Catching Up to FI
Bill Yount & Jackie Cummings Koski
A mindset, money, and life podcast for late starters catching up to Financial Independence.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 22, 2025 โข 12min
Taking it to the Streets: Best Pro Tips for Late Starters | FinCon Attendees | 118
In this episode, we're taking it to the streets of Atlanta, GA where the 2024 FinCon took place. FinCon is the largest (and funnest) conference for independent content creators in the personal finance space. We wish you could have been there but since we couldn't bring our audience to FinCon, we're bringing a little FinCon to you. We chatted with some of them and asked the big question: "What is your best tip for late starters?" ๐Connect with us Buy CUtFI a coffee Record a message for CUtFI Huge thanks to our fellow content creators that contributed their valuable tips! (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) Gwen Merz (Firey Millennials) ๐ Firey Millennials Rocky Lalvani (Profit Comes First) ๐ Profit Comes First Heather Phillips (Tiller) ๐ Tiller Fritz Gilbert (Retirement Manifesto) ๐ Retirement Manifesto Podcast Episode: Hard & Soft Sides of Retirement | Fritz Gilbert | 019 ๐ Keys to a Successful Retirement: Staying Happy, Active, and Productive in Your Retired Years Buy๐๐ป https://amzn.to/4g31kMr Diania Merriam (EconoMe Conference) ๐ EconoMe Conference Podcast Episode: Find Your Camino | Diania Merriam | 029 Skyler Fleming (Money Talk with Skyler Fleming) ๐ Money Talk with Skyler Fleming Sean Mullaney (The FI Tax Guy) ๐ The FI Tax Guy Podcast Episodes: Year End Tax Planning | Sean Mullaney | 045 Life & Taxes | Sean Mullaney | 013 Doug Nordman aka Nords (Military Financial Independence) ๐ Military Financial Independence Podcast Episode: Catching the Wave to FI | Doug Nordman & Carol Pittner | 067 ๐Raising Your Money-Savvy Family For Next Generation Financial Independence Buy๐๐ป https://amzn.to/4jpGLNs ๐Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement Buy๐๐ป https://amzn.to/40DVrRt Larry Tuch (The Abundant Wallet) ๐ The Abundant Wallet Crystina Cardozo (Run the Numbers) ๐ Run the Numbers Avanti Shetye (Wealthwyzr) ๐ Wealthwyzr Aseefa Ismail (Balanced Checkbook) ๐ Balanced Checkbook Marvรก Morrow ๐ Marvรก Morrow 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.

Jan 19, 2025 โข 46min
Retirement Remix: Crafting Financial Futures with Purpose | Christine Benz | 117
Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning at Morningstar, shares invaluable insights from her book, 'How to Retire'. She emphasizes the necessity of early retirement planning and building strong social networks to enhance quality of life. Topics include the unique financial challenges women face, particularly regarding longevity and caregiving, and strategies for post-divorce financial security. Christine highlights the importance of aligning personal values with retirement spending and nurturing daily joys for a fulfilling life.

Jan 12, 2025 โข 57min
Value-Based Spending: The Latte Chronicles | Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni | 116
In this episode, we talk with Jen and Jill from the Frugal Friends Podcast and authors of the new book Buy What You Love Without Going Broke. They believe the secret to saving money isn't in coupons and sales, it's in identifying what you value and pursuing it unapologetically. We chat about how value-based spending can meet higher emotional and psychological needs beyond mere financial savings. The Frugal Friends also share personal stories of overcoming debt, understanding the 'real' needs behind our purchases, and how frugality can be both sustainable and enjoyable. ๐Connect with us Buy CUtFI a coffee Record a message for CUtFI ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ Check out our new partners and affiliates: ๐ฐMyBudgetCoach MyBudgetCoach is the only budgeting app to connect every user with a real-life coach from Day 1. You pick the coach that resonates most with you from their directory. You can message your coach or set up a one-on-one call with them for an additional fee. Unlock 35 Days of free financial coaching and start making Smart Money Moves plus receive 10% off subscription costs by entering code: Catchingup ๐ Student Loan Planner Get a custom student loan plan from our CFPยฎ, CFA and CSLPยฎ professionals. Student Loan Planner has consulted on hundreds of millions in student debt and found millions in forecasted student loan savings for clients they've worked with. 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 ๐๐ผ Be sure to use this link: studentloanplanner.com/catchingup ๐ ProjectionLab Build Financial Plans You Love. ProjectionLab is a financial modeling tool for people seeking financial independence and retirement. Battle-test your plans against varying market conditions and build confidence in your chance of success using. Monte Carlo simulations. Get started for free. No sign-up or credit card required. ๐๐ผ Be sure to use this link: https://projectionlab.com/?ref=catchingup ๐ธLunch Money Lunch Money has been making personal finance management delightfully simple for the modern-day spender since 2019 and steadily built a loyal customer base of thousands of users in 30+ different countries. They have a pay-what-you-want pricing plan for annual subscriptions starting at $50. ๐๐ผ Be sure to use this link: https://lunchmoney.app/?fp_ref=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.) ๐ Frugal Friends Podcast ๐Order "Buy What You Love Without Going Broke" on Amazon Bloom for Women 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.

Jan 5, 2025 โข 57min
The pURPOSE Code | Jordan Grumet | 115
Jordan Grumet is a multi-talented hospice doctor and the host of the award-winning 'Earn & Invest' podcast. He dives into the differences between Big 'P' and little 'p' purpose, revealing how the latter can lead to true happiness. Jordan emphasizes the importance of personal legacy and generational growth while sharing his journey toward financial independence. He inspires listeners to reconnect with childhood joys and navigate their own paths to fulfillment, illustrating that joy often resides in simplicity and meaningful choices.

