J.C. and Bev Webber's late-starter journey is proof that resilience + innovation can outrun even a Great Financial Crisis. J.C. gives us his real numbers and how he sprinted from a net worth of ~$120k (age 51) to $1.5M (age 57)—only to see it crash to ~$864k in early 2009. But that didn't derail their plans because he and his wife Bev still retired early and hit the road in their RV. You could say they reached FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) before it was hot! In this episode they walk us through all the twists and turns, giving us the excruciating details that you rarely hear about, including:

1. J.C.'s brother-in-law bailing him out of credit-card debt by loaning him money
2. J.C.'s military service and using the GI Bill hack college
3. Ditching dead-end jobs for higher paying tech careers and eventually retiring from Apple
4. Weathering multiple divorces and proving that it doesn't have to ruin your finances
5. The unshakeable confidence in their human capital
6. Plans to live out their later years in Mexico

=== VOTE FOR US: PLUTUS AWARDS ===

We need your vote for the 2025 Plutus Awards! You can now vote for your hosts behind "Catching Up to FI" - Bill Yount & Jackie Cummings Koski.

✅ WHAT IS THE PLUTUS AWARDS?

The Plutus Awards recognize excellence in independent financial content. That's the best podcasts, books, video channels, blogs, and more.

✅ VOTE

If you've gotten value from our content and think we are worthy of recognition, please support by casting your votes here > >> https://plutus.awardsplatform.com/. There's a short registration needed to vote and you'll be in and out in just a few minutes.

✅ DEADLINE

The deadline to vote is August 30th, 2025. Winners will be announced in October.

✅ CATEGORIES

Below are the categories we have been nominated for and we'd love your vote in each of them.

Catching Up to FI

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Audio
2. Content Creator of the Year: Audio
3. People's Choice: Audio
4. Best Financial Advisor Content/Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP
5. Plutus Storyteller Award
6. Best Traditional Retirement Content
7. Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities
8. Best Personal Finance Content for Women

Other categories

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Written (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
2. Best New Personal Finance Book (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
3. Plutus Resilience Award (Jackie Cummings Koski)
4. Best Financial Independence or Retire Early Content (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)

🌐 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

===DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS===

📈 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

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

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:

🌐 J.C. and Bev's Trip Journal

Images of J.C.'s Spreadsheets and numbers

YNAB (You Need A Budget)

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 midweek episode, Bill and Jackie join the 'The Visible Voices' podcast, hosted by Dr. Resa E Lewiss. We highlight the voice of late starters and discuss:

• The huge gap that 'Catching Up to FI' is filling and what we mean by the 'silent majority'
• How shock, regret, and money-trauma can become fuel
• Unique advantages you may have when beginning your financial independence journey later in life
• Why micro-steps (Kaizen-style) beat grand gestures every time

=== VOTE FOR US: PLUTUS AWARDS ===

We need your vote for the 2025 Plutus Awards! You can now vote for your hosts behind "Catching Up to FI" - Bill Yount & Jackie Cummings Koski.

✅ WHAT IS THE PLUTUS AWARDS?

The Plutus Awards recognize excellence in independent financial content. That's the best podcasts, books, video channels, blogs, and more.

✅ VOTE

If you've gotten value from our content and think we are worthy of recognition, please support by casting your votes here > >> https://plutus.awardsplatform.com/. There's a short registration needed to vote and you'll be in and out in just a few minutes.

✅ DEADLINE

The deadline to vote is August 30th, 2025. Winners will be announced in October.

✅ CATEGORIES

Below are the categories we have been nominated for and we'd love your vote in each of them.

Catching Up to FI

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Audio
2. Content Creator of the Year: Audio
3. People's Choice: Audio
4. Best Financial Advisor Content/Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP
5. Plutus Storyteller Award
6. Best Traditional Retirement Content
7. Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities
8. Best Personal Finance Content for Women

Other categories

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Written (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
2. Best New Personal Finance Book (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
3. Plutus Resilience Award (Jackie Cummings Koski)
4. Best Financial Independence or Retire Early Content (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)

🌐 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

===DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS===

🆕Big changes with student loans in the new budget bill that just passed. Get help from the experts at Student Loan Planner, all 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

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.)

