Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®: Welcome to Childfree Life by Design. Today, we’re talking about our AI future and what it means for people who are building a Childfree life on their own terms. I’m Dr. Jay Zigmont, and I’m here solo today. In this episode, we’re covering what it means to look at an AI future, what you can do personally to improve your situation, and what the potential possibilities are.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s gonna happen in the next five years, I’m gonna look into my crystal ball. This conversation will give you the clarity and tools to make intentional decisions that support the life you want.
Intro: From Childfree Insights, this is Childfree Life by Design, the go-to resource for building the child-free life you want. Every episode gives you practical guidance, clear direction, and meaningful conversations to help you live intentionally and design a future on your terms. This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.
Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®: I’m calling this episode “AI in 2026,” because the reality check is that any predictions around AI are outdated the day they’re made. I was recently at the TED Conference, and it was no surprise that this year was a lot about AI. I’m looking at about a five-year run—where are we gonna be in 2031-ish?
From a financial standpoint, I believe the next recession will be the one that takes the jobs away. Historically, people are rehired after a recession. This time, I believe AI is going to replace those jobs, and they won’t be rehired. If a company can have AI do a task 80% as well as a human at near zero cost, that’s going to be “good enough.” This applies to almost anything you do on a computer—legal drafting, document review, and financial analysis.
The only “safe” jobs for a while will be those where human error or human story is a good thing—like sports, entertainment, and art. If we put Waymo cars on a NASCAR track, it would be boring because there would be no mistakes. But for the 60% to 80% of other desk jobs, we are looking at a structural shift. I’m not an optimist or a pessimist; I’m a realist. Businesses will go to the cheapest labor, and that trend is continuing.
As Childfree people, we actually have an advantage here. With lower fertility rates and fewer humans entering the workforce, there may eventually be less competition for what’s left, but that isn’t enough to solve the immediate shift. Your biggest personal risk is that your job disappears. However, if you have money invested in the market, you will likely do well because companies will see higher productivity and profit margins from AI.
So, how do you build your own safety net? First, if you’re in debt, get out of it. Debt plus job loss equals bankruptcy. Second, you might actually want to work more for the next few years. I call this being back on the “hustle train.” After the job loss event happens, those with a financial cushion will fare much better. We aren’t just saving for retirement; we are saving for a “post-work” world.
The competitive advantage of the future isn’t expertise—it’s the ability to learn. AI has already lapped your area of expertise. The key is neuroplasticity and experiential learning. I often tell people that those who went to Montessori schools—which focus on learning how to learn—will do better in this shift. You have about five years to learn how to use AI to get what you want.
In our business, we are already using AI to try and democratize financial advice. We want to build models that can coach Childfree people for a fraction of the cost of human planning. Most businesses won’t do this; they’ll just use it to increase margins. But we are doing it because it helps us learn and serve more people.
MIDROLL: Planning your childfree life means tackling both your finances and your legal future. First, get your money right with a Childfree Wealth Checkup. Second, protect your estate and your legacy with a customized Childfree Trust®. Visit childfreewealth.com now to learn more.
Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®: Beyond money, what is your identity when you aren’t working? This is where Childfree people are ahead of the game. Parents will be busy worrying about their kids’ job prospects. We have the “luxury” of focusing on our own next chapter. I talk a lot about the obituary exercise—what does your second line say? If it currently says your job title, you are in trouble when AI takes that job away.
I interviewed Drew Blickensderfer, a high-profile NASCAR crew chief. His second line isn’t “Crew Chief”; it’s “A good man.” Another client of mine wants to be remembered as the person with the garden where everyone felt peace. You need to figure out your impact now so that when the world shifts, you don’t lose your sense of self. Grieving a job loss can take years; if you’ve already done the internal work, you can skip to reinvention.
I’m embracing AI in everything my companies do. When I hire, I ask two questions: “Why do you want to serve Childfree people?” and “What do you want to learn?” If your skills are centered on serving others and continuous learning, you are in a good place. I wake up thinking about the 15 million Childfree people over age 55 who need a Power of Attorney or Trustee. AI helps us reach them and serve them better.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s okay, but you have to get over it. There is no future where AI disappears. Admit things are changing, do a financial analysis (we offer a $250 checkup if you need an objective look), and start your soul-searching. This is a great time to hire a coach or a planner to help you through the transition.
To bring it all together: AI is going to change the macro environment in about five years. Get your finances in order, focus on learning how to learn, and define your legacy now—before the crisis hits. Intentionally choosing to invest in moments of joy is just as important as investing in your future. Happy designing.
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