Catching Up to FI

We're excited to introduce you to our newest 'Catching Up to FI' team member, Patrick McDonnal. In this episode, you'll get to hear some of his money story and how he'll be helping with the show. Patrick discusses his career transition from engineering to financial planning and openly shares how the early financial education he got from his grandfather helped shape his journey. We're also celebrating with Patrick because he just sat for the very challenging, CFP Exam in March and got a preliminary 'Pass'. He is now well on his way to earning his Certified Financial Planner credential.

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=== DEALS AND DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS===

Personal Finance Club: Use code CUTOFI to get $30 OFF any course or PFC investing course only

Nectarine: Advice-Only and Flat-Fee Hourly Fiduciary Financial Advisors (Catching Up to FI will be compensated by Nectarine if you use our affiliate link, which creates an incentive and conflict of interest. We are not current clients or employees of Nectarine.)

For a full list of current deals and discounts from 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.)

FPA NexGen Leadership

CASHFLOW Game

George Kinder / Life Planning

ChooseFI

📗 Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence

Chris Mamula

EconoMe Conference

Personal Finance Club

⏰ 'Catching Up to FI' Episodes

George Kinder (coming in May)

The Powers of Starting Late, Retirement Calculators, and More | Chris Mamula | 086

Simplicity, Empathy, Leadership, Robots, Oh My! | Jeremy Schneider | 056

Stories, Hacks, & Tribes | Brad Barrett | 021

Find Your Camino | Diania Merriam | 029

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.

Joining us on this episode is not just one, but TWO titans in the investing and financial literacy space, Rick Ferri and Paul Merriman. These two great minds go head-to-head on topics like asset allocation, and the risks/rewards of small cap value funds vs. total stock market funds. Through this high energy debate, they also provide expert insights into the various stages of your investing journey. Rick and Paul both share how they empower investors through their platforms and continue their relentless mission of spreading financial education.

🔗Connect with us

☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"

🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question

=== DEALS AND DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS===

🎓 Student Loan Planner

Get a custom student loan plan from our CFP®, CFA and CSLP® professionals. 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

📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement)

Retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. You can get started with the free version or choose the premium option (PlannerPlus) and get a 14-day free trial. 👉🏼 Be sure to use this link to get started: Go.boldin.com/catchingup

For a full list of current deals and discounts from 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.)

🌐RickFerri.com

Bogleheads on Investing Podcast

The John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy

List of Vanguard Funds and ETFs

Bogleheads Investment Policy Statement

🌐PaulMerriman.com

Merriman Financial Education Foundation

Merriman Financial Literacy Program at Western Washington University

Paul Merriman Quilt Charts (1928-2024) - 2024 Returns

Paul Merriman Sound Investing Portfolios Performance (50-50) - 2024 Returns

📗What Works on Wall Street, Fourth Edition

'Catching Up to FI' Episodes:

Financial Literacy and Mastering the Million Dollar Decisions | Paul Merriman | 132

We're Talking Millions! Part 1 | Paul Merriman | 008

We're Talking Millions! Part 2 | Paul Merriman | 009

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.

📈 Between April 3rd and 4th, the stock market dropped 10% and the S&P 500 is down nearly 15% so far this year. That's huge in such a short period of time and downright frightening! So, what do you do? Start by listening to this episode where Bill and Jackie take a deep breath, and discuss the impact of these recent market declines. There is a natural human reaction of fear, but they share tips on tempering those emotions and remaining levelheaded during volatile times. They also talk through the importance of understanding stock market history and cover practical strategies like rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting. They highlight personal experiences from past market drops like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 market scare, stressing the significance of maintaining a long-term perspective.

