Catching Up to FI

Latest Episodes:

"Mama, Are We Poor?": a Single Mom's Millionaire Mindset | Monica Scudieri | 120 Feb 02, 2025

Show notes

Monica Scudieri started late on her financial independence journey but finished early. Her financial watershed moment was when she discovered she had $257,000 in debt. She was in serious financial despair but managed to slowly dig out. The progress she made was impressive and just ten years later, she reached financial independence. In this episode Monica shares the challenges she faced as a divorced single mom, her parents' immigrant story, and the smart, scrappy moves she made to transform her financial life.

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=== NEW 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:

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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.)

🌐 Grab Your Slice of Financial Independence

📗Order 'Grab Your Slice of Financial Independence' on Amazon

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ESI Money article: Journey to FIRE as a Late Starting Single Parent

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.

Leaning Out: Cracking the Burnout Code | Dawn Baker | 119 Jan 26, 2025

Show notes

Ever felt burnout creeping into your life? Then join us for this discussion about tackling the widespread issue of burnout with Dr. Dawn Baker, author of the book 'Lean Out'. Discover practical advice for high-powered professionals struggling with exhaustion, cynicism, and lack of motivation. Whether you're an overworked physician, a stressed corporate employee, or overloaded entrepreneur, this episode will give you actionable tips to help you regain balance and find fulfillment.

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🔥🔥🔥 Check out these discounts from our new partners:

💰MyBudgetCoach

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. Unlock 35 Days of free financial coaching and start making Smart Money Moves plus receive 10% off subscription costs by entering code: Catchingup

🎓 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

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.)

🌐 Practice Balance

📗Order 'Lean Out' on Amazon

Lean Out Podcast

In the Line of FIRE | Escaping Avalon | 090

Money Zen | Manisha Thakor | 055

📕The Purpose Code: How to unlock meaning, maximize happiness, and leave a lasting legacy ~Jordan Grumet

Taking it to the Streets: Best Pro Tips for Late Starters | FinCon Attendees | 118 Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

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?"

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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)

🌐 Firey Millennials

Rocky Lalvani (Profit Comes First)

🌐 Profit Comes First

Heather Phillips (Tiller)

🌐 Tiller

Fritz Gilbert (Retirement Manifesto)

🌐 Retirement Manifesto

Podcast Episode: Hard & Soft Sides of Retirement | Fritz Gilbert | 019

📗 Keys to a Successful Retirement: Staying Happy, Active, and Productive in Your Retired Years Buy👉🏻 https://amzn.to/4g31kMr

Diania Merriam (EconoMe Conference)

🌐 EconoMe Conference

Podcast Episode: Find Your Camino | Diania Merriam | 029

Skyler Fleming (Money Talk with Skyler Fleming)

🌐 Money Talk with Skyler Fleming

Sean Mullaney (The FI Tax Guy)

🌐 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)

🌐 Military Financial Independence

Podcast Episode: Catching the Wave to FI | Doug Nordman & Carol Pittner | 067

📗Raising Your Money-Savvy Family For Next Generation Financial Independence

Buy👉🏻 https://amzn.to/4jpGLNs

📕Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement

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Larry Tuch (The Abundant Wallet)

🌐 The Abundant Wallet

Crystina Cardozo (Run the Numbers)

🌐 Run the Numbers

Avanti Shetye (Wealthwyzr)

🌐 Wealthwyzr

Aseefa Ismail (Balanced Checkbook)

🌐 Balanced Checkbook

Marvá Morrow

🌐 Marvá Morrow

Retirement Remix: Crafting Financial Futures with Purpose | Christine Benz | 117 Jan 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode we welcome back Christine Benz, director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar. Christine is one of the most respected thought leaders on the topic of retirement and shares insights from her new book, 'How to Retire'. We discuss the importance of preparing for retirement well in advance, building social networks, the significance of diversity in relationships, and more. Today's show is packed with valuable advice and a must listen for anyone approaching or in retirement.

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🔥🔥🔥 Check out our new partners and affiliates:

💰MyBudgetCoach 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

🎓 Student Loan Planner Get a custom student loan plan from our CFP®, CFA and CSLP® 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

👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: studentloanplanner.com/catchingup

📈 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.

👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: projectionlab.com/catchingup

💸Lunch 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.

👉🏼 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.)

