At 48, Kim Hunter-Borst was drowning in debt even though she had a solid New York income. Where was the money going? How did she fix it and reach early retirement by 58? We find out in this no-shame late-starter conversation that was recorded live in Bali at the FI Freedom Retreat (please excuse the background noise!)

Kim was firmly in the messy middle and retraces the moment she decided to stop winging it. She shares some simple systems that finally stuck, and the handful of brave choices—asking for more at work, saying no to status buys, and saying yes to purpose—that changed her trajectory. In this candid interview, you'll also hear:

The money scripts Kim had to rewrite
The tools that actually helped
The joyful stuff she refused to cut while saving
How she healed her 'one more year syndrome'
What she's doing now to help others on their FI journey

===DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS===

🆕NEW PARTNER: Monarch Money

The modern way to manage money! Monarch will change the way you organize your financial life. Track, budget, plan, and do more with your money – together. Get 50% off the first year using this link and entering code: CATCHINGUP50

Alloy

TheAlloyMarke t.com offers a seamless and efficient way to sell your gold, silver, and platinum jewelry, regardless of its condition. They are committed to transparency and fairness, ensuring you get the best possible value for your items. Visit TheAlloyMarket.com and use referral code CUTOFI15 to get a $15 bonus when you sell items over $199 (limited time offer).

For a full list of current deals and discounts from our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners

📩 Sign up for our newsletter (NEW!)

🌐 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

RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Charities:

Planned Parenthood

Charity Water

USA for UNHCR

🌐 Women Of FI

Kim's 2026 Women's Weekend just opened registration. Click here for more information and tickets.

Join WE Wealth Collective Facebook Community

ChooseFI

Lydia Senn on YouTube

Scholly Scholarships

EconoMe Conference

F.I.R.E. For Dummies

⏰ 'Catching Up to FI' Episodes

Live from Bali: Are They Really Retired? (Part 2) | Jackie & Doc G | 178

Live from Bali! Don't Miss These FI Stories From Around The Globe | Jackie & Captain FI | 176

The Power of Cash Flow Planning | Sarah-Catherine Gutierrez | 016

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.

Aristotle on Moral Responsibility (Nicomachean Ethics Book III.1–5)

The New Thinkery

How does Aristotle split moral and intellectual virtue?

The AI-powered Podcast Player