More people are choosing to be child free. Is there a difference between being childless and child free? Lauren thinks so, but it’s a gray area. When coming to Bri for financial planning, her clients are not telling them why they’ve chosen not to have children. Presumably, there are financial implications. Lauren asks if there is a moral obligation to have children. They also touch on whether it’s selfish to have or not have kids, and there are arguments on both sides. Whatever the case, once you choose not to have kids, this opens up a lot of flexibility because you’re not usually as worried about leaving a legacy and creating generational wealth. This line of questioning leads to a discussion about dying with zero (side note: Die with Zero is a good book!). Many of Bri’s clients are focused on charitable giving, and they build this into their financial plans. Lauren asks how people with kids can be supportive and kind to those who do. Firstly, don’t assume they have more time or money than you do. Don’t assume a sibling without kids should be responsible for taking care of your parents, for example.

If you liked this episode but want another perspective you’ll like episode 142: Investing for Your Kids with BudgetDog.

About Bri:

Bri Conn is the Chief Experience Officer of Childfree Wealth, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping Childfree and Permanently Childless people. She is also a Childfree Wealth Specialist® and the co-host of the Childfree Wealth podcast.Childfree Wealth has been featured on Fortune, Forbes, MarketWatch, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Business Insider, CNBC, and many other publications.In her free time, Bri loves hiking, running, and generally anything that involves being outside. Her core values are community, education, social participation, & sustainability.

Connect with Bri:

https://childfreewealth.com/childfree-guide/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-bri-conn/

https://childfreewealth.com/

Connect with Lauren:

https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/⁠⁠⁠

https://twitter.com/AdultingIsEasy

https://www.instagram.com/adultingiseasyreal/

About this week’s interviewer (not guest!), Clint Murphy: Clint Murphy runs both The Growth Guide podcast and newsletter: become better, achieve more, and reach financial freedom. During the day, he and his partners run a real estate development firm, which they’re working on scaling. Clint’s vision is to become more passive over time, while spending half his time in Vancouver and half abroad. If you liked this episode, you’ll also like episodes 71 and 72, where Lauren was interviewed by Chris of Heavy Metal Money. Also, check out, episode 134, when Lauren interviewed Clint for his 100th episode. Clint kicks off by asking Lauren about money stories imparted upon her by her parents. Lauren credited her curiosity with her early knowledge about money. Lauren knew they were living well within their means, and keeping up with the Joneses was not a part of their lives. Clint then guides the conversation to Lauren’s much younger sister, and how that influences her path. Lauren’s brother got into drugs when he was very young, which caused Lauren to take her relationship with her sister very seriously. Lauren taught her everything, and this extended to money. Clint asks whether what Lauren’s brother was going through caused her to “adult” earlier, so Lauren shares how and when she got her first house. Next, the conversation transitions to college and early career. Getting into sales was a huge part of Lauren’s financial journey, but she started in retail at Toys R Us. Next, Clint dives deep into Lauren’s relationship with her husband and their nexus in real estate investing. Going into Covid, they had a primary home and a duplex, but it was right when Covid was starting that they started expanding, which resulted in a good deal and a very bad deal, which included a squatter. It doesn’t take long into Lauren’s real estate investing interest to bring to back to her personal finance roots, and that’s where the interview goes next: retirement, and retiring early. Next, Lauren tells Clint the origin story of Adulting Is Easy, the blog and eventually the podcast. Naturally, they eventually dive into the FIRE movement and personal choices Lauren and her husband make. The two close by looking forward to the next 5 years while acknowledging the last 10. Connect with Clint: Twitter: @IAmClintMurphy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clint-robert-murphy/ Connect with Lauren: https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/⁠⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/AdultingIsEasy https://www.instagram.com/adultingiseasyreal/

Ruchi starts by sharing a story about how she thought a Prada purse would make her happy when she was on Wall Street. We are searching for external validation, but it really comes down to the work we do internally. Ruchi shares about the success and corporate ladder climbing she did early on, and how hollow it really felt. After hiring a coach, she found her calling as a “financial therapist.” It was learning about the 3 pillars that changed everything for Ruchi: well-being, spirituality, and relationships. Well-being means asking the question, what brings you joy? Budget time and money for those things! A key point is to always expand your comfort zone. A huge part of the spirituality pillar is to pay attention to more of your 60,000 thoughts per day. Use the RIR method, recognize the thoughts, interrupt them when they’re negative, and reframe them positively. Both Lauren and Ruchi share real examples of the RIR method in their own lives. As for the final pillar, relationships, ask yourself when you’re at your best, who are you with? Not everyone is meant to be in our lives forever. Keep in mind how you want to feel every day. Be clear about what you want your life to be like in one year.

If you liked this episode, you’ll also like episode 31: Financial Planning for Women and 118: Friends, FOMO, and Finances.

About Ruchi:

Ruchi Pinniger is the Founder and CEO of Watch Her Prosper®, who empowers us to redefine prosperity in business and life through holistic financial guidance and mindset coaching. Her signature approach fosters shame-free empowerment, enabling clients to achieve significant results in profitability and economic growth. Ruchi leverages her years of experience on Wall Street to provide expert advice on financial leadership, tax-time readiness, and small business finances. She is also dedicated to philanthropy, serving on the executive boards of Savvy Ladies and the Pajama Program. Recognized with the Entrepreneur Community Leadership Award 2024, she is committed to helping entrepreneurs thrive, while cherishing moments with her family.

Connect with Ruchi:

IG: @watchherprosperFree Redefining Prosperity™

Workbook: iwanttoprosper.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/watch-her-prosper/

https://www.watchherprosper.com/

Connect with Lauren:

https://www.realadultingiseasy.com/⁠⁠⁠

https://twitter.com/AdultingIsEasy

https://www.instagram.com/adultingiseasyreal/