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Insights Straight to Your Inbox

Tips, freebies, event invites, and more to make your Childfree life even more amazing

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Episode 167: The Die With Zero Dilemma

December 03, 2025

|

50 Minutes

Listen On

Episode Summary

Don, a disciplined saver who's embracing the Die With Zero philosophy, is finding it hard to shift gears!

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Don, a disciplined saver who's embracing the "Die With Zero" philosophy but finding it hard to shift gears! We dive into his journey of planning generous gifts to family and charities now, rather than later, and the mental gymnastics required to actually spend the money he's so diligently saved. We also tackle the nitty-gritty of optimizing investments, navigating healthcare, and the unique estate planning considerations for those who are Childfree. Get ready for some honest talk, a few laughs, and actionable insights on truly living your best life with your wealth.

🔹 1:35 Identifying key recipients: Veteran's causes, St. Jude's, and nieces

🔹 3:15 Gifting to nieces: Monetary gifts without preconceived notions

🔹 4:40 Exploring 529 plans vs. Roth for a grandniece's college fund

🔹 8:44 Don's significant philanthropic goals: $100,000 to Tunnel to Towers

🔹 12:07 Navigating healthcare: HSAs, high-deductible plans, and the VA

🔹 17:40 The mental challenge of spending after years of saving

🔹 20:35 Optimizing investments: HSA in stock, international exposure, and ditching high fees

🔹 37:43 Estate planning for solo agers: Trustees, power of attorney, and avoiding single points of failure

 

Mentioned in this Episode:

Die with Zero by Bill Perkins https://bookshop.org/p/books/die-with-zero-getting-all-you-can-from-your-money-and-your-life-bill-perkins/15130122 

NokBox

The Purpose Code by Jordan Grummet, MD

Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers by Sara Zeff Geber, PhD

– Living the Golden Life: Solo Aging Strategies with Dr. Sara Zeff Geber, Ep 130 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002436/episodes/16368024 

About Childfree Life by Design:

Childfree Life By Design is dedicated to helping Childfree individuals thrive by providing resources, guidance, and community. We recognize that when you've made a decision roughly 75% of the population doesn't make, conventional wisdom simply doesn't apply to you. Our mission is to help you design a life that works for you, covering everything from finances and relationships to career decisions and building support networks that will actually be there when you need them.

Connect with Us:

Ready to design your ideal Childfree life? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com

Join the conversation on social media:

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

Sorry, no transcript is available for this episode, but all episodes from 2026 on will feature full transcripts for accessibility.

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