Tell us how you're feeling about this market drop and any tips you have for other late starters:🎙️ Record a Voice Message here

🔗Connect with us

☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"

Join 'Catching Up to FI' Community Facebook Group 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/groups/catchinguptofi

=== DEALS AND DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS===

🎓 Student Loan Planner

Get a custom student loan plan from our CFP®, CFA and CSLP® professionals. 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

📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement)

Retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. You can get started with the free version or choose the premium option (PlannerPlus) and get a 14-day free trial. 👉🏼 Be sure to use this link to get started: Go.boldin.com/catchingup

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

RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

A Guided Meditation for When the Stock Market is Dropping (JL Collins)

Bogleheads Investment Policy Statement

Rob Berger: Trump, Tariffs and Turmoil | Live Q&A (recording)

Morningstar Article: What We've Learned From 150 Years of Stock Market Crashes: Though they varied in length and severity, the market always recovered and went on to new highs.

AP News Article: A 10% drop for stocks is scary, but isn't that rare

Forbes Article: How Long Do Recessions Last?

Tax Loss Harvesting (Jesse Cramer)

How to Tax-Loss Harvest – Step-by-Step Guide (White Coat Investor)

'Catching Up to FI Episodes'

Space Telescopes, Sunflowers, and Financial Gardening | Jesse Cramer | 105

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

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

F-You Money Part 1 | JL Collins | 023

F-You Money Part 2 | JL Collins | 024

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.

One of the most frequent questions we get about retiring early is: 'How do I get money out of my retirement accounts before age 59.5, without paying the 10% penalty'? This episode answers that question and more with CPA and 72(t) expert, Bill Stecker. Bill is the founder of The Marble Group which specializes in federal income taxes and early retirement distributions. He's also the brilliant mind behind the website '72tcalc', hands down the most comprehensive resource we've found specifically focusing on 72(t)s. Cohost Jackie knows because she set up her own substantially equal periodic payments (SEPP) using IRS rule 72(t) in 2024 and will share some details of her first-hand experience.

If you've been fearful and confused about how 72(t)s work, fear no more! In this episode, we thoroughly break down everything you need to know in a way you've never heard before. We also discuss more than a dozen other ways the IRS allows you to legally avoid federal tax penalties for early withdrawals from your retirement accounts. To make sure we did this topic justice, we turned it into a 2-part series. This is part 2, so make sure you go back and listen to part 1 which was released on March 30th. Both episodes are packed with valuable insights and practical tips for anyone considering early retirement.

🔗Connect with us

☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"

🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question

=== THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR ===

📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement) is our newest sponsor! Boldin is retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. With Boldin, you can:

✅ Track your savings

✅ Get personalized retirement advice based on your goals

✅ Explore investment options to grow your wealth

✅ And create a strategy that's built for your unique needs

You can get started with the free version or choose the premium option (PlannerPlus) and get a 14-day free trial. Be sure to use this link to get started: Go.boldin.com/catchingup

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

RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

🌐72tcalc.com Website

Free consultation with Bill Stecker's Firm- The Marble Group

email: [email protected]

Phone: (312) 361-0221

Jackie's review of 72tcalc.com website

Most recent IRS list of exceptions to 10% tax penalty on early withdrawals

IRS Tax Code 72(t)- Substantially Equal Periodic Payments (SEPP)

IRS Single Life Table- Effective 1/1/2022

IRS website with the listing of recent interest rates (120% of Applicable Federal Midterm Rate)

IRA first time homebuyer exception (you are considered a first-timer if you haven't owned a primary home the past 2 years)

Rule 72(t) Example- Eric Cooper

Rule 72(t) Example- Dare to Draw Down

📱72(t) CALCULATORS

FI Tax Guy Google Sheet

Dinkytown

CalcXML

72tcalc

72net

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.

April is Financial Literacy Month, and to help us celebrate we brought in a returning guest, Paul Merriman. Paul has been on the show before to discuss investment portfolios, but today he talks with us about some extraordinary strides he's making as a financial literacy advocate through his nonprofit, The Merriman Financial Education Foundation. We also share some of our favorite financial literacy resources.