Dec 29, 2024 โข 1h 4min
Weathering Financial Storms | Kristen Knapp | 114
After 28 years of playing the weather girl on TV, Kristen Knapp moved to part time work to follow her passion for travel planning for the financial independence (FI) community. She shares her fascinating backstory of growing up in poverty, dealing with childhood money trauma, becoming a successful broadcast meteorologist, and ultimately achieving FI. As someone who loves to travel, loves to plan travel, and loves spending time with the FI community, she thought why not combine those things? So, she launched a new venture called 'FI Friends Travel' which offers travel experiences that bring the FI Community together to see the world! Join us as Kristen takes us through how she made this unlikely transformation, even after getting a late start. ๐Connect with us Buy CUtFI a coffee Record a message for CUtFI Thank you to our sponsor: DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off Resources mentioned on the show: ๐ FI Friends Travel Email: kristen@fifriendstravel.com CampFI Economy Conference Episode Mentioned: From Poverty to Wealth and Early Retirement | Jackie Cummings Koski | 007 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.

Dec 25, 2024 โข 1h 2min
FINCON Jeopardy | Justin Peters, Joel Larsgaard & Justin Brown-Woods | 113
We love games so today we're bringing you a podcast takeover and having some fun with 'Money Jeopardy'! This was recorded live at FinCon 2024 (a conference for personal finance content creators) with 'The Struggle is Real' podcast, hosted by our friend Justin Peters. He's joined by Jackie Cummings Koski (your co-host on 'Catching Up to FI'), Joel Larsgaard from 'How to Money' and Justin Brown-Woods from 'Price of Avocado Toast' to play! The contestants will be choosing questions from 4 categories: Binge or Cringe - are you in or out on this personal finance topic History of Money - a tough money-related trivia question Frugal or Cheap - are you being a good steward of your money or just a cheapo Fill in the blank - complete this statement We weigh in on some serious topics like: Is Couponing Worth it, Using Your Old Student ID for Discounts, Weirdest Way You've Made Money, and more. You will chuckle and laugh throughout this whole conversation, but you'll also pick up tips and tricks along the way. ๐Connect with us Buy CUtFI a coffee Record a message for CUtFI Thank you to our sponsor: DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off Resources mentioned on the show: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) The Struggle is Real (Justin Peters) How to Money (Joel Larsgaard) Catching Up to FI (Jackie Cummings Koski) ๐ F.I.R.E. For Dummies ~ Jackie Cummings Koski ๐๐ป https://amzn.to/3BInEgu Price of Avocado Toast (Justin Brown-Woods) FinCon 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.

Dec 22, 2024 โข 1h 6min
Tactical Tips and Tripwires: The DIY Financial Planner's Guide | Cody Garrett | 112
Cody Garrett, founder of Measure Twice Money and an expert in advice-only financial planning, shares 24 common DIY investment mistakes. He highlights pitfalls like underutilizing employer benefits and misapplying the 4% rule. Cody emphasizes the importance of strategic planning as you approach retirement, discussing topics such as Roth accounts and health insurance. The conversation wraps up with a delightful Holiday piano medley, perfectly capturing the festive spirit!

Dec 15, 2024 โข 58min
Mr 4% is now Mr 5% | Bill Bengen | 111
Bill Bengen, the mastermind behind the 4% rule, shares his insights on retirement planning and market strategies. He reflects on how his research has evolved over 30 years, tackling pressing questions about risk management versus market timing. Bengen offers a sneak peek into his upcoming book, encouraging retirees to be more flexible with their spending. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability in portfolio management and shares valuable advice for late financial starters, making retirement planning less daunting and more attainable.

Dec 8, 2024 โข 49min
Say Cheese!: The Retirement Spending Smile | David Blanchett | 110
Today Bill and Jackie are joined by another genius in the world of retirement planning research, David Blanchett, PhD, CFA, CFP. In his role at PGIM, David is responsible for Target Date Funds and Retirement Spending Portfolios. In this episode he discusses redefined retirement concepts, the myths surrounding the 60/40 portfolio and some practical adjustments of the 4% rule. He also explains the 'retirement spending smile,' and retirement strategies for late starters. ๐Connect with us Buy CUtFI a coffee Record a message for CUtFI Thank you to our sponsor: DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off Resources mentioned on the show: ๐David's Website David's Latest Research A Time-Honored Strategy Puts Your Retirement at Risk of Financial Ruin Guided Spending Rates: Rethinking "Safe" Initial Withdrawal Rates Redefining the Optimal Retirement Income Strategy 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.

Dec 4, 2024 โข 47min
Childfree Wealth and Life Planning | Dr. Jay Zigmont | 109
In this episode we turn the tables as Bill joins Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP on the Childfree Wealth podcast. Bill shares his journey as a late starter physician who lived largely a paycheck-to-paycheck existence until waking up at age 50. He now co-hosts the 'Catching Up to FI' podcast to help other late starters. Jay is the author of the upcoming book 'The Childfree Guide to Life and Money' and the founder of Childfree Wealth, a financial planning firm that addresses the needs of childfree people in a way that traditional financial companies don't. Jay and Bill cover topics like investing, long-term care, and preparing for unexpected medical emergencies. ๐Connect with us Buy CUtFI a coffee Record a message for CUtFI Thank you to our sponsor: DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off Resources mentioned on the show: ๐ Childfree Wealth Order Jay's new book: The Childfree Guide to Life and Money 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.


