Catching Up to FI

We're excited to introduce you to our newest 'Catching Up to FI' team member, Patrick McDonnal. In this episode, you'll get to hear some of his money story and how he'll be helping with the show. Patrick discusses his career transition from engineering to financial planning and openly shares how the early financial education he got from his grandfather helped shape his journey. We're also celebrating with Patrick because he just sat for the very challenging, CFP Exam in March and got a preliminary 'Pass'. He is now well on his way to earning his Certified Financial Planner credential.   🔗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   ===  DEALS AND DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS=== Personal Finance Club: Use code CUTOFI to get $30 OFF any course or PFC investing course only Nectarine: Advice-Only and Flat-Fee Hourly Fiduciary Financial Advisors (Catching Up to FI will be compensated by Nectarine if you use our affiliate link, which creates an incentive and conflict of interest. We are not current clients or employees of Nectarine.) 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: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) FPA NexGen Leadership CASHFLOW Game George Kinder / Life Planning ChooseFI Chris Mamula EconoMe Conference Personal Finance Club   ⏰ ‘Catching Up to FI’ Episodes George Kinder (coming in May) The Powers of Starting Late, Retirement Calculators, and More | Chris Mamula | 086  Simplicity, Empathy, Leadership, Robots, Oh My! | Jeremy Schneider | 056  Stories, Hacks, & Tribes | Brad Barrett | 021  Find Your Camino | Diania Merriam | 029    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.

Joining us on this episode is not just one, but TWO titans in the investing and financial literacy space, Rick Ferri and Paul Merriman. These two great minds go head-to-head on topics like asset allocation, and the risks/rewards of small cap value funds vs. total stock market funds. Through this high energy debate, they also provide expert insights into the various stages of your investing journey. Rick and Paul both share how they empower investors through their platforms and continue their relentless mission of spreading financial education.   🔗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   ===  DEALS AND DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS===   🎓 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   📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement)  Retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. 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 current deals and discounts from 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.) 🌐RickFerri.com Bogleheads on Investing Podcast The John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy List of Vanguard Funds and ETFs Bogleheads Investment Policy Statement 🌐PaulMerriman.com Merriman Financial Education Foundation Merriman Financial Literacy Program at Western Washington University Paul Merriman Quilt Charts (1928-2024) - 2024 Returns Paul Merriman Sound Investing Portfolios Performance (50-50) - 2024 Returns 📗What Works on Wall Street, Fourth Edition       ‘Catching Up to FI’ Episodes: Financial Literacy and Mastering the Million Dollar Decisions | Paul Merriman | 132 We're Talking Millions! Part 1 | Paul Merriman | 008  We're Talking Millions! Part 2 | Paul Merriman | 009    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.

The stock market recently plummeted by 10%, causing fear among investors. Bill and Jackie discuss how to manage emotional responses during such turbulent times. They emphasize the importance of understanding historical market fluctuations and offer strategies like rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting. Personal anecdotes from past market crises highlight the need for patience and long-term perspective. The duo encourages a calm approach, viewing downturns as potential buying opportunities while advocating for community support in navigating these challenges.

Bill Stecker, a CPA and 72(t) expert, shares his wealth of knowledge on early retirement strategies. He breaks down the complexities of the 72(t) rule, explaining how to withdraw from retirement accounts before age 59.5 without penalties. Bill discusses calculation methods for maximizing distributions and emphasizes the importance of financial planning and adaptability. Personal anecdotes illustrate successful strategies, while innovative tools like Bolden and Talkspace are highlighted for financial and mental support. Get ready to navigate the early retirement landscape!

April is Financial Literacy Month, and to help us celebrate we brought in a returning guest, Paul Merriman. Paul has been on the show before to discuss investment portfolios, but today he talks with us about some extraordinary strides he's making as a financial literacy advocate through his nonprofit, The Merriman Financial Education Foundation. We also share some of our favorite financial literacy resources.   🔗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   ===  THANK YOU TO OUR 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: ✅ Track your savings ✅ Get personalized retirement advice based on your goals ✅ Explore investment options to grow your wealth ✅ And create a strategy that’s built for your unique needs 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: 🌐Website Merriman Financial Literacy Program at Western Washington University IGrad Next Gen Personal Finance White Coat Investor The John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy ‘Catching Up to FI’ Episodes: We're Talking Millions! Part 1 | Paul Merriman | 008  We're Talking Millions! Part 2 | Paul Merriman | 009  Celebrating Financial Literacy Month with Next Gen Personal Finance | Tim Ranzetta | 072    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.