Charity:

🌐 'This Visible Voices' Podcast

Bill and Jackie's Episode on 'The Visible Voices' Podcast

📗 Micro Skills

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 ❤️ Case Studies! Nurse practitioner and mom of three, Lisa, opens up and shares what's in her wallet, and her heart. In this episode we dive into her fascinating late-starter story and financials. She was also this year's brave Case Study at the EconoMe conference and revealed all her numbers in front of a live audience to get crowd-sourced feedback in real time. What transpired afterwards was powerful- she quit her day job and handed in her clinical badge to enjoy a sabbatical she had been longing for! With a little help from some Boldin financial modeling and a Nectarine hourly planner, she made the leap and takes us through exactly how she did it.

=== VOTE FOR US: PLUTUS AWARDS ===

We need your vote for the 2025 Plutus Awards! You can now vote for your hosts behind "Catching Up to FI" - Bill Yount & Jackie Cummings Koski.

✅ WHAT IS THE PLUTUS AWARDS?

The Plutus Awards recognize excellence in independent financial content. That's the best podcasts, books, video channels, blogs, and more.

✅ VOTE

If you've gotten value from our content and think we are worthy of recognition, please support by casting your votes here > >> https://plutus.awardsplatform.com/. There's a short registration needed to vote and you'll be in and out in just a few minutes.

✅ DEADLINE

The deadline to vote is August 30th, 2025. Winners will be announced in October.

✅ CATEGORIES

Below are the categories we have been nominated for and we'd love your vote in each of them.

Catching Up to FI

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Audio
2. Content Creator of the Year: Audio
3. People's Choice: Audio
4. Best Financial Advisor Content/Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP
5. Plutus Storyteller Award
6. Best Traditional Retirement Content
7. Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities
8. Best Personal Finance Content for Women

Other categories

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Written (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
2. Best New Personal Finance Book (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
3. Plutus Resilience Award (Jackie Cummings Koski)
4. Best Financial Independence or Retire Early Content (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)

🌐 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

===DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS===

📈 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

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

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:

Charity: Adelante Latina

🌐 Lisa's Blog

⏬ Catching Up to FI version of Case Study Template (Download and save a copy)

The Advisor Lisa used at Nectarine (John O'Callaghan, CFP®). Book your own session using this Nectarine Affilate Link: https://hellonectarine.com/r/cutfi

Fioneers 'Coast With Confidence' Course

https://thefioneers.com/coast-with-confidence-waitlist

⏰ 'Catching Up to FI' Episodes

Mini Retirements, Sabbaticals, Career Breaks- Yes Please! | Jillian Johnsrud | 153

The Godfather of FI Talks Fatherhood | JL Collins | 149

Vote Your Money: Values Aligned Investing | Janine Firpo | 139

$1M Debt!: "One Dollar at a Time" | Naseema McElroy | 014

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.

Morningstar's Christine Benz and investing-history legend Dr. William Bernstein announces the Jonathan Clements "Getting Going on Savings" Initiative. In 2024, Jonathan was diagnosed with a terminal illness and decided to use the proceeds from a final book to kick-start a new program that will directly help fund Roth IRAs for young adults (especially from low-income households) to the tune of $1,000 each. The John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is assisting with the project and 'Catching Up to FI' is proud to spread the word by replaying this conversation that originally aired on the 'Bogleheads on Investing' podcast (5/27/25).

=== VOTE FOR US: PLUTUS AWARDS ===

We need your vote for the 2025 Plutus Awards! You can now vote for your hosts behind "Catching Up to FI" - Bill Yount & Jackie Cummings Koski.

✅ WHAT IS THE PLUTUS AWARDS?

The Plutus Awards recognize excellence in independent financial content. That's the best podcasts, books, video channels, blogs, and more.

✅ VOTE

If you've gotten value from our content and think we are worthy of recognition, please support by casting your votes here > >> https://plutus.awardsplatform.com/. There's a short registration needed to vote and you'll be in and out in just a few minutes.

✅ DEADLINE

The deadline to vote is August 30th, 2025. Winners will be announced in October.

✅ CATEGORIES

Below are the categories we have been nominated for and we'd love your vote in each of them.

Catching Up to FI

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Audio
2. Content Creator of the Year: Audio
3. People's Choice: Audio
4. Best Financial Advisor Content/Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP
5. Plutus Storyteller Award
6. Best Traditional Retirement Content
7. Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities
8. Best Personal Finance Content for Women

Other categories

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Written (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
2. Best New Personal Finance Book (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
3. Plutus Resilience Award (Jackie Cummings Koski)
4. Best Financial Independence or Retire Early Content (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)

🌐 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

===DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS===

🆕Big changes with student loans in the new budget bill that just passed. Get help from the experts at Student Loan Planner, all 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

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.)

