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.

Jackie Cummings Koski is co-host of the 'Catching Up to FI' podcast and author of the book 'F.I.R.E. For Dummies'. In case you're new here, FIRE stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. In this episode, Jackie comes clean and publicly shares her non-FIRE confessions. Recorded at a CampFI near San Diego, she reveals surprising financial decisions that didn't exactly follow the 'rules' of FI, and some are downright shocking… such as taking a 401(k) loan (don't judge too soon😁). These moves may have gone against traditional FI principles, but they didn't ruin her plans or curb her enthusiasm.

From her early life in poverty to building wealth through strategic saving and investing, Jackie provides a transparent look at her imperfect journey, aiming to inspire others on the path to FI. She not only shares her real numbers, but also her genuine thoughts and feelings beyond the math. Join us to learn from her experience and embrace the big takeaway that 'precision is not required' to reach your financial goals, even when you're getting a late start.

🗣️ SHARE YOUR CONFESSION! Do you have a non-FI confession to make??? Leave us a voice message and we may just play it on a future show! Use this link to record a message from your computer or right from your phone: 📲 https://catchinguptofi.com/contact-us/#voicemail

🌐 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:

🌐Jackie's website FInomenalWoman.com

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

📕Jackie's book: 'F.I.R.E. For Dummies'

📈Jackie's Investment Club through BetterInvesting.org

CampFI website

Watch other inspiring talks on CampFI's YouTube channel

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.

Lynnette Khalfani-Cox (also known as 'The Money Coach') is an icon in the financial media and financial education space. She is the author of 16 money-management books, including the New York Times bestseller 'Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom'. Lynette joins us on this episode to share some of the big takeaways from her latest book 'Bounce Back', offering practical and emotional guidance for those recovering from financial setbacks. She guides us on how to take on―and defeat―the most common and difficult challenges most of us face, like being downsized from a job, disasters, debt, divorce, discrimination, and more. Lynette also gets vulnerable with us, sharing her emotional stories about dealing with her own divorce and the death of her sister.

🌐 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

Ask the Money Coach

YouTube

📕Bounce Back: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Resilience

📗The Bounce Back Workbook: The Interactive Companion Guide to Bounce Back

CNBC Make It: How I Achieved The Perfect Credit Score — Here's The Magic Formula I Used

The Nourish Spot in NYC

Charity: Big Sister Little Sister of Houston

Charity: Electus Global Education (Life Hub)

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.

Frank Vasquez (also affectionately known as Uncle Frank) is a mostly retired lawyer and host of the 'Risk Parity Radio' podcast. In this episode, he gives us a dose of his investing wisdom complete with his unique 'SpongeBob' sense of humor. We discuss financial independence (FI) in the older years, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the fruits of your labor after decades of saving. We explore diversified portfolios, the principles of risk parity, and introduce listeners to various investment approaches such as the 'Golden Butterfly' and 'Golden Ratio' portfolios. Frank also shares his thoughts on the shortcomings of traditional personal finance gurus, who often fail to provide viable strategies for retirement spending.

🌐 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 SPONSORS ===

📈 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

💵Student Loan Planner

Flat fee for a one-on-one consultation is normally $595, but after your $100 off 'Catching Up to FI' discount, it's $495. 👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: link

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.)

🌐Risk Parity Radio website

🎙️Risk Parity Radio podcast

Portfolio Charts https://portfoliocharts.com/

Charity: Father McKenna Center

Catching Up to FI podcast episodes:

SpongeBob and Drawdown Strategies | Frank Vasquez | 044

Sequence of Returns Risk: What Every Retiree Needs to Know | Karsten Jeske | 106

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.