Episodes

  • Values, Not Just Profits: Rethinking ESG with Pete Krull, Ep. 146
    Jul 9 2025

    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 offers a grounded, practical look at how your portfolio can reflect the future you want to see—without losing sight of performance.

    Chapters

    00:00 Investing with Values: An Introduction
    01:11 The Political Landscape of Sustainable Investing
    03:05 Understanding ESG: Definitions and Misconceptions
    06:50 The Shift to Sustainable, Resilient, and Innovative Investing
    10:20 Balancing Growth and Sustainability
    12:43 The Complexity of Ethical Investing
    15:50 Navigating Investment Choices and Trade-offs
    19:53 The Long-term Perspective on Sustainable Investing
    22:58 The Process of Building a Sustainable Portfolio
    27:29 Green Hushing: The Quiet Shift in ESG Practices
    29:39 Conclusion and Resources for Sustainable Investing

    Mentioned in this Episode:
    - Pete Krull from Earth Equity Advisors: wwww.earthequityadvisors.com
    - Sustainable Investing by Pete Krull: https://www.sustainableinvestorbook.com
    - Earth Equity Advisors Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EarthEquityAdvisors
    - Connect with Pete on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkrull/
    - Pete's Podcast, My Dollars & Change: https://www.earthequityadvisors.com/dollars-change/

    The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, is a financial and lifestyle podcast that explores the unique perspectives and concerns of childfree individuals and couples.

    Like the show? Leave us a rating & review!

    If you want to join the conversation, email us at media@childfreewealth.com, follow Childfree Wealth® on social media, or visit our website www.childfreewealth.com!

    Join our newsletter HERE.
    Schedule a meeting with a Childfree Wealth Specialist® HERE.

    Instagram: @childfreewealth

    Facebook: @childfreewealth

    LinkedIn: @childfree-wealth

    YouTube: @ChildfreeWealthPodcast

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

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    29 mins
  • Living Abroad: Andy & Libbi’s Journey to a Simpler, Happier Life in Europe, Ep. 145
    Jul 2 2025

    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 open up about the emotional side of change, the cultural differences they didn’t expect, and how working remotely has given them a new kind of freedom. Whether you’ve dreamed of retiring abroad, taking a sabbatical, or simply want a lifestyle shift, this episode is packed with honest insight.

    And yes—it’s all about the food!

    We'll cover:
    - 00:00 Embracing a New Lifestyle in France
    - 05:43 Navigating Financial Independence Abroad
    - 12:50 Cultural Insights and Adjustments
    - 17:38 The Challenges of Expat Life
    - 23:44 Finding Purpose and Fulfillment
    - 29:00 Advice for Aspiring Expats

    Mentioned in this Episode:
    - Andy / Libbi Episode 1: https://youtu.be/-_Y5wDwWQH8
    - Andy / Libbi Episode 2: https://youtu.be/lj74jGYhFHM
    - Childfree Wealth® Checkup: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/
    - Work with our team 1:1 like Andy and Libbi: https://childfreewealth.com/core-offering/

    Connect with Andy and Libbi on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theroamingroeds

    The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, is a financial and lifestyle podcast that explores the unique perspectives and concerns of childfree individuals and couples.

    Like the show? Leave us a rating & review!

    If you want to join the conversation, email us at media@childfreewealth.com, follow Childfree Wealth® on social media, or visit our website www.childfreewealth.com!

    Join our newsletter HERE.
    Schedule a meeting with a Childfree Wealth Specialist® HERE.

    Instagram: @childfreewealth

    Facebook: @childfreewealth

    LinkedIn: @childfree-wealth

    YouTube: @ChildfreeWealthPodcast

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

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    32 mins
  • Celebrating the Curious Life: Childfree Living, Community, and Conversations That Matter with Emily Paulsen, Ep 144
    Jun 25 2025

    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 what it means to follow your gut, embrace a nontraditional path, and still want to learn about everything from climate change to cortisol.

    We'll cover:

    • Why Emily launched her podcast and what sparked the shift (00:01)
    • Building a Childfree life rooted in curiosity, not defensiveness (03:23)
    • Normalizing Childfree choices in everyday conversations (13:54)
    • Balancing boundaries, identity, and disclosure when it’s not always safe (18:14)
    • Why social connection matters now more than ever and how we build it (33:08)
    • How Emily chooses podcast topics and plans future community events (24:50)


    #ChildfreeWealth #CuriousLife #ChildfreeLiving #CommunityBuilding #FinancialFreedom #GlobalPlanning #NoKidsNoProblem

    Mentioned in this Episode:

    • Emily’s Podcast - Curious Life of a Childfree Woman: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/curious-life-of-a-childfree-woman/id1777850561
    • Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman
    • Website: https://curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com
    • Join the Curious Life Club Email List: Link on Website
    • Childfree Trust (Waitlist): https://childfreelegacy.com
    • Schedule your Childfree Wealth Checkup: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/
    • Signup for the Childfree Wealth Newsletter: https://bit.ly/cwnewsletter2


    About Emily:
    Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice life. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.

    The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, is a financial and lifestyle podcast that explores the unique perspectives and concerns of childfree individuals and couples.

    Like the show? Leave us a rating & review!

    If you want to join the conversation, email us at media@childfreewealth.com, follow Childfree Wealth® on social media, or visit our website www.childfreewealth.com!

    Join our newsletter HERE.
    Schedule a meeting with a Childfree Wealth Specialist® HERE.