🔗Connect with us

☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"

🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question

=== THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR ===

📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement) is our newest sponsor! Boldin is retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. With Boldin, you can:

✅ Track your savings

✅ Get personalized retirement advice based on your goals

✅ Explore investment options to grow your wealth

✅ And create a strategy that's built for your unique needs

You can get started with the free version or choose the premium option (PlannerPlus) and get a 14-day free trial. Be sure to use this link to get started: Go.boldin.com/catchingup

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

RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

🌐Website

Merriman Financial Literacy Program at Western Washington University

IGrad

Next Gen Personal Finance

White Coat Investor

The John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy

'Catching Up to FI' Episodes:

We're Talking Millions! Part 1 | Paul Merriman | 008

We're Talking Millions! Part 2 | Paul Merriman | 009

Celebrating Financial Literacy Month with Next Gen Personal Finance | Tim Ranzetta | 072

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.

One of the most frequent questions we get about retiring early is: 'How do I get money out of my retirement accounts before age 59.5, without paying the 10% penalty'? This episode answers that question and more with CPA and 72(t) expert, Bill Stecker. Bill is the founder of The Marble Group which specializes in federal income taxes and early retirement distributions. He's also the brilliant mind behind the website '72tcalc', hands down the most comprehensive resource we've found specifically focusing on 72(t)s. Cohost Jackie knows because she set up her own substantially equal periodic payments (SEPP) using IRS rule 72(t) in 2024 and will share some details of her first-hand experience.

If you've been fearful and confused about how 72(t)s work, fear no more! In this episode, we thoroughly break down everything you need to know in a way you've never heard before. We also discuss more than a dozen other ways the IRS allows you to legally avoid federal tax penalties for early withdrawals from your retirement accounts. To make sure we did this topic justice, we turned it into a 2-part series. This is part 1, and part 2 will be released next week; both packed with valuable insights and practical tips for anyone considering early retirement.

⚠️ Clarifications from this episode:

IRS 'Rule of 50' for public safety workers who retire after age 50 are exempt from the 10% early distribution penalty. It does include EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians), however, it does not include all doctors and nurses (see IRS code linked below or read this article). For medical expenses, the 10% early withdrawal penalty can be waived without itemizing your deductions if the amount of unreimbursed medical expenses is more than 7.5% AGI. (see IRS code linked below or read this article).

🔗Connect with us

☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"

🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question

=== THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR ===

📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement) is our newest sponsor! Boldin is retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. You can get started with the free version or choose the premium option (PlannerPlus) and get a 14-day free trial. Be sure to use this link to get started: Go.boldin.com/catchingup

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

RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

🌐72tcalc.com Website

Free consultation with Bill Stecker's Firm- The Marble Group

email: [email protected]

Phone: (312) 361-0221

Jackie's review of 72tcalc.com website

Most recent IRS list of exceptions to 10% tax penalty on early withdrawals

IRS Tax Code 72(t)- Substantially Equal Periodic Payments (SEPP)

IRS Single Life Table- Effective 1/1/2022

IRS website with the listing of recent interest rates (120% of Applicable Federal Midterm Rate)

IRA first time homebuyer exception (you are considered a first-timer if you haven't owned a primary home the past 2 years)

Rule 72(t) Example- Eric Cooper

Rule 72(t) Example- Dare to Draw Down

📱72(t) CALCULATORS

FI Tax Guy Google Sheet

Dinkytown

CalcXML

72tcalc

72net

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.

'Catching Up to FI' founder and co-host, Bill Yount, appeared as a guest on the EverydayFI podcast with host Meghan Combs. The show explores the lives and stories of everyday people in the financial independence community so Bill opens up about his FI journey as a late starter. He of course represents our Catching Up to FI community. He had a lot to say so this is the second part of a two-part episode. The first part was aired last Wednesday (episode 128) so be sure to check it out.

🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website

🔗Connect with us

☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"

🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question

=== THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR ===

📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement) is our newest sponsor! Boldin is retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. With Boldin, you can:

✅ Track your savings

✅ Get personalized retirement advice based on your goals

✅ Explore investment options to grow your wealth

✅ And create a strategy that's built for your unique needs

You can get started with the free version or choose the premium option (PlannerPlus) and get a 14-day free trial. Be sure to use this link to get started: Go.boldin.com/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.)

