In this episode we welcome back Christine Benz, director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar. Christine is one of the most respected thought leaders on the topic of retirement and shares insights from her new book, 'How to Retire'. We discuss the importance of preparing for retirement well in advance, building social networks, the significance of diversity in relationships, and more. Today's show is packed with valuable advice and a must listen for anyone approaching or in retirement.   

🔗Connect with us

 Buy CUtFI a coffee

 Record a message for CUtFI

 

🔥🔥🔥 Check out our new partners and affiliates:

💰MyBudgetCoach MyBudgetCoach is the only budgeting app to connect every user with a real-life coach from Day 1. You pick the coach that resonates most with you from their directory. You can message your coach or set up a one-on-one call with them for an additional fee. Unlock 35 Days of free financial coaching and start making Smart Money Moves plus receive 10% off subscription costs by entering code: Catchingup

 

🎓 Student Loan Planner Get a custom student loan plan from our CFP®, CFA and CSLP® professionals. Student Loan Planner has consulted on hundreds of millions in student debt and found millions in forecasted student loan savings for clients they’ve worked with. They charge a one-time fee for their thorough review. Our listeners receive $100 off a 1:1 consult using the link below. Flat fee is normally $595, but after your $100 off ‘Catching Up to FI’ discount, it's $495

👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: studentloanplanner.com/catchingup

 

📈 ProjectionLab Build Financial Plans You Love. ProjectionLab is a financial modeling tool for people seeking financial independence and retirement. Battle-test your plans against varying market conditions and build confidence in your chance of success using. Monte Carlo simulations. Get started for free. No sign-up or credit card required.

👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: projectionlab.com/catchingup

 

💸Lunch Money  Lunch Money has been making personal finance management delightfully simple for the modern-day spender since 2019 and steadily built a loyal customer base of thousands of users in 30+ different countries. They have a pay-what-you-want pricing plan for annual subscriptions starting at $50.

👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: https://lunchmoney.app/?fp_ref=catchingup

 

For a full list of our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners

 

Resources mentioned on the show: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

🌐 Morningstar

📗Order "How to Retire: 20 lessons for a happy, successful, and wealthy retirement" on Amazon

The Long View

John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy

Bogleheads Conference

William Bengen

opensocialsecurity.com

Bogleheads Conference 2023 - Jordan Grumet on Living without Regrets

bogleheads.org

 

Catching Up to FI Episodes mentioned:

The Life and Death of The 4% Rule | Christine Benz | 077

Social Security Made Simple | Mike Piper | 054

Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk | Cameron Huddleston | 048

How to Think About Money | Jonathan Clements | 040

Purpose, Identity, & Connection | Jordan Grumet | 022

Hard & Soft Sides of Retirement | Fritz Gilbert | 019

Say Cheese!: The Retirement Spending Smile | David Blanchett | 110

F-You Money Part 1 | JL Collins | 023

F-You Money Part 2 | JL Collins | 024

Pathfinders: Stories of Success and Financial Independence | JL Collins | 069

Pathfinders: Triumphs and Trials on the Road to Financial Independence | JL Collins | 070

Jennifer Rozelle (coming in February 2025)

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you!

 

Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.

In this episode, we talk with Jen and Jill from the Frugal Friends Podcast and authors of the new book Buy What You Love Without Going Broke. They believe the secret to saving money isn’t in coupons and sales, it’s in identifying what you value and pursuing it unapologetically. We chat about how value-based spending can meet higher emotional and psychological needs beyond mere financial savings. The Frugal Friends also share personal stories of overcoming debt, understanding the 'real' needs behind our purchases, and how frugality can be both sustainable and enjoyable.   