    Instagram: @childfreewealth

    Facebook: @childfreewealth

    LinkedIn: @childfree-wealth

    YouTube: @ChildfreeWealthPodcast

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

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    42 mins
  • Childfree, Retired (Almost), and Figuring It Out: Travel, Money, and Boundaries with Robert and Pamela, Ep. 143
    Jun 18 2025

    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 expectations

    Mentioned in this episode:

    • Morningstar podcast episode featuring Dr. Jay
    • Die with Zero by Bill Perkins
    • The Childfree Wealth Checkup: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/


    The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, is a financial and lifestyle podcast that explores the unique perspectives and concerns of childfree individuals and couples.

    Like the show? Leave us a rating & review!

    If you want to join the conversation, email us at media@childfreewealth.com, follow Childfree Wealth® on social media, or visit our website www.childfreewealth.com!

    Join our newsletter HERE.
    Schedule a meeting with a Childfree Wealth Specialist® HERE.

    Instagram: @childfreewealth

    Facebook: @childfreewealth

    LinkedIn: @childfree-wealth

    YouTube: @ChildfreeWealthPodcast

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

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    57 mins
  • Managing Money as a Couple: Yours, Mine, Ours, or Something Else Entirely? Ep 142
    Jun 11 2025

    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 Structures


    Mentioned in this Episode:

    • Join the Childfree Trust Waitlist: https://childfreelegacy.com
    • 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.

    The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, is a financial and lifestyle podcast that explores the unique perspectives and concerns of childfree individuals and couples.

    Like the show? Leave us a rating & review!

    If you want to join the conversation, email us at media@childfreewealth.com, follow Childfree Wealth® on social media, or visit our website www.childfreewealth.com!

    Join our newsletter HERE.
    Schedule a meeting with a Childfree Wealth Specialist® HERE.

    Instagram: @childfreewealth

    Facebook: @childfreewealth

    LinkedIn: @childfree-wealth

    YouTube: @ChildfreeWealthPodcast

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

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    30 mins
  • Meet the People Powering Childfree Wealth®, Ep. 141
    Jun 4 2025

    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 you

    Mentioned in this episode:

    • Schedule your Childfree Wealth Checkup: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/
    • Learn more about our team: https://childfreewealth.com/about/


    #ChildfreeWealth #ChildfreeFinancialPlanning #MeetTheTeam #PersonalFinance #FinancialPlanningThatFits

    The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, is a financial and lifestyle podcast that explores the unique perspectives and concerns of childfree individuals and couples.

    Like the show? Leave us a rating & review!

    If you want to join the conversation, email us at media@childfreewealth.com, follow Childfree Wealth® on social media, or visit our website www.childfreewealth.com!

    Join our newsletter HERE.
    Schedule a meeting with a Childfree Wealth Specialist® HERE.

    Instagram: @childfreewealth

    Facebook: @childfreewealth

    LinkedIn: @childfree-wealth

    YouTube: @ChildfreeWealthPodcast

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

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    42 mins
  • Caregiving Basics: Talking Boundaries and Family with Drs. Julia Mayer and Barry Jacobs, Ep. 140
    May 28 2025

    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 caregivers

    Mentioned 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.

    The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, is a financial and lifestyle podcast that explores the unique perspectives and concerns of childfree individuals and couples.

    Like the show? Leave us a rating & review!

    If you want to join the conversation, email us at media@childfreewealth.com, follow Childfree Wealth® on social media, or visit our website www.childfreewealth.com!

    Join our newsletter HERE.
    Schedule a meeting with a Childfree Wealth Specialist® HERE.

    Instagram: @childfreewealth

    Facebook: @childfreewealth

    LinkedIn: @childfree-wealth

    YouTube: @ChildfreeWealthPodcast

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

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    29 mins
  • Who's Looking Out for You? Elder Abuse, End-of-Life Planning, and Protecting Your Future, Ep. 139
    May 21 2025

    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 and community building, they walk through how to advocate for others and how to make sure someone’s got your back when it’s your turn.

    We'll cover:

    • (00:00) Understanding Elder Abuse and Its Impact
    • (02:02) Financial Abuse: Protecting Elders from Exploitation
    • (12:03) Navigating Elder Care: The Role of Community and Support
    • (15:47) Planning for the Future: Child-Free Legacy and Support Systems

    Mentioned in this Episode:

    • From executor services to medical and financial power of attorney; we help you secure your future with confidence. Join the Childfree Trust Waitlist: https://childfreelegacy.com
    • Schedule your Childfree Wealth Checkup: https://childfreewealth.com/schedule-a-checkup/
    • Signup for the Childfree Wealth Newsletter: https://bit.ly/cwnewsletter2
    • Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers by Dr. Sara Zeff Geber
    • DOROT (New York based nonprofit for older adults): https://www.dorotusa.org

    Want more insights like this? Sign up for our newsletter HERE and get advice tailored to your life.

    The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, is a financial and lifestyle podcast that explores the unique perspectives and concerns of childfree individuals and couples.

    Like the show? Leave us a rating & review!

    If you want to join the conversation, email us at media@childfreewealth.com, follow Childfree Wealth® on social media, or visit our website www.childfreewealth.com!

    Join our newsletter HERE.
    Schedule a meeting with a Childfree Wealth Specialist® HERE.

    Instagram: @childfreewealth

    Facebook: @childfreewealth

    LinkedIn: @childfree-wealth

    YouTube: @ChildfreeWealthPodcast

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

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    32 mins