Childfree Life by Design

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.

Finding your people as a childfree adult isn’t always easy—and the bigger the city, the harder it can be. In this episode, Jay sits down with Florence Wlodarski, founder of Parallel, a social club designed specifically for people living without children. They dive into what it really means to create meaningful community when your lifestyle doesn’t revolve around parenting.You’ll hear:- Why childfree friendships take extra effort—but are worth it- The power of in-person gatherings over online connections- What “childfree” really means (hint: it’s more than a label)Whether you're craving deeper friendships, dreaming up your own events, or simply tired of surface-level small talk, this episode offers a refreshing, honest take on adult connection—without the kid convo.Mentioned in this episode: - Schedule your Childfree Wealth® Checkup here- Check out Florence's Parallel Social Club here- Video Childfree Guide to Life and Money Event with Parallel Social Club in LA - The Childfree Guide to Life and Money Book- Signup for our newsletter here- To set up your own book event with Dr. Jay, reach out to us at socials@childfreewealth.com Connect with Florence here: Instagram: @parallelsocialclub.comFacebook:  Facebook.com/parallelsocialclubLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/florencewlodarskiAbout our Guest: Florence Wlodarski is the co-founder of PARALLEL, a first-of-its-kind social club, designed exclusively for those that are living life without kids. Florence and her husband James are DINKs and embracing the freedom and flexibility that a childfree life brings. They began hosting social events in 2024 in Los Angeles to bring people together in person, to facilitate meaningful connections, build a solid sense of community, and raise visibility for the importance of social health and wellness. PARALLEL is an IRL membership community, active in Los Angeles, with hopes to expand to other cities and offer virtual membership experiences in the future, to ensure everyone living life without kids can find community and positive social connections, wherever they are.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.

Are you stuck in the loop of consuming financial content without actually making meaningful changes? You're not alone! In this episode, we dive deep into why turning knowledge into action is critical for your financial and personal growth—especially when you're Childfree.You'll learn why monthly financial check-ins focused on one or two concrete actions can transform your progress, how tools like the Childfree Wealth checkup reveal what you might be overlooking, and why recognizing your financial blind spots (from unconscious incompetence to conscious action) is essential. Plus, we’ll tackle the importance of regularly assessing your finances, openly communicating with your partner, and checking in honestly about your job satisfaction.Action Items:✅ Regularly evaluate your progress towards financial goals—and seek guidance if you're feeling stuck.✅ Have a candid conversation with your partner about your finances.✅ Reflect on your job satisfaction and identify any necessary changes to align your work with your life goals.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.

Episode 3 of the Financial Planning Series:  In this episode, we continue our deep dive into Andy and Libbi’s financial planning journey as they face a life-changing decision: a potential job opportunity in Germany.  Dr. Jay guides them through the financial and lifestyle implications of an international move, exploring key topics like tax considerations, navigating remote work challenges, and adjusting their retirement planning strategy. With a $1.34M net worth, Andy and Libbi discuss staying flexible, managing market stress, and keeping their long-term goals on track—all while considering the adventure and complexities of life abroad. This behind-the-scenes look at real financial planning offers valuable insights for anyone navigating big life changes.Mentioned in this episode:-Childfree Wealth® Core Offering: https://childfreewealth.com/core-offering/ 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.

Aging solo doesn’t have to mean going it alone! In this insightful episode, Dr. Jay sits down with Dr. Sara Zeff Geber, author of Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities for individuals without adult children.From the financial realities of solo aging (think $400,000 to $1 million over a lifetime), to the importance of choosing a trusted person for medical decisions - this episode is packed with practical advice. Dr. Geber shares creative solutions like PACE programs, community living options, and even "Golden Girls"–style arrangements to help you plan for a secure and fulfilling future.We’ll also explore the risks of elder abuse, the power of early estate planning, and how staying socially connected can make all the difference. Whether you’re in your 40s, 60s, or beyond, it’s never too early (or too late!) to start thinking about your solo aging journey.Action Items:✅ Begin estate planning early and review documents regularly.✅ Explore community living options or PACE programs.✅ Have open conversations about your aging plan.Tune in for a conversation that’s both eye-opening and empowering!Mentioned in the Episode:-Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers Book: https://sarazeffgeber.com/books/ -NewYork Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/21/business/retirement-single-alone-plan.html -PACE Program: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/medicaid-coordination/about/pace -Community Care at Home Program: https://www.wesleylife.org/blog/what-is-continuing-care-at-home Connect with Dr. Geber on LinkedIn here or through her website here.About our Guest: Dr. Sara Zeff Geber, PhD, is an author and keynote speaker.  Over the past 10 years, Sara has developed a niche specialty talking about the challenges of “Solo Agers,” people who have no children or who are aging alone with no support from nearby family.  She believes Solo Agers have unique needs in later life that warrant greater foresight and a more robust approach to planning.Dr. Geber is the author of Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers: A Retirement and Aging Roadmap for Single and Childless Adults (Mango Press, 2018) which was selected that year as a “best book on aging well” by the Wall Street Journal.A sought-after speaker at conferences on retirement and aging, Sara is active in the Retirement Coaches Association, the American Society on Aging, the Sonoma County Section on Aging, and the Life Planning Network.Though married, Sara consConnect 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.