🌐 Morningstar

📗Order "How to Retire: 20 lessons for a happy, successful, and wealthy retirement" on Amazon

The Long View

John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy

Bogleheads Conference

William Bengen

opensocialsecurity.com

Bogleheads Conference 2023 - Jordan Grumet on Living without Regrets

bogleheads.org

Catching Up to FI Episodes mentioned:

The Life and Death of The 4% Rule | Christine Benz | 077

Social Security Made Simple | Mike Piper | 054

Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk | Cameron Huddleston | 048

How to Think About Money | Jonathan Clements | 040

Purpose, Identity, & Connection | Jordan Grumet | 022

Hard & Soft Sides of Retirement | Fritz Gilbert | 019

Say Cheese!: The Retirement Spending Smile | David Blanchett | 110

F-You Money Part 1 | JL Collins | 023

F-You Money Part 2 | JL Collins | 024

Pathfinders: Stories of Success and Financial Independence | JL Collins | 069

Pathfinders: Triumphs and Trials on the Road to Financial Independence | JL Collins | 070

Jennifer Rozelle (coming in February 2025)

Value-Based Spending: The Latte Chronicles | Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni | 116 Jan 12, 2025

Show notes

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.

🔗Connect with us

Buy CUtFI a coffee

Record a message for CUtFI

🔥🔥🔥 Check out our new partners and affiliates:

💰MyBudgetCoach

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

🎓 Student Loan Planner

Get a custom student loan plan from our CFP®, CFA and CSLP® 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

👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: studentloanplanner.com/catchingup

📈 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.

👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: https://projectionlab.com/?ref=catchingup

💸Lunch 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.

👉🏼 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.)

🌐 Frugal Friends Podcast

📗Order "Buy What You Love Without Going Broke" on Amazon

Bloom for Women

The pURPOSE Code | Jordan Grumet | 115 Jan 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode we are joined by the multi-talented Jordan Grumet, a hospice doctor, storyteller, and the host of the award-winning 'Earn & Invest' podcast. Jordan shares insights from his latest book, 'The Purpose Code', diving deep into the nuances of Big 'P' vs Little 'p' purpose, legacy, and finding true happiness. From his personal journey from medicine to financial independence, to discussing meaningful legacy and generational growth, Jordan offers valuable advice for late starters. Listen in to discover why Little 'p' Purpose might just be the key to a joyful and fulfilled life, and how you can start integrating it into your daily routine.

🔗Connect with us

Buy CUtFI a coffee

Record a message for CUtFI

🔗Connect with us

Buy CUtFI a coffee

Record a message for CUtFI

🔥🔥🔥 Check out our new partners and affiliates:

👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: projectionlab.com/catchingup

👉🏼 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.)

🌐Earn and Invest Website & Podcast

🌐Jordan Grumet Website

📗Order The Purpose Code on Amazon

📗Order Taking Stock on Amazon

Catching Up to FI Episode: Purpose, Identity, & Connection | Jordan Grumet | 022

Weathering Financial Storms | Kristen Knapp | 114 Dec 29, 2024

Show notes

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.

🔗Connect with us

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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:

🌐 FI Friends Travel

Email: kristen@fifriendstravel.com

CampFI

Economy Conference

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

FINCON Jeopardy | Justin Peters, Joel Larsgaard & Justin Brown-Woods | 113 Dec 25, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Buy CUtFI a coffee

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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)

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

👉🏻 https://amzn.to/3BInEgu

Price of Avocado Toast (Justin Brown-Woods)

FinCon

Tactical Tips and Tripwires: The DIY Financial Planner's Guide | Cody Garrett | 112 Dec 22, 2024

Show notes

Happy Holidays! Join us for this lighthearted chat with a longtime friend of the show, Cody Garrett, CFP. He shares his list of the 24 common DIY investment mistakes that might be hindering your path to financial independence and some tips on how to fix them. He steps us through the list which includes things like underutilizing employer benefits, misunderstanding how the 4% "rule" should be applied, and assuming health insurance coverage is expensive in early retirement. Cody is the founder of Measure Twice Money and Measure Twice Planners, and known for his unique advice-only planning approach.

Be sure to listen to the end as Cody plays a beautiful Holiday piano medley to get us all in this spirit of the season.

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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:

🌐 Measure Twice Planners

🌐 Measure Twice Money "Create Your Own Financial Plan" Comprehensive Video Course ($100 OFF)

Cody's Create Your Own Financial Plan on YouTube (Free)

Cody's Youtube Channel with recordings of real client meetings

24 DIY Investor Mistakes on LinkedIn

24 DIY Investor Mistakes on X (Twitter)

2024 Bogleheads Conference Recordings on YouTube

Mr 4% is now Mr 5% | Bill Bengen | 111 Dec 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode we welcome the legendary Bill Bengen! He is the creator of the infamous 4% rule that is referenced in any quality conversation about retirement and withdrawal rates. There's been spirited debates and lengthy discussions about Bengen's research but there is no one better than the man himself to weigh in on what he thinks about it 30 years later. We talk about the evolution of Bengen's research, his thoughts on market timing vs. managing risk, and he gives us a preview of his upcoming book geared toward consumers.

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Buy CUtFI a coffee

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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.)

🌐 Bill Bengen Wikepedia page

Bill Bengen on Kitces podcast/blog

📗 Conserving Client Portfolios During Retirement