Charity: Jonathan Clements Getting Going on Savings Initiative

📘The Best of Jonathan Clements: Timeless Advice for a Financial Life Well Lived

🌐William Bernstein

🌐Christine Benz

🎙️Bogleheads on Investing- Episode 82

⏰ 'Catching Up to FI' Episodes

How to Bake a Cake: An Asset Allocation Mashup | Rick Ferri & Paul Merriman | 134

Retirement Remix: Crafting Financial Futures with Purpose | Christine Benz | 117

How to Think About Time: A Humble Legacy | Jonathan Clements | 081

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.

Nick Maggiulli is the data-driven creator of the blog 'Of Dollars And Data', Chief Operating Officer at Ritholtz Wealth, and author of the newly released book 'The Wealth Ladder'. He joins us on the show to break down his six-level wealth ladder and openly shares some of his steps and missteps as he moved up on his own wealth-building journey. In this episode, we discuss these financial insights he shared in the book:

• Six Wealth Levels (
• 0.01 % Daily-Growth Spending Rule
• Grocery / Restaurant / Travel Freedom progression
• Cookie-cutter asset allocation across ALL accounts
• Health-span extension as a late-starter strategy

=== VOTE FOR US: PLUTUS AWARDS ===

We need your vote for the 2025 Plutus Awards! You can now vote for your hosts behind "Catching Up to FI" - Bill Yount & Jackie Cummings Koski.

✅ WHAT IS THE PLUTUS AWARDS?

The Plutus Awards recognize excellence in independent financial content. That's the best podcasts, books, video channels, blogs, and more.

✅ VOTE

If you've gotten value from our content and think we are worthy of recognition, please support by casting your votes here > >> https://plutus.awardsplatform.com/. There's a short registration needed to vote and you'll be in and out in just a few minutes.

✅ DEADLINE

The deadline to vote is August 30th, 2025. Winners will be announced in October.

✅ CATEGORIES

Below are the categories we have been nominated for and we'd love your vote in each of them.

Catching Up to FI

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Audio
2. Content Creator of the Year: Audio
3. People's Choice: Audio
4. Best Financial Advisor Content/Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP
5. Plutus Storyteller Award
6. Best Traditional Retirement Content
7. Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities
8. Best Personal Finance Content for Women

Other categories

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Written (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
2. Best New Personal Finance Book (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
3. Plutus Resilience Award (Jackie Cummings Koski)
4. Best Financial Independence or Retire Early Content (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)

🌐 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

===DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS===

🆕Big changes with student loans in the new budget bill that just passed. Get help from the experts at Student Loan Planner, all 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

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.)

Charity: Malaria Consortium

🌐 Of Dollars and Data

📗 The Wealth Ladder

📘 Just Keep Buying

Survey of Consumer Finances

The Panel Study of Income Dynamics

Saving is For the Poor, Investing is For the Rich

⏰ 'Catching Up to FI' Episodes

How to Bake a Cake: An Asset Allocation Mashup | Rick Ferri & Paul Merriman | 134

How to Think About Time: A Humble Legacy | Jonathan Clements | 081

How a Second Grader Beats Wall Street | Allan Roth | 033

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.

Bill hops onto Jesse Cramer's 'Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors' (formally The Best Interest) podcast. Along with some of our favorite content creators, he shares his crazy spending screw ups-- and the life lessons that followed. Stories from:

• Bill Yount (Catching Up to FI)
• Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance For Long-Term Investors)
• Diania Merriam (EconoMe Conference & Optimal Finance Daily)
• Justin Peters (FI Minded, formally The Struggle is Real)
• Jordan (Doc G) Grumet (Earn & Invest)
• Joe Saul-Sehy (Stacking Benjamins)
• Jeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club)

=== VOTE FOR US: PLUTUS AWARDS ===

We need your vote for the 2025 Plutus Awards! You can now vote for your hosts behind "Catching Up to FI" - Bill Yount & Jackie Cummings Koski.

✅ WHAT IS THE PLUTUS AWARDS?

The Plutus Awards recognize excellence in independent financial content. That's the best podcasts, books, video channels, blogs, and more.

✅ VOTE

If you've gotten value from our content and think we are worthy of recognition, please support by casting your votes here > >> https://plutus.awardsplatform.com/. There's a short registration needed to vote and you'll be in and out in just a few minutes.

