Today, Bri Conn, CFP® and Dr. Jay, CFP® dig into what it really means to retire as a Childfree person—and why it might not look like what you’ve been told. Whether you're dreaming of beaches or terrified of boredom, this episode helps you get real about what comes after work.

🔹 00:40 – When retirement chooses you
🔹 02:00 – Why retiring to something matters more than retiring from something
🔹 04:00 – Test-driving retirement before you commit
🔹 06:15 – The “Retirement Smile” and how spending changes over time
🔹 10:00 – Why the 4% rule might not apply to you
🔹 14:30 – Taxes, RMDs, and IRMA—oh my!
🔹 18:45 – How to plan for retirement abroad without tax surprises
🔹 23:30 – Why most people could’ve retired earlier (but didn’t)

Whether you’re a “never work again” dreamer or just want to know your options, this is your sign to make a plan before life forces your hand.

Mentioned in this episode:

🔹Navigating Your "Second Half of Life": FIRE vs. FILE and Accessing Your Money Early, Ep 162 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/17816731

The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn, CFP®, 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.

Ever feel like the traditional "work for 40 years, then retire" plan just isn't cutting it anymore? You're not alone! This week we're flipping the script with Jillian Johnsrud, author of Retire Often. We dive deep into the concept of "mini-retirements" – intentional breaks from your primary profession that are a month or longer and focused on something meaningful to you.

Jillian shares how these strategic breaks aren't just about vacations; they can actually boost your financial independence and career trajectory in surprising ways! We tackle everything from negotiating time off with your current employer (even if you think you're "too important"!) to navigating those well-meaning but often unhelpful opinions from friends and family. Get ready to challenge your assumptions about work, rest, and living your best life, now!

Timestamps:

• 0:48 Why Jillian wrote Retire Often and the life-changing potential of mini-retirements
• 1:42 Challenging the old life script: Why the 25-year grind to retirement might be outdated
• 2:07 The evolving economy and why frequent career breaks are becoming the new norm
• 3:00 What exactly is a mini-retirement? Defining the key elements
• 5:49 Unpacking the financial benefits: How taking time off can actually make you richer
• 8:57 The power of pausing: Gaining clarity and new opportunities by stepping off the treadmill
• 11:25 Keeping your job and taking a break: Negotiating a mini-retirement with your current employer
• 17:00 Tackling societal pressures and internal narratives around work and rest
• 25:07 Budgeting for your break: You don't need millions to take a mini-retirement

Connect with Jillian

• Website
• Retire Often Book
• Book Purchasing Link
• Free Opt-In Worksheets:
  • Planning
  • Negotiating
• Workbook
• Group Coaching
• Social Media:
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube

The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn, CFP®, 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.

Are you tired of the traditional work-and-retire-at-65 plan? This episode is for you. We're diving into the concepts of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and FILE (Financial Independence, Live Early), and exploring how you can break free from the traditional script. Dr. Jay and Bri challenge the idea that retirement is an "on/off switch" and introduce the "dimmer switch" approach of FILE, which allows you to design a life you love now, rather than waiting for a distant retirement.

Timestamps

🔹 0:48 - When can I retire vs. do you want to retire?

🔹 2:28 - Are you a FIRE or FILE person?

🔹 3:33 - Dr. Jay's "mental chew toy"

🔹 5:39 - The importance of planning for what you’ll do with your time

🔹 6:40 - The "Purpose Code" and living with lowercase "p" purpose

🔹 11:53 - The difficulty of giving up a specific career path

🔹 14:49 - Overcoming self-limiting beliefs

🔹 15:49 - Why age is the least important factor in retirement

🔹 18:24 - The debate: Are you ready to make a change?

🔹 19:13 - What brings you joy?

🔹 25:23 - Accessing your retirement money before 59½

🔹 28:37 - The rule of 55

🔹 32:17 - The rule of 72t, or SEPP

🔹 34:05 - Accessing Roth IRA contributions penalty-free

🔹 35:48 - Inherited IRAs

🔹 37:53 - 401k loans: The good, the bad, and the ugly

🔹 45:36 - Health insurance options for early retirees

Mentioned in this episode:

🔹 Andy & Libbi Financial Planning Sessions

1️⃣ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/16367564

2️⃣ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/16367713

3️⃣ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/16368047

4️⃣ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/16962286

5️⃣ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/17411168

🔹 Finding Purpose Beyond Financial Independence with Doc G, Ep 120 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/16367437

🔹 The Purpose Code by Jordan Grummet, MD https://jordangrumet.com/books/

The Childfree Wealth Podcast, hosted by Bri Conn, CFP®, 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.