidance.✅ Check the specifics of your employer-provided coverage.✅ Calculate your actual financial obligations before considering any new policy.Tune in to confidently navigate life insurance decisions without kids—no unnecessary coverage, just smart protection!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.