Childfree Life by Design

What if aging didn’t have to feel like a downgrade? In this episode, Jay and Bri explore what long-term care can look like when you’ve got the financial resources to design it your way . From high-end independent living communities to cruise ships and even Golden Girls-style co-living, this conversation is packed with creative (and practical!) ways to age with intention, dignity, and—yes—luxury. W...

Long-term care is one of the most complicated and overlooked parts of financial planning, especially when you're Childfree. Without kids to step in, who actually takes care of you when you can’t? In this episode, Dr. Jay sits down with Scott Barnes, CFP® and CLTC®, to explore what care really costs, what insurance does (and doesn’t) cover, and how to start building a plan you can trust. We&ap...

In this episode,  Dr. Jay sits down with Pete Krull, a pioneer in sustainable investing, to unpack what it really means to align your money with your values. They explore how ESG has become politicized, what the media gets wrong about ethical investing, and why ‘green hushing’ might be the most honest thing happening in finance right now. Whether you’re new to ESG or skeptical of it, this episode...

What does it really take to leave everything behind and start a new life abroad? In this episode, Dr. Jay reconnects with Andy and Libbi to talk about their move from Hawaii to the French countryside—and how financial independence made it possible. From navigating long-stay visas and currency conversions to learning a new pace of life, they share the unfiltered reality of becoming expats. They ope...

What if the life you're living was always enough, no kids required, no apologies necessary? In this episode, Bri sits down with Emily Paulsen, the founder of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, to explore what it means to build a joyful, curious, and unapologetically Childfree life. From starting her podcast and navigating judgment to building community and reclaiming curiosity, Emily shares w...

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 neces...

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 wo...

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 counselin...

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...

Elder abuse is more common than you think. And if you’re Childfree or aging solo, you might be more vulnerable to it unless you have a plan in place. In this episode, Dr. Jay and Bri talk through the financial and emotional realities of elder abuse, how it shows up in real life, and what it means to protect yourself or your loved ones as you age. From hidden family manipulation to legal safeguards...

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 nee...

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 fo...

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, the...

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...

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 pa...

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 child...

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,...

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 adj...

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 pe...

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...

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...

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...

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 exercis...

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 com...

Ever wonder what a live Childfree Wealth Checkup is like? Join Dr. Jay as he collaborates with Ann, a trailblazing client with a $1.1M net worth, who dreams of retiring early to embrace van life, steward trails, and explore national parks. Together, they uncover the path to retiring at 45 while balancing caregiving responsibilities and planning a career shift. This session dives deep into actionab...