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 Overview
04:12 — Tax Strategies That Still Work (and What’s New)
09:45 — RMDs, IRMA Surcharges & Medicare Must-Knows
15:30 — Spending Analysis: Does Your Money Reflect Your Values?
22:18 — Estate Planning for the Childfree: Protecting Your Legacy

Mentioned 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/childfreeinsights
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsights
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights

Disclaimer: 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 career

Connect with Maggie Dickens:

- Cathartic Counseling | Unapologetically Childfree™️

- [email protected]

- 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 

- [email protected]

- 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/childfreeinsights
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsights
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Join us for a transparent and insightful Childfree Wealth® Checkup with Casey and Garrett, a couple who are preparing to trade in the corporate grind for time abroad. We dive deep into the unique financial fears and planning complexities of a childfree couple in their late 20s and early 30s with a solid net worth.

🔹0:15 What Casey and Garrett want to make sure they talk about in their financial checkup

🔹2:30 Why chasing a child-free financial plan means ditching your parents' and the "standard life script" advice

🔹8:45 Garrett's tax questions, specifically around Roth IRAs and future income clarity

🔹12:10 Casey's goal to live abroad in the next 10–15 years, seeking universal healthcare and residency status, and the emotional struggle between taking the leap and feeling secure 

🔹18:55 The reality of remote work and digital nomad visas: why their current jobs won't allow it, and the potential to keep their US residency while wandering the world

🔹24:00 The "social pressures" roadblock: trying to time their big move around family milestones and friends' weddings (the "wedding-baby shower era")

🔹31:30 Breaking down their current spending ($150k in 2024, inflated by a wedding) and the realization that their money isn't always aligning with their values—especially the $30k of "stuff"

🔹38:15 Challenging the FIRE community's "scrimping" mindset and the fear of "mindlessly saving" when they already have a $450,000 net worth

🔹45:00 The goal: having a remote job by 2027, spending $50,000 for the entire move, and being living their best life in another country by 2028

🔹51:45 Actionable steps now: maxing out their Roth 401(k)s before worrying about the complexity of Roth IRAs

Mentioned in this episode:

🔹Andy & Libbi planning series - watch the full series 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/childfreeinsights
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsights
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

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 finances

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Nomad Capitalist: https://nomadcapitalist.com
• Join the Childfree Trust Waitlist: https://childfreelegacy.com
• Schedule 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/childfreeinsights
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsights
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights

Disclaimer: 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 Corps

Connect 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/workwithme

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/childfreeinsights
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsights
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights

Disclaimer: 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/childfreeinsights
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsights
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights

Disclaimer: 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/childfreeinsights
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsights
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights

Disclaimer: 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, MD

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/childfreeinsights
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsights
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Ever feel like your passion is actually… burning you out? This week, we're diving deep into the often-unseen downsides of passion-driven work with licensed mental health therapist and entrepreneurial wellness specialist, Jennifer Gray. We explore how that fiery drive can unknowingly fuel overwork, blur your personal identity, and even make you blind to burnout.

Jennifer, who started her career in finance before realizing her true calling was in helping people build sustainable careers, shares her insights on why high-achievers often struggle with boundaries. We discuss how to recognize when your nervous system is dysregulated and practical steps to create "passion-free zones" that protect your well-being and fuel your creativity outside of work. If you've ever found yourself working at 3 AM because an idea popped into your head, this episode is for you!

Timestamps:

🔹00:43 - Jennifer's journey into therapy and working with entrepreneurs

🔹02:28 - Defining ambitious, high-achieving individuals

🔹04:28 - Why people seek therapy for burnout and unfulfillment

🔹06:34 - Recognizing the need for help and overcoming resistance

🔹13:48 - The hidden downsides of passion-driven work

🔹18:17 - Practical ways to set and enforce boundaries

🔹24:56 - Understanding nervous system dysregulation and its impact

🔹31:29 - The challenge of perfectionism and the "A student" mentality

🔹38:53 - The "worth it" test and navigating discomfort

🔹45:58 - Creating "passion-free zones" in a remote work world

Connect with Jennifer:

+ Jennifer Gray Counseling https://www.jennifergraycounseling.com/ 

+ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jennifergraycounseling 

+ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergraylpc/ 

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/childfreeinsights
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsights
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Ever dreamed of quitting your job but wondered, "How the heck do I actually do it?" This episode is for you! In the final episode of our “I’ll Make You Quit Your Job” series, we’re diving deep into the mechanics, finances, and structure needed to make that leap when you've decided it's time for a change. Bri and Dr. Jay discuss how much money you need to save before jumping ship, emphasizing the importance of an emergency fund and having a plan.

We explore different scenarios, from barely making ends meet to having a fully funded emergency fund, and discuss the often-overlooked aspects like potential pay delays when switching jobs. Plus, we get into the nitty-gritty of planning a "sabbatical" — Dr. Jay's ideal six-month plan for decompressing, soul-searching, and trying out new things before making your next big career move.

We also tackle the common fear of healthcare (spoiler: it doesn't have to trap you!) and even discuss how being laid off could surprisingly be a good thing. For couples, we cover the "gardener and the rose" approach to career changes, and for everyone, a crucial reminder to question everything—including where you live—to truly find happiness. Tune in to learn how to simplify your finances so your life can be amazing!

Timestamps:

🔹00:30 - How much money do you need to save before quitting your job?

🔹01:00 - The importance of an emergency fund and having something else lined up.

🔹03:00 - The ideal three to six-month plan for a career transition.

🔹03:30 - Jay's six-month sabbatical plan: decompress, discover, and try.

🔹07:45 - Using AI or a thinking partner for career exploration.

🔹11:40 - Navigating healthcare when changing jobs or taking a sabbatical.

🔹14:30 - The surprising benefits of a strategic layoff.

🔹19:00 - Questioning your location and lifestyle for greater happiness.

🔹24:50 - Timing your departure for bonuses or stock options.

🔹27:50 - Being prepared for your employer's reaction when you give notice.

Mentioned in this Episode:

🔹 I’ll Make You Quit Your Job Pt. 1 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/17514288 

🔹 I’ll Make You Quit Your Job Pt. 2 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/17466054 

🔹 The Gardener and the Rose https://childfreewealth.com/resources/gardener-rose/ 

🔹 The Gardener and the Rose with Heather & Scott https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/13190469 

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/childfreeinsights
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsights
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsights

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.