One of the most frequent questions we get about retiring early is: 'How do I get money out of my retirement accounts before age 59.5, without paying the 10% penalty'? This episode answers that question and more with CPA and 72(t) expert, Bill Stecker. Bill is the founder of The Marble Group which specializes in federal income taxes and early retirement distributions. He's also the brilliant mind behind the website '72tcalc', hands down the most comprehensive resource we've found specifically focusing on 72(t)s. Cohost Jackie knows because she set up her own substantially equal periodic payments (SEPP) using IRS rule 72(t) in 2024 and will share some details of her first-hand experience. If you've been fearful and confused about how 72(t)s work, fear no more! In this episode, we thoroughly break down everything you need to know in a way you've never heard before. We also discuss more than a dozen other ways the IRS allows you to legally avoid federal tax penalties for early withdrawals from your retirement accounts. To make sure we did this topic justice, we turned it into a 2-part series. This is part 1, and part 2 will be released next week; both packed with valuable insights and practical tips for anyone considering early retirement.   ⚠️ Clarifications from this episode: IRS ‘Rule of 50’ for public safety workers who retire after age 50 are exempt from the 10% early distribution penalty. It does include EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians), however, it does not include all doctors and nurses (see IRS code linked below or read this article).     For medical expenses, the 10% early withdrawal penalty can be waived without itemizing your deductions if the amount of unreimbursed medical expenses is more than 7.5% AGI.  (see IRS code linked below or read this article).   🔗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   ===  THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR  === 📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement) is our newest sponsor!  Boldin is retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. 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: 🌐72tcalc.com Website Free consultation with Bill Stecker’s Firm- The Marble Group email: themarblegroup@wispertel.net Phone: (312) 361-0221 Jackie’s review of 72tcalc.com website Most recent IRS list of exceptions to 10% tax penalty on early withdrawals IRS Tax Code 72(t)- Substantially Equal Periodic Payments (SEPP) IRS Single Life Table- Effective 1/1/2022 IRS website with the listing of recent interest rates (120% of Applicable Federal Midterm Rate) IRA first time homebuyer exception (you are considered a first-timer if you haven't owned a primary home the past 2 years) Rule 72(t) Example- Eric Cooper Rule 72(t) Example- Dare to Draw Down   📱72(t) CALCULATORS FI Tax Guy Google Sheet  Dinkytown CalcXML 72tcalc  72net   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.

'Catching Up to FI' founder and co-host, Bill Yount, appeared as a guest on the EverydayFI podcast with host Meghan Combs. The show explores the lives and stories of everyday people in the financial independence community so Bill opens up about his FI journey as a late starter. He of course represents our Catching Up to FI community. He had a lot to say so this is the second part of a two-part episode. The first part was aired last Wednesday (episode 128) so be sure to check it out.    🌐 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   ===  THANK YOU TO OUR 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: ✅ Track your savings ✅ Get personalized retirement advice based on your goals ✅ Explore investment options to grow your wealth ✅ And create a strategy that’s built for your unique needs 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.) EverydayFI podcast     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.

In this episode we welcome back the rebels, Katie and Alan Donegan. They are founders of the Rebel Finance School and have turned the concept of financial independence (FI) into an energetic global movement. We are celebrating the launch of their brand-new music album. But it's not just music, it’s a Money Revolution and the world's first financial independence album! The Donegans give us a behind the scenes look at the making the of the album and a backstage pass to some of the tracks, including: 🎤 4% Rule 🎤 Badassity (Mustachianism) 🎤 Create a Gap 🎤 The Boring Middle But wait... there's more! We also get a preview of the Donegans’ upcoming book, 'The Rebels Guide to Financial Freedom: Simple Missions to Take you from Zero to Money Superhero’. The forward is written by one of the most recognized names in the FI Movement, Mr. Money Mustache!   🌐 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   ===  THANK YOU TO OUR 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: ✅ Track your savings ✅ Get personalized retirement advice based on your goals ✅ Explore investment options to grow your wealth ✅ And create a strategy that’s built for your unique needs 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.) 🌐Website 🎶New Album: Money Revolution: The World’s First Financial Independence Music Album! Buy👉🏻 🎵💿  📙New Book: 'The Rebels’ Guide to Financial Freedom: Simple Missions to take you from Zero to Money Superhero Rebel Entrepreneur Podcast Sign up for Alan & Katie’s 2025 Rebel Finance School  Rebel Donegans YouTube The Shockingly Simple Math behind retiring early  retirement article  'Catching Up to FI’ Episodes: Indiana Jones and an Extraordinary Life with the Donegans | Alan and Katie Donegan | 079 Sustainable FIlosophy with Mr. Money Mustache | Pete Adeney | 073 The pURPOSE Code | Jordan Grumet | 115 Mr 4% is now Mr 5% | Bill Bengen | 111   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.

'Catching Up to FI' founder and co-host, Bill Yount, appeared as a guest on the EverydayFI podcast with host Meghan Combs. The show explores the lives and stories of everyday people in the financial independence community so Bill opens up about his FI journey as a late starter. He of course represents our Catching Up to FI community. He had a lot to say so this is a two-parter and will be aired over the next two Wednesday episodes.     🌐 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   ===  THANK YOU TO OUR 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: ✅ Track your savings ✅ Get personalized retirement advice based on your goals ✅ Explore investment options to grow your wealth ✅ And create a strategy that’s built for your unique needs 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.) EverydayFI podcast     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.

Mindy Jensen, host of BiggerPockets Money, joins Coast FI Couple Matt and Yana Tarr, who advocate for financial independence through healthy money communication. They discuss the concept of Coast FI, promoting financial freedom while stressing the importance of emotional well-being. The Tarras highlight their debt-free lifestyle, guided by simplicity and charity, notably supporting Best Buddies. They also delve into effective budgeting strategies, like Cube Money, which enhance transparency and foster collaboration in relationships.