When it comes to financial planning, are you guilty of putting the cart before the horse? In this episode, we dive into why building an emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses is your crucial first step—especially if you're a high-income earner tempted to skip the basics for bigger, flashier investments.We'll break down practical strategies, including why paying off debt first reduces the size of your emergency fund, the critical role disability insurance plays for childfree individuals, and how separate sinking funds for life's regular expenses (like home and car maintenance) can save you from financial stress.Tune in to discover why keeping around $1,000 cash handy might be your secret financial superpower—and learn the structured financial order you need: emergency fund → debt payoff → insurance → investing. It's never too late to build a solid financial foundation!Action Items:Start by building a one-month emergency fund immediately.Regularly review your insurance coverage to stay properly protected.Establish sinking funds for predictable but irregular expenses.Mentioned in this episode:Schedule your Childfree Wealth® Checkup here: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/ Listen now and put your financial horse back in front of your cart!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.

Retirement isn’t just a finish line—it’s a whole new chapter to design! Join Bri and Dr. Jay as they dive into the essentials of retirement planning, mixing practical advice with a fresh, fun approach. From the 4% withdrawal rule to navigating healthcare and long-term care, they cover everything you need to feel confident about your future.But it’s not all about the numbers—this episode explores what you’re retiring TO, not just FROM. Whether you’re dreaming of FIRE (Financial Independence, Recreational Employment) or simply looking to enjoy a meaningful post-work life, Bri and Dr. Jay help you set realistic financial targets and map out a purposeful plan.Get ready to laugh, learn, and rethink what retirement means for you. Your dream life starts now!Mentioned in this episode:- Schedule your Childfree Wealth® Checkup here: 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.

In this second episode of our Financial Planning Series, Dr. Jay takes you behind the scenes of his work, guiding Andy and Libby on their journey to early retirement. Together, they explore life in the Dominican Republic, refine their investment strategy, and tackle real-world challenges like maximizing 401(k) contributions, boosting international portfolio exposure, and managing healthcare costs abroad.Dr. Jay shares practical insights on balancing lifestyle aspirations with smart tax strategies and long-term goals. It’s a candid look at the financial planning process and how tailored advice can turn dreams into achievable plans.Ready to work with us like Andy and Libbi? Sign-up here: https://childfreewealth.com/core-offering/Just need an overview of what you currently have? Schedule your Childfree Wealth Checkup here: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/#ChildfreeWealth #FinancialPlanning #EarlyRetirement #InvestmentStrategy #DieWithZero #LifestyleGoals #TaxPlanning #HealthcareAbroad #RetireAbroad #DominicanRepublicDreams #FinancialIndependence #ChildfreeWealthPodcastConnect 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 much of your financial behavior is shaped by your past? 🤔 In this episode, financial planner and trauma money specialist Shannah Game joins us to explore the deep connection between emotions, psychology, and financial decision-making.We discuss how childhood experiences, societal norms, and personal beliefs shape our money habits—often without us realizing it. Shannah shares powerful exercises, like the financial forgiveness practice and financial timeline visualization, to help you rewrite your money story.Plus, we dive into unique financial challenges for childfree individuals, how to build a money hero story that aligns with your values, and why thoughts drive financial actions more than we think. Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that blends practical strategies with deep financial self-reflection!📘 Unraveling Your Relationship with Money – Shannah Game’s book: www.everyonestalkinmoney.com/bookConnect with Shannah on Instagram: @shannahgameAbout our Guest: Shannah Game is a renowned financial expert, Certified Financial Planner™, and Certified Trauma of Money Specialist who’s passionate about helping people heal their relationship with money and build unapologetic wealth. As the host of the Everyone’s Talkin’ Money podcast, with over 26 million downloads, and author of Unraveling Your Relationship with Money: Ditch Your Money Trauma So You Can Live an Abundant Life, Shannah combines her expertise with real talk to help you ditch money shame, rewrite your money story, and finally feel in control of your finances. When she’s not talking about money, you can find her hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains or baking the best cupcakes in Asheville.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.

Have you ever wondered why you think about money the way you do? In this episode, Bri and Dr. Jay dive into the powerful (and often hidden) ways our upbringing shapes our financial mindsets.Bri opens up about growing up with a religious lens on money, while Dr. Jay reflects on a family focus on personal excellence. Together, they explore privilege, financial guilt, and the responsibility that comes with financial advantages.But here’s the kicker: Negative money mindsets can hold us back—so how do we confront and change them? Bri and Dr. Jay share actionable steps, including exploring tools like financial therapy, to help you reflect, grow, and build a healthier relationship with money.Ready to rewrite your financial story? Let’s get started. 🎧Your first step for your finances? Schedule your Childfree Wealth® Checkup here: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/ Mentioned in this episode:- 50 Fires Podcast: https://www.50fires.com/ - The Childfree Guide to Life and Money Book:  https://childfreewealth.com/childfree-guide/ - Childfree Wealth® Podcast: Open Enrollment Episode: https://youtu.be/9rp79eZrrZs - Childfree Wealth® Podcast: Midlife Crisis Episode: https://youtu.be/WC4PaDHGzmIConnect 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.