The Childfree Guide to Life and Money

Make Your Finances Simple so Your Life Without Kids Can Be Amazing

By: Jay Zigmont PhD MBA CFP

Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross

Design the life you want, then create the right financial plan to get you there.

Financial planning looks vastly different for DINKs (dual-income, no kids) and SINKs (single-income, no kids). But nearly all the advice out there assumes you have children or will have them someday. Everything from pursuing the kind of career you want; deciding whether you want to buy a house, rent, or hit the road as a digital nomad; to planning and filing taxes; budgeting and investing your money; and getting set up for retirement or your later years is different. Simply said: When you aren't following the Standard LifeScript (go to college, get married, buy a house, have kids), you have the time, money, and freedom to do what you want.

Childfree Wealth Specialist® Dr. Jay Zigmont flips FIRE—Financial Independence, Retire Early—on its head, showing how people without kids can live the FILE life—Financial Independence, LIVE Early—by following his eight No-Baby Steps. Whether you're single, coupled up, or planning the perfect Golden Girls living arrangement with your best friends, The Childfree Guide to Life and Money is the most comprehensive resource for designing your life, figuring out your finances, and living your best life.

©2025 Jay Zigmont (P)2024 Tantor Media

If you’re curious, just do it

This book is a quick listen and provides a thorough and easy to understand introduction to the nuances of financial planning for people who do not have children. Most importantly, the book goes beyond “concepts” and gives very clear steps that can be directly applicable for single, married, young, or old childfree people who are looking for direction, a gut check, or validation in their financial planning journey. I have already recommended this book to a number of friends and colleagues ranging from 22 years old to nearly 60, and I’m certain it’s worth your time.

Financial help

It was eye opening and thought provoking! I saw a lot of things that I need to challenge my assumptions