Wealthy Singles Hire 'Professional Family' for Life Decisions

Imagine having millions in the bank but no one to make decisions if you get sick. That's the reality for many wealthy Americans without children.

The Growing Problem

About 25% of U.S. adults don't have kids, and many have saved plenty for retirement (the time when you stop working). But they're missing something crucial: someone legally allowed to make decisions for them if they can't.

When you have kids, they often become your backup plan. They can talk to doctors, access your bank accounts if needed, and carry out your wishes. But what if you don't have children?

Enter Professional 'Next-of-Kin'

Companies like Childfree Trust are stepping in to act like family members for hire. They: • Take emergency calls from hospitals • Make medical decisions based on your written wishes • Handle your finances if you can't • Ensure your funeral happens the way you want

Real Examples

Thelma, 79, originally wanted to leave everything to a distant nephew. But there was a problem: if the nephew inherits whatever's left after her care, might he want her to spend less on that care? Professional services remove this conflict.

Louise, 52, has $2 million saved but worries her siblings in other states won't follow her exact wishes. She hired professionals to ensure everything happens her way.

The Bottom Line

For people without kids, the big question isn't "who gets my money?" It's "who decides for me?" As more Americans age without children, these professional services are filling a crucial gap that traditional financial planning (preparing for your money future) often misses.

This is an AI-generated summary. Read the original article at: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/they-have-millions-in-the-bank-but-without-kids-who-makes-their-life-or-death-decisions-78874d8c?mod=mw_rss_topstories