🔗Connect with us

 Buy CUtFI a coffee

 Record a message for CUtFI

 

🔥🔥🔥 Check out our new partners and affiliates:

 

💰MyBudgetCoach

MyBudgetCoach is the only budgeting app to connect every user with a real-life coach from Day 1. You pick the coach that resonates most with you from their directory. You can message your coach or set up a one-on-one call with them for an additional fee. Unlock 35 Days of free financial coaching and start making Smart Money Moves plus receive 10% off subscription costs by entering code: Catchingup

 

🎓 Student Loan Planner

Get a custom student loan plan from our CFP®, CFA and CSLP® professionals. Student Loan Planner has consulted on hundreds of millions in student debt and found millions in forecasted student loan savings for clients they’ve worked with. They charge a one-time fee for their thorough review. Our listeners receive $100 off a 1:1 consult using the link below. Flat fee is normally $595, but after your $100 off ‘Catching Up to FI’ discount, it's $495

👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: studentloanplanner.com/catchingup

 

📈 ProjectionLab

Build Financial Plans You Love. ProjectionLab is a financial modeling tool for people seeking financial independence and retirement. Battle-test your plans against varying market conditions and build confidence in your chance of success using. Monte Carlo simulations. Get started for free. No sign-up or credit card required.

👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: projectionlab.com/catchingup

 

💸Lunch Money

Lunch Money has been making personal finance management delightfully simple for the modern-day spender since 2019 and steadily built a loyal customer base of thousands of users in 30+ different countries. They have a pay-what-you-want pricing plan for annual subscriptions starting at $50.

👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: https://lunchmoney.app/?fp_ref=catchingup

 

For a full list of our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners

 

Resources mentioned on the show: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

🌐 Frugal Friends Podcast

📗Order "Buy What You Love Without Going Broke" on Amazon

Bloom for Women

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you!

 

Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.

In this episode we are joined by the multi-talented Jordan Grumet, a hospice doctor, storyteller, and the host of the award-winning 'Earn & Invest' podcast. Jordan shares insights from his latest book, 'The Purpose Code', diving deep into the nuances of Big 'P' vs Little 'p' purpose, legacy, and finding true happiness. From his personal journey from medicine to financial independence, to discussing meaningful legacy and generational growth, Jordan offers valuable advice for late starters. Listen in to discover why Little 'p' Purpose might just be the key to a joyful and fulfilled life, and how you can start integrating it into your daily routine.

 

🔗Connect with us

 Buy CUtFI a coffee

 Record a message for CUtFI

 

In this episode, we talk with Jen and Jill from the Frugal Friends Podcast and authors of the new book Buy What You Love Without Going Broke. They  believe the secret to saving money isn’t in coupons and sales, it’s in identifying what you value and pursuing it unapologetically. We chat about how value-based spending can meet higher emotional and psychological needs beyond mere financial savings. The Frugal Friends also share personal stories of overcoming debt, understanding the 'real' needs behind our purchases, and how frugality can be both sustainable and enjoyable. 

 

🔗Connect with us

 Buy CUtFI a coffee

 Record a message for CUtFI

 

🔥🔥🔥 Check out our new partners and affiliates:

 

💰MyBudgetCoach MyBudgetCoach is the only budgeting app to connect every user with a real-life coach from Day 1. You pick the coach that resonates most with you from their directory. You can message your coach or set up a one-on-one call with them for an additional fee. Unlock 35 Days of free financial coaching and start making Smart Money Moves plus receive 10% off subscription costs by entering code: Catchingup

 

🎓 Student Loan Planner Get a custom student loan plan from our CFP®, CFA and CSLP® professionals. Student Loan Planner has consulted on hundreds of millions in student debt and found millions in forecasted student loan savings for clients they’ve worked with. They charge a one-time fee for their thorough review. Our listeners receive $100 off a 1:1 consult using the link below. Flat fee is normally $595, but after your $100 off ‘Catching Up to FI’ discount, it's $495. 👉🏼  Be sure to use this link: studentloanplanner.com/catchingup

 

📈 ProjectionLab Build Financial Plans You Love. ProjectionLab is a financial modeling tool for people seeking financial independence and retirement. Battle-test your plans against varying market conditions and build confidence in your chance of success using. Monte Carlo simulations. Get started for free. No sign-up or credit card required.

