Who We Are
Meet our team
OUR STORY
Why does childfree matter?
Childfree Wealth® was built specifically to address the needs of childfree people in a way that traditional financial companies don’t.
Different Priorities
Since childfree people don’t spend money on diapers, daycare, or college funds, they are free to focus on what’s most important to them.
Different Needs
Different Concerns
We help with common concerns like “Who will take care of me when I’m older” along with helping to navigate all of your questions.
Jay Zigmont PhD, MBA, CFP®
Founder and CEO of Childfree Wealth®
Growing up broke, I never had the luxury of learning about money management. By 21, I had earned my first million, but without the right guidance, I spent it all by 25. This personal journey taught me just how critical financial planning is, especially for those of us who haven’t been taught the foundational principles.
My wife and I are childfree, and it has profoundly shaped how we approach our finances. When I searched for financial advice, I realized that most of it assumes you have kids, which didn’t align with our goals. That’s why I founded Childfree Wealth®—to offer financial planning tailored specifically to our community’s unique needs.
With over a decade of experience as a life and business coach, a PhD in Adult Learning from the University of Connecticut, and an MBA from SCSU, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. As a Fee-Only, Flat-Fee, Fiduciary, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and Childfree Wealth Specialist®, I’m committed to helping you create a financial plan that supports the vision you have for your life, free from assumptions that don’t fit your lifestyle.
Scott Barnes CFP®, CLTC
Director of Financial Planning, Childfree Wealth Specialist®
I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with over two decades of experience guiding clients through complex financial markets. My career in financial services began during the height of the dot-com bubble, and since then, I’ve helped clients navigate events including 9/11, the Great Recession, COVID-19, and ongoing global economic uncertainties.
My passion for financial planning is deeply personal. I grew up in a middle-class family in Virginia, and after losing my mother to breast cancer at an early age, I witnessed firsthand the financial strain a family can endure. Later, like many young adults, I faced my own challenges with credit card and student loan debt. My journey to financial independence ignited a desire to help others take control of their financial futures.
Today, I focus on helping childfree individuals and families align their life goals with smart financial planning strategies. Whether you are preparing for retirement, considering a sabbatical, relocating overseas, or planning for long-term care, I would be honored to assist on your journey. In addition to being a CFP® professional, I also hold the Certified in Long Term Care (CLTC) designation.
My wife, Etta, and I live in the Raleigh, NC area, with our spirited cat, Louise (Weezie!). When I’m not working with clients, you’ll likely find me under the hood of a car or enjoying a drive with fellow enthusiasts.
Bri Conn CFP®
Childfree Wealth Specialist®
I grew up in a family where money was a constant topic of conversation. I was told to budget and only buy things with cash—principles that, while sound, often left me feeling confused and defeated. Despite working full-time in college and having my education covered by my parents and scholarships, I made some major financial mistakes because I hadn’t truly learned how to manage money.
Determined to turn things around, I dove into the world of personal finance through social media, books, and the internet. Slowly but surely, I was able to recover from my mistakes and take control of my financial future.
Now, with a Bachelor of arts in Communication from the University of North Dakota and a background in marketing, I’m channeling my skills into personal finance education.
As an Investment Advisor Representative, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and cohost of the Childfree Wealth® Podcast, I’m passionate about helping others navigate their financial journeys.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me outdoors—hiking, running, or enjoying the beauty of nature with my wife & dog. My core values are community, education, social participation, and sustainability, and I’m committed to integrating these into everything I do.
Nicole Phillips CFP®, CDFA®
Associate Planner, Childfree Wealth Specialist®
My career started working with Gold Star families, helping military spouses navigate complex financial decisions while grieving the loss of a loved one. Sitting with people through that kind of grief taught me early on how much good financial guidance can matter in the hardest moments of someone’s life. From there, I’ve intentionally chosen work that pushes financial planning beyond the traditional mold: helping small business owners weave personal and business finances together, and working with women across a huge range of financial circumstances in high volume, accessible planning environments.
As a CDFA® in addition to my CFP®, I also work with clients navigating divorce, another life stage where the standard financial playbook rarely fits, and where clear, steady guidance makes an outsized difference.
What ties all of it together is a belief that financial planning should expand to fit real lives, not the other way around.
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me hunting for a great vintage find, curled up with a good novel, or planning the next trip.