PORTRAITS OF CHILDFREE WEALTH

A financial work looks at modern-day Americans who have decided not to have kids.

For the purposes of this book, Zigmont defines child-free as “not having kids, and not planning on having kids.” The volume consists of interviews with a variety of individuals and couples who have made the choice to be child-free. There is Kristina in Washington state, who knew at the age of 8 that kids were not for her. Molly and James are a couple in New Jersey. Both divorced, they bonded over the idea of a child-free relationship. The work features 26 short biographies that ask questions like “What is the biggest benefit of being Childfree?” and “Do you have any regrets about your choice?” Most subjects tend to cite having more time or more money or both as the biggest benefits of their decision. For others, not having kids gives them the freedom to do exactly as they please. As Jacy in Texas puts it, “I don’t even own pets because I prefer to have the freedom to do what I want when I want and not have to worry about anybody but myself.” Much of the book’s emphasis is on money. The subjects are questioned about their financial situations and plans for retirement. Of course, it seems obvious that not having to spend money on child care is certainly a financial boon. What will keep readers intrigued are the disparate backgrounds of the subjects. Why is financial stability more important than procreation for so many? Some grew up poor, and some are devotees of the Financial Independence, Retire Early movement. Others would rather spend their hard-earned income on travel. While the benefits of not having children are clear early on, the nuances of this choice (and what a person does afterward) make the book an informative and pleasing read. Not all who have decided against children come from the same place even if they tend to share many of the same goals.

An inviting resource for those considering a child-free future.