Childfree Finance Acronyms and Terms

Jay Zigmont, PhD, CFP®

My intent here is not to define everything (and this is a living document), but to help with some of the common terms and acronyms related to Childfree Wealth and Financial Planning.  These are my definitions, and some may define the terms in other ways, that’s ok. 

 

Childfree – Not having kids, and not planning on having kids.

Childless – No biological children. 

CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ – Professional certification that requires a Bachelors degree, specialized education, experience (6000 hours), an examination and an ethics requirement: https://www.cfp.net/why-cfp-certification/the-standard-of-excellence

CPA – Certified Public Accountant – great for accounting help and for tax filing.

DINK – Dual Income, No Kids

EA – Enrolled Agent – someone enrolled with the IRS to prepare taxes and represent you.

Fiduciary – Standard that says a CFP® has a duty of loyalty, care, and to follow client instructions.  Bottom line is that a fiduciary must put your interests first.  https://www.cfp.net/ethics/code-of-ethics-and-standards-of-conduct

Financial Advisor – Generic term, used by many.  Be careful as financial advisors can be selling products (such as insurance).

Financial Coach – Someone who focuses on improving your behavior with money.  A financial coach does not have to have any specific training so coaches vary widely.

Financial Planner – Look for a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.  A CFP® professional is held to the CFP® standards and can provide both personal and small business financial planning.  

FI – Financial Independence

FILE Financial Independence, Live Early

FIRE Financial Independence, Retire Early 

IAR – Investment Advisor Representative – someone who works for an RIA and has appropriate registration and credentials with their State or SEC regulator

RIA – Registered Investment Advisor – A company that is registered with their State or SEC to provide investment advice.  Being an RIA does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

SINK – Single Income, No Kids

THINKER – Two Healthy Incomes, No Kids, Early Retirement