Ever feel like your employee benefits package is a mystery? You're not alone! In this episode, Bri sits down with benefits expert Christy Smith from The Horton Group, a Marsh & McLennan Agency, to demystify the world of workplace perks. Christy, who has extensive experience in HR and as an employee benefits broker, shares insights on everything from health, dental, and vision insurance to the often-overlooked benefits like disability and legal support. Get ready to learn how to ask your HR team for new benefits (yes, you can do that!) 2, why understanding your options is crucial, and the surprising ways some companies are making benefits more inclusive (think doggy daycare!). Plus, we dive deep into the power of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and why they might be your secret weapon for retirement savings. Tune in and empower yourself to make the most of your workplace benefits!

Timestamps:

- 00:52: Christy's journey from HR to employee benefits broker.

- 02:24: Common misconceptions about workplace benefits and how to approach your HR team.

- 06:41: Navigating multiple health plan choices and software to assist in decisions.

- 09:50: The evolution of vision and dental insurance.

- 13:17: Inclusive benefits like "doggy daycare" and pet insurance.

- 15:56: The importance of understanding company culture for tailored benefits.

- 18:48: Deep dive into short-term and long-term disability, including state-paid leave benefits.

- 23:14: Understanding legal benefits and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

- 27:50: The one employee benefit Christy wishes everyone would maximize (hint: it's about retirement!).

- 33:28: Key advice for open enrollment season.

Connect with Christy:

- LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-smith-cebs-49283810

- The Horton Group, a Marsh & McLennan Agency https://www.thehortongroup.com/

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.

Join us for a truly inspiring conversation with Jennifer, who's redefining retirement on her own terms! We dive deep into her desire to retire sooner rather than later, ideally without a mortgage still in play, and how she's navigating the unpredictable market with confidence. Jennifer shares her vision for a leisure-filled life, complete with travel, daily exercise, home-cooked meals, and plenty of reading. You'll hear about her "practice retirement" weekends and the joy she finds in simple, nurtured moments. We also explore the emotional aspects of transitioning from a fulfilling career, the surprising financial realities of her robust savings, and why paying off the house isn't always the only answer. Get ready to challenge your own notions of retirement and discover how to design a life that truly brings you joy!

In this episode, we cover:

• Jennifer's vision for retirement and why she wants to retire as soon as feasible.
• The emotional journey of preparing for retirement and practicing leisure time.
• Jennifer's current travel budget and future travel aspirations.
• The dilemma of paying off a mortgage before retirement.
• Insights into Jennifer's financial situation and "the $14 million problem."
• Exploring phased retirement and reducing work hours.
• Strategies for accessing retirement funds before age 59 1/2, including 72T elections.
• The psychological shift from saving to spending in retirement.
• Considering long-term care and end-of-life planning.
• Optimizing investments and understanding Roth conversions.

Mentioned in this Episode:

- The Purpose Code by Jordan Grumet, MD

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 your passion is actually… burning you out? This week, we're diving deep into the often-unseen downsides of passion-driven work with licensed mental health therapist and entrepreneurial wellness specialist, Jennifer Gray. We explore how that fiery drive can unknowingly fuel overwork, blur your personal identity, and even make you blind to burnout.

Jennifer, who started her career in finance before realizing her true calling was in helping people build sustainable careers, shares her insights on why high-achievers often struggle with boundaries. We discuss how to recognize when your nervous system is dysregulated and practical steps to create "passion-free zones" that protect your well-being and fuel your creativity outside of work. If you've ever found yourself working at 3 AM because an idea popped into your head, this episode is for you!

Timestamps:

🔹00:43 - Jennifer's journey into therapy and working with entrepreneurs

🔹02:28 - Defining ambitious, high-achieving individuals

🔹04:28 - Why people seek therapy for burnout and unfulfillment

🔹06:34 - Recognizing the need for help and overcoming resistance

🔹13:48 - The hidden downsides of passion-driven work

🔹18:17 - Practical ways to set and enforce boundaries

🔹24:56 - Understanding nervous system dysregulation and its impact

🔹31:29 - The challenge of perfectionism and the "A student" mentality

🔹38:53 - The "worth it" test and navigating discomfort

🔹45:58 - Creating "passion-free zones" in a remote work world

Connect with Jennifer:

+ Jennifer Gray Counseling https://www.jennifergraycounseling.com/

+ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jennifergraycounseling

+ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergraylpc/

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.