✅ DEADLINE

The deadline to vote is August 30th, 2025. Winners will be announced in October.

✅ CATEGORIES

Below are the categories we have been nominated for and we'd love your vote in each of them.

Catching Up to FI

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Audio
2. Content Creator of the Year: Audio
3. People's Choice: Audio
4. Best Financial Advisor Content/Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP
5. Plutus Storyteller Award
6. Best Traditional Retirement Content
7. Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities
8. Best Personal Finance Content for Women

Other categories

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Written (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
2. Best New Personal Finance Book (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
3. Plutus Resilience Award (Jackie Cummings Koski)
4. Best Financial Independence or Retire Early Content (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)

🌐 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

===DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS===

🆕Big changes with student loans in the new budget bill that just passed. Get help from the experts at Student Loan Planner, all 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

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.)

Bill Yount (Catching Up to FI)

Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance For Long-Term Investors)

Diania Merriam (EconoMe Conference & Optimal Finance Daily)

Justin Peters (FI Minded, formally The Struggle is Real)

Jordan (Doc G) Grumet (Earn & Invest)

https://jordangrumet.com/

Joe Saul-Sehy (Stacking Benjamins)

Jeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club)

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.

Bogleheads favorite Jon Luskin, CFP® drops in for part 2 of his masterclass on embracing simplicity. He specializes in providing hourly advice to do-it-yourself investors and is a long-time advocate of simple, low-cost investing. In this second part he shares with us:

• Simple Investor Policy Statement (IPS)

• All-in-One Funds: target date and balanced/life-strategy funds as "default simple" solutions

• Disability, life, and (if appropriate) long-term care insurance

This is the second part of a 2 part episode. Click here to listen to part 1.

=== VOTE FOR US: PLUTUS AWARDS ===

We need your vote for the 2025 Plutus Awards! You can now vote for your hosts behind "Catching Up to FI" - Bill Yount & Jackie Cummings Koski.

✅ WHAT IS THE PLUTUS AWARDS?

The Plutus Awards recognize excellence in independent financial content. That's the best podcasts, books, video channels, blogs, and more.

✅ VOTE

If you've gotten value from our content and think we are worthy of recognition, please support by casting your votes here > >> https://plutus.awardsplatform.com/. There's a short registration needed to vote and you'll be in and out in just a few minutes.

✅ DEADLINE

The deadline to vote is August 30th, 2025. Winners will be announced in October.

✅ CATEGORIES

Below are the categories we have been nominated for and we'd love your vote in each of them.

Catching Up to FI

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Audio
2. Content Creator of the Year: Audio
3. People's Choice: Audio
4. Best Financial Advisor Content/Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP
5. Plutus Storyteller Award
6. Best Traditional Retirement Content
7. Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities
8. Best Personal Finance Content for Women

Other categories

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Written (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
2. Best New Personal Finance Book (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
3. Plutus Resilience Award (Jackie Cummings Koski)
4. Best Financial Independence or Retire Early Content (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)

📩 Sign up for our newsletter NEW!

🌐 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

DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS

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.)

Charity:

Jonathan Clements Getting Going on Savings Initiative

📘 The Best of Jonathan Clements: Timeless Advice for a Financial Life Well Lived

🌐Jon's Website

Jon's Sample Financial Reviews

Jon' Thesis paper: Measuring the Value Added by Alternative Assets within the Investment Pools of Non-profit Organization

Bogleheads Live- Episode 39: Disability Insurance

Kitces Article: Why Tax-Loss Harvesting During Down Markets Isn't Always A Good Idea

Bogleheads on Investing Podcast

Bogleheads Investment Policy Statement

The John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy

2025 Bogleheads Conference (Oct 17-19, San Antonio)

⏰ 'Catching Up to FI' Episodes referenced

Retirement Remix: Crafting Financial Futures with Purpose | Christine Benz | 117

Tactical Tips and Tripwires: The DIY Financial Planner's Guide | Cody Garrett | 112

How to Think About Money | Jonathan Clements | 040

How a Second Grader Beats Wall Street | Allan Roth | 033

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.

Bogleheads favorite Jon Luskin, CFP® drops in for a masterclass on keeping money moves "so dull they sparkle." He specializes in providing hourly advice to do-it-yourself investors and is a long-time advocate of simple, low-cost investing. In this episode he shares with us:

• Why every late-starter's to-do list should begin with an emergency fund and Social Security game plan before touching their asset mix
• How low fees—not "sexy" alts—make numbers grow
• His soup-to-nuts review (including insurance gaps, estate docs and Investor Policy Statement)
• How simplicity wins

This is the first part of a 2 part episode. Click here to listen to part 2.

