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.