👉🏼  Be sure to use this link: projectionlab.com/catchingup

 

💸Lunch Money  Lunch Money has been making personal finance management delightfully simple for the modern-day spender since 2019 and steadily built a loyal customer base of thousands of users in 30+ different countries. They have a pay-what-you-want pricing plan for annual subscriptions starting at $50.

👉🏼  Be sure to use this link: https://lunchmoney.app/?fp_ref=catchingup

 

For a full list of our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners

 

 

Resources mentioned on the show: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

🌐Earn and Invest Website & Podcast

🌐Jordan Grumet Website

📗Order The Purpose Code on Amazon

📗Order Taking Stock on Amazon

Catching Up to FI Episode: Purpose, Identity, & Connection | Jordan Grumet | 022

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you!

 

Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.

After 28 years of playing the weather girl on TV, Kristen Knapp moved to part time work to follow her passion for travel planning for the financial independence (FI) community. She shares her fascinating backstory of growing up in poverty, dealing with childhood money trauma, becoming a successful broadcast meteorologist, and ultimately achieving FI. As someone who loves to travel, loves to plan travel, and loves spending time with the FI community, she thought why not combine those things? So, she launched a new venture called 'FI Friends Travel' which offers travel experiences that bring the FI Community together to see the world! Join us as Kristen takes us through how she made this unlikely transformation, even after getting a late start.

🔗Connect with us

 Buy CUtFI a coffee

 Record a message for CUtFI

 

Thank you to our sponsor:

 DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off 

Resources mentioned on the show:

🌐 FI Friends Travel

Email: [email protected] 

CampFI

Economy Conference

Episode Mentioned: From Poverty to Wealth and Early Retirement | Jackie Cummings Koski | 007

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you!

 

Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.

We love games so today we're bringing you a podcast takeover and having some fun with 'Money Jeopardy'! This was recorded live at FinCon 2024 (a conference for personal finance content creators) with 'The Struggle is Real' podcast, hosted by our friend Justin Peters. He’s joined by Jackie Cummings Koski (your co-host on 'Catching Up to FI'), Joel Larsgaard from 'How to Money' and Justin Brown-Woods from 'Price of Avocado Toast' to play!

 The contestants will be choosing questions from 4 categories:

• Binge or Cringe - are you in or out on this personal finance topic
• History of Money - a tough money-related trivia question
• Frugal or Cheap - are you being a good steward of your money or just a cheapo
• Fill in the blank - complete this statement

We weigh in on some serious topics like: Is Couponing Worth it, Using Your Old Student ID for Discounts, Weirdest Way You’ve Made Money, and more. You will chuckle and laugh throughout this whole conversation, but you’ll also pick up tips and tricks along the way. 

 

🔗Connect with us

 Buy CUtFI a coffee

 Record a message for CUtFI

 

Thank you to our sponsor:

 DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off 

 

Resources mentioned on the show: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

The Struggle is Real (Justin Peters)

How to Money (Joel Larsgaard)

Catching Up to FI (Jackie Cummings Koski)

📕 F.I.R.E. For Dummies ~ Jackie Cummings Koski 

👉🏻 https://amzn.to/3BInEgu

Price of Avocado Toast (Justin Brown-Woods)

FinCon

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you!

 

Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.

Happy Holidays! Join us for this lighthearted chat with a longtime friend of the show, Cody Garrett, CFP. He shares his list of the 24 common DIY investment mistakes that might be hindering your path to financial independence and some tips on how to fix them. He steps us through the list which includes things like underutilizing employer benefits, misunderstanding how the 4% "rule" should be applied, and assuming health insurance coverage is expensive in early retirement. Cody is the founder of Measure Twice Money and Measure Twice Planners, and known for his unique advice-only planning approach. 

Be sure to listen to the end as Cody plays a beautiful Holiday piano medley to get us all in this spirit of the season.