EverydayFI podcast

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 back the rebels, Katie and Alan Donegan. They are founders of the Rebel Finance School and have turned the concept of financial independence (FI) into an energetic global movement. We are celebrating the launch of their brand-new music album. But it's not just music, it's a Money Revolution and the world's first financial independence album! The Donegans give us a behind the scenes look at the making the of the album and a backstage pass to some of the tracks, including:

🎤 4% Rule

🎤 Badassity (Mustachianism)

🎤 Create a Gap

🎤 The Boring Middle

But wait... there's more! We also get a preview of the Donegans' upcoming book, 'The Rebels Guide to Financial Freedom: Simple Missions to Take you from Zero to Money Superhero'. The forward is written by one of the most recognized names in the FI Movement, Mr. Money Mustache!

🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website

🔗Connect with us

☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"

🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question

=== THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR ===

📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement) is our newest sponsor! Boldin is retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. With Boldin, you can:

✅ Track your savings

✅ Get personalized retirement advice based on your goals

✅ Explore investment options to grow your wealth

✅ And create a strategy that's built for your unique needs

You can get started with the free version or choose the premium option (PlannerPlus) and get a 14-day free trial. Be sure to use this link to get started: Go.boldin.com/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.)

🌐Website

🎶New Album: Money Revolution: The World's First Financial Independence Music Album!

Buy👉🏻 🎵💿

📙New Book: 'The Rebels' Guide to Financial Freedom: Simple Missions to take you from Zero to Money Superhero

Rebel Entrepreneur Podcast

Sign up for Alan & Katie's 2025 Rebel Finance School

Rebel Donegans YouTube

The Shockingly Simple Math behind retiring early retirement article

'Catching Up to FI' Episodes:

Indiana Jones and an Extraordinary Life with the Donegans | Alan and Katie Donegan | 079

Sustainable FIlosophy with Mr. Money Mustache | Pete Adeney | 073

The pURPOSE Code | Jordan Grumet | 115

Mr 4% is now Mr 5% | Bill Bengen | 111

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.

'Catching Up to FI' founder and co-host, Bill Yount, appeared as a guest on the EverydayFI podcast with host Meghan Combs. The show explores the lives and stories of everyday people in the financial independence community so Bill opens up about his FI journey as a late starter. He of course represents our Catching Up to FI community. He had a lot to say so this is a two-parter and will be aired over the next two Wednesday episodes.

🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website

🔗Connect with us

☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"

🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question

=== THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR ===

📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement) is our newest sponsor! Boldin is retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. With Boldin, you can:

✅ Track your savings

✅ Get personalized retirement advice based on your goals

✅ Explore investment options to grow your wealth

✅ And create a strategy that's built for your unique needs

You can get started with the free version or choose the premium option (PlannerPlus) and get a 14-day free trial. Be sure to use this link to get started: Go.boldin.com/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.)

EverydayFI podcast

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.

Jackie is out this week, and her co-host seat is being filled by Mindy Jensen (the hostess with the mostest 😂) from the 'BiggerPockets Money' and 'Living a FI Life' podcasts. In this episode we talk with Matt and Yana Tarr, the married duo behind the 'CoastFI Couple' blog and podcast. The conversation centers around the power of Coast FI, and how open, healthy communication about money can strengthen partnerships and marriages. We also highlight their favorite budgeting and accountability tool, Qube Money and why it's such a great tool for late starters.

🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website

🔗Connect with us

☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"

🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question

=== THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR ===

📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement) is our newest sponsor! Boldin is retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. With Boldin, you can:

✅ Track your savings

✅ Get personalized retirement advice based on your goals

✅ Explore investment options to grow your wealth

✅ And create a strategy that's built for your unique needs

You can get started with the free version or choose the premium option (PlannerPlus) and get a 14-day free trial. Be sure to use this link to get started: Go.boldin.com/catchingup

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

RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

🌐Website: Coast FI Couple

Podcast: Coast FI Couple

Charity: Best Buddies

Qube Money

Mindy's 'Catching Up to FI Episode': From Tech Stocks to Toilet Brushes: The Jensens' FI Journey | Mindy and Carl Jensen | 071

BiggerPockets Money & Living a FI Life podcast (Mindy Jensen)

Inside Out Money podcast (Maggie Tucker)

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.