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)

 

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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: 

🌐 J.C. and Bev's Trip Journal

YNAB (You Need A Budget)

 

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⚠️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.