 

🔗Connect with us

 Buy CUtFI a coffee

 Record a message for CUtFI

 

Thank you to our sponsor:

 DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off 

 

Resources mentioned on the show:

🌐 Measure Twice Planners

🌐 Measure Twice Money "Create Your Own Financial Plan" Comprehensive Video Course ($100 OFF)

Cody's Create Your Own Financial Plan on YouTube (Free)

Cody's Youtube Channel with recordings of real client meetings

24 DIY Investor Mistakes on LinkedIn

24 DIY Investor Mistakes on X (Twitter)

2024 Bogleheads Conference Recordings on YouTube

 

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you!

 

Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.

In this episode we welcome the legendary Bill Bengen! He is the creator of the infamous 4% rule that is referenced in any quality conversation about retirement and withdrawal rates. There's been spirited debates and lengthy discussions about Bengen's research but there is no one better than the man himself to weigh in on what he thinks about it 30 years later. We talk about the evolution of Bengen's research, his thoughts on market timing vs. managing risk, and he gives us a preview of his upcoming book geared toward consumers.

 

🔗Connect with us

 Buy CUtFI a coffee

 Record a message for CUtFI

 

Thank you to our sponsor:

 DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off 

 

Resources mentioned on the show: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

🌐 Bill Bengen Wikepedia page

Bill Bengen on Kitces podcast/blog 

📗 Conserving Client Portfolios During Retirement

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you!

 

Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.

Today Bill and Jackie are joined by another genius in the world of retirement planning research, David Blanchett, PhD, CFA, CFP. In his role at PGIM, David is responsible for Target Date Funds and Retirement Spending Portfolios. In this episode he discusses redefined retirement concepts, the myths surrounding the 60/40 portfolio and some practical adjustments of the 4% rule. He also explains the 'retirement spending smile,' and retirement strategies for late starters.

 

🔗Connect with us

 Buy CUtFI a coffee

 Record a message for CUtFI

 

Thank you to our sponsor:

 DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off 

 

Resources mentioned on the show:

🌐David's Website

David's Latest Research

A Time-Honored Strategy Puts Your Retirement at Risk of Financial Ruin

Guided Spending Rates: Rethinking “Safe” Initial Withdrawal Rates

Redefining the Optimal Retirement Income Strategy

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you!

 

Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.

In this episode we turn the tables as Bill joins Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP on the Childfree Wealth podcast. Bill shares his journey as a late starter physician who lived largely a paycheck-to-paycheck existence until waking up at age 50. He now co-hosts the 'Catching Up to FI' podcast to help other late starters. Jay is the author of the upcoming book 'The Childfree Guide to Life and Money' and the founder of Childfree Wealth, a financial planning firm that addresses the needs of childfree people in a way that traditional financial companies don’t. Jay and Bill cover topics like investing, long-term care, and preparing for unexpected medical emergencies.

 

🔗Connect with us

 Buy CUtFI a coffee

 Record a message for CUtFI

 

Thank you to our sponsor:

 DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off 

 

Resources mentioned on the show:

🌐 Childfree Wealth 

Order Jay's new book: The Childfree Guide to Life and Money

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you!

 

Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.

Hard to believe that 2024 is almost over but before we close it out, we have some end-of-year financial tips with special guest Eric Simonson, CFP and CEO of Abundo Wealth (an advice-only financial planning firm). Eric shares insights on maximizing different types of contributions, FSAs, charitable donations, and other tax strategies. There are a few things you’ll want to check off your financial to-do list before December 31st; some have a true deadline, and others are smart things you should review every year.

 

Eric also clues us in on a unique service the firm offers- 'travel hacking'. They love teaching skills such as budgeting for trips, finding cost-effective travel options, and maximizing travel rewards programs for their clients. 

 

🔗Connect with us

 Buy CUtFI a coffee

 Record a message for CUtFI

 

Thank you to our sponsor:

 DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off 

 

Resources mentioned on the show:

🌐 Abundo Wealth: Advice-Only Financial Planning for Everyone 

End of Year Financial Checklist: The Must-Do's 

Abundo Wealth Blog

Eric Simonson Interview on Kitces podcast

Beginning in 2025, the catch-up contribution increases for those age 60, 61, 62 or 63 is an extra $11,250

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you!

 

Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.