=== VOTE FOR US: PLUTUS AWARDS ===

We need your vote for the 2025 Plutus Awards! You can now vote for your hosts behind "Catching Up to FI" - Bill Yount & Jackie Cummings Koski.

✅ WHAT IS THE PLUTUS AWARDS?

The Plutus Awards recognize excellence in independent financial content. That's the best podcasts, books, video channels, blogs, and more.

✅ VOTE

If you've gotten value from our content and think we are worthy of recognition, please support by casting your votes here > >> https://plutus.awardsplatform.com/. There's a short registration needed to vote and you'll be in and out in just a few minutes.

✅ DEADLINE

The deadline to vote is August 30th, 2025. Winners will be announced in October.

✅ CATEGORIES

Below are the categories we have been nominated for and we'd love your vote in each of them.

Catching Up to FI

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Audio
2. Content Creator of the Year: Audio
3. People's Choice: Audio
4. Best Financial Advisor Content/Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP
5. Plutus Storyteller Award
6. Best Traditional Retirement Content
7. Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities
8. Best Personal Finance Content for Women

Other categories

1. Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Written (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
2. Best New Personal Finance Book (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
3. Plutus Resilience Award (Jackie Cummings Koski)
4. Best Financial Independence or Retire Early Content (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)

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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.)

Charity:

Jonathan Clements Getting Going on Savings Initiative

📘 The Best of Jonathan Clements: Timeless Advice for a Financial Life Well Lived

🌐Jon's Website

Jon's Sample Financial Reviews

Jon' Thesis paper: Measuring the Value Added by Alternative Assets within the Investment Pools of Non-profit Organization

Bogleheads Live- Episode 39: Disability Insurance

Kitces Article: Why Tax-Loss Harvesting During Down Markets Isn't Always A Good Idea

Bogleheads on Investing Podcast

Bogleheads Investment Policy Statement

The John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy

2025 Bogleheads Conference (Oct 17-19, San Antonio)

⏰ 'Catching Up to FI' Episodes referenced

Retirement Remix: Crafting Financial Futures with Purpose | Christine Benz | 117

Tactical Tips and Tripwires: The DIY Financial Planner's Guide | Cody Garrett | 112

How to Think About Money | Jonathan Clements | 040

How a Second Grader Beats Wall Street | Allan Roth | 033

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.

You asked and we answered! In this episode we tackle listener questions with more than just a one-sentence response… we go deeper and give you answers with our thoughtful insights, ideas and considerations important to late starters. These are the questions we cover on today's show:

✅ Bill's costly mistake with whole-life insurance; what should you do instead?

✅ How does the $19,000 annual gift tax exclusion work?

✅ Do I have too much in cash as I'm approaching retirement?

✅ I'm new to investing and pay someone to manage my 401(k). I also want to start a Roth IRA, is now a good time?

✅ What if you're low income and can barely save, how do you move the needle?

✅ What is the middle class trap?

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🌐 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

===DEALS & 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

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.)

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

📗The Wealth Ladder by Nick Maggiulli

Podcast episode with Nick Maggiulli coming July 27th, 2025

Rebel Finance School

Portfolio Visualizer

⏰ 'Catching Up to FI' Episodes referenced

A Boat Named YOLO | Bill Yount | 001

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

SpongeBob and Drawdown Strategies | Frank Vasquez | 044

Life & Taxes | Sean Mullaney | 013

72(t) Expert Tells All: No More Secrets About Early Withdrawals (Part 1) | Bill Stecker | 131

Cashing in on 72(t): The Goldmine of Early Retirement Rules (Part2) | Bill Stecker | 133

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.

On this mid-week episode we join the upbeat creators of 'Rebel Finance School', Alan and Katie Donegan, for a turbo-charged pep rally aimed at every late-starter who's ever whispered "it's too late for me." We kicked off the Donegans' free 10-week course that's helping thousands around the world on their journey to FI.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter NEW!

🌐 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

===DEALS & 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

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.)

🌐Rebel Finance School

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

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

Rebel Entrepreneur Podcast

Rebel Donegans YouTube

⏰ 'Catching Up to FI' Episodes referenced

Not Just Another Album, It's A Money Revolution! | Alan & Katie Donegan | 129

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

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.