How does staying single and not having kids affect your money goals?

Seeking Advice
1

I’m a 36-year-old from Canada, though I’m considering moving to the U.S. After a few relationships in my 20s and 30s, I lost the only partner I really thought I’d build a family with last year. Now I’m starting to think kids and maybe even marriage might not be in the cards for me.

I’m a tax professional and spent years in corporate jobs but am now focusing on consulting to have a better work-life balance. I’ve saved up about $500k, mostly invested in equities, and I own two properties: a paid-off condo in a high-cost Canadian city and a house in a low-cost U.S. city with a manageable mortgage (which I’d like to refinance if rates drop).

Since I’m not saving for a big wedding, a larger house, or raising kids, should I change how I manage my money? For example, I’d like to avoid burning out in stressful jobs and focus on building a mix of income and growth investments to enjoy now and keep for later. I also don’t pay much attention to life insurance or estate planning—should I?

For those of you who are single and childless in your 30s or 40s, how do your financial goals differ from family-oriented people you know? How’s it working out?

TL;DR: Planning to stay single and childless long-term—how should I adjust my financial plans?

2

I’m in my early 40s with no partner or kids. My main strategy is keeping my costs low and saving as much as possible. Don’t get too caught up in what you feel you should be doing—sounds like you’re already in a great position. Just focus on enjoying life on your terms.

I’m aiming for work-optional by 56, but I don’t plan to retire fully since I enjoy working. Until then, I’m just living how I want and letting life take me where it will. You never know what might happen—36 is young, and you could meet someone at any age. Don’t lock yourself into a narrative of being single forever.

3

@Cairo
Thanks for your thoughts. I like the idea of being ‘work-optional’—it feels like a good balance between freedom and structure.

4

maghanga said:
@Cairo
Thanks for your thoughts. I like the idea of being ‘work-optional’—it feels like a good balance between freedom and structure.

I thought I’d be alone forever after my divorce, but a year later I met someone amazing. Life surprises you.

5

@Reilly
That’s great to hear. Wishing you both the best.

6

maghanga said:
@Reilly
That’s great to hear. Wishing you both the best.

Thanks! Hope you find whatever you’re looking for in life.

7

Without kids, you don’t need to worry about leaving behind things like a house or an inheritance. That’s a big financial difference.

8

Vern said:
Without kids, you don’t need to worry about leaving behind things like a house or an inheritance. That’s a big financial difference.

I have one kid and a paid-off home. I also carry a large life insurance policy to cover any unexpected costs, including if I need to use home equity.

9

Financial freedom is the big win for me. Without kids or a partner, I can adapt my lifestyle as needed. If I want to save, I’ll cut back on extras, even live on rice and veggies for a while—it’s only me affected.

No school districts to worry about when buying a house, fewer bills to worry about, and I can take risks with odd hours or moving for better jobs. It adds up to more money and flexibility over time.

10

@AbolishWallstreet
Even if you don’t have kids, buying in a good school district can still be a smart move. Houses there tend to appreciate more, and these areas are often safer.

11

@AbolishWallstreet
Good points about flexibility and savings. Friends with kids seem to spend so much on education and creating the right environment for them.

12

maghanga said:
@AbolishWallstreet
Good points about flexibility and savings. Friends with kids seem to spend so much on education and creating the right environment for them.

The thought of college costs terrifies me. I just paid off my own student loans in my 40s and can’t imagine saving $200k per kid while trying to retire.

13

@Thorn
If I had kids, I’d encourage them to study in Europe where it’s cheaper—and they’d get the experience of living abroad.

14

I’m a woman in my 30s who’s been married before. I’d love a partner again but don’t count on it. If I ever marry again, there’ll be a prenup, no joint finances, and maybe not even shared living arrangements. I’ve learned to protect my independence and would expect a future partner to be self-sufficient financially.

For estate planning, I’d consider leaving some assets to a partner, but they’d need their own savings and retirement plan.

15

@Isabelle
Thanks for sharing. It makes sense to keep things separate when you’ve already built a life on your own. Hope your next relationship is on your terms.

16

maghanga said:
@Isabelle
Thanks for sharing. It makes sense to keep things separate when you’ve already built a life on your own. Hope your next relationship is on your terms.

Appreciate that. I think people at this stage in life have to find partners who fit into the life they’ve already built, not someone to start over with.

17

I’m 38, married, no kids, and about to retire. My wife still wants to work, and honestly, her income means my retiring doesn’t change much financially. Luck in the markets played a big role, and not having kids helped us save more.

18

@Tobi
Sounds like a great setup. Congrats on your early retirement!

19

I’m 42 and planning to look into long-term care insurance soon. My family has a history of living into their 80s and 90s, so I focus on building retirement funds and paying off debt. When I buy a house, I want something with no stairs and close to services. Staying socially connected is also really important as we age.

20

Having kids has brought both joy and stress. Financially stable here, but it’s definitely been a challenge.