#80. Financial Planning When You Don't Live a Traditional Life (with Kelley Long)

What does it really mean to be good with money? And how do you plan for financial independence when your life doesn’t follow the traditional path of marriage, homeownership, and kids? In this episode, we’re joined by Kelley Long, CPA, financial planner, and author of *But Who Will Take Care of You When You’re Old? Financial Planning for Life Without Kids*. Kelley shares how she found herself in five-figure credit card debt three different times despite her financial expertise, and the mindset shifts that finally helped her break the cycle. Kelley also shares important considerations for planning a future without children, from long-term care and estate planning to having honest conversations with loved ones about money, aging, and expectations. 1\. Being good with money requires more than financial knowledge. Even financial experts can struggle with debt and spending, making it important to understand the beliefs, habits, and emotional patterns behind your financial decisions. 2\. Give your side hustle income a specific job. Whether you’re paying off student loans, building savings, or funding a purchase, assigning a purpose to each additional income stream can help you make more intentional financial decisions. 3\. Homeownership isn’t always the best way to build wealth. When you factor in mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and opportunity costs, renting and investing the difference may sometimes leave you financially better off. 4\. Planning for aging is important whether or not you have children. Building a support system, preparing for long-term care, and putting financial and legal protections in place can help you maintain independence and protect your quality of life as you age. 5\. Have conversations about money and estate planning before a crisis happens. Discussing financial expectations, caregiving responsibilities, and estate plans with loved ones can help prevent misunderstandings, protect relationships, and ensure your wishes are understood. Visit Kelley’s website and pre-order here book here. **Our Links** Tony’s website Melissa’s website **Drip Trickle Flow Flood T-Shirts** We’ve got *merch!* That’s right, **Drip Trickle Flow Flood** t-shirts are officially here and they’re as comfy as they are conversation-starting. Grab yours! **Rate and Review** If you loved this episode, please take a moment to rate and review *Drip Trickle Flow Flood* on your favorite podcast platform. It helps new listeners discover the show and it makes our day. Thanks for listening! Subscribe to this newsletter for income ideas that drip, trickle, flow, and flood into your life. **Disclaimer:** The information provided in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee that the information presented is complete, current, or applicable to your specific situation. Investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, and producers are not responsible for any financial decisions you make based on the content discussed.