The Money with Katie Show She Retired at 32. Then Came Guilt—and a Moral Crossroads.
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Dec 10, 2025 Rebecca Herbst, the founder of Yield & Spread, achieved financial independence at just 32. After her early retirement, she wrestled with guilt and a sense of duty toward philanthropy. They discuss her 'FI-lanthropy' pledge and why giving early is crucial. Rebecca also shares strategies for effective donations, such as donating appreciated stock and utilizing donor-advised funds. The conversation highlights balancing personal finance goals with impactful giving, encouraging a mindset shift on wealth and responsibility.
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Sudden Early Exit From A Decade-Long Career
- Rebecca never expected to leave her job at 32 after a decade at one company and a high-pressure role in commercial real estate.
- She felt lost after leaving because she hadn't practiced a retirement-style life or built an identity beyond work.
Wealth As Accidental Moral Responsibility
- Reading Peter Singer's The Life You Can Save reframed Rebecca's moral obligations as an affluent person toward global poverty.
- She struggled to reconcile voluntary early retirement with awareness of widespread suffering and birth-driven privilege.
Start Small And Build A Giving Habit
- Start giving early with a sustainable system: try 1% of income for a year as a trial pledge if you're financially stable.
- Increase gradually (2–3%) as momentum builds and move to planned giving once you reach 'sufficient' security.
