Catching Up to FI

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.

Bill Stecker, a CPA and founder of 72tcalc/Marble Group, shares his expertise on early retirement withdrawals without penalties. He demystifies IRS code 72(t) and reveals its numerous exceptions, including SEPPs and the Rule of 55. Bill discusses why the age 59½ exists, outlines newer rules for emergencies and domestic abuse, and how combining different exceptions can enhance retirement flexibility. His insights make navigating early withdrawals far less intimidating, paving the way for strategic tax planning.

'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.

Jackie Cummings Koski is co-host of the 'Catching Up to FI' podcast and author of the book 'F.I.R.E. For Dummies'. In case you're new here, FIRE stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. In this episode, Jackie comes clean and publicly shares her non-FIRE confessions. Recorded at a CampFI near San Diego, she reveals surprising financial decisions that didn’t exactly follow the 'rules' of FI, and some are downright shocking… such as taking a 401(k) loan (don’t judge too soon😁). These moves may have gone against traditional FI principles, but they didn't ruin her plans or curb her enthusiasm.   From her early life in poverty to building wealth through strategic saving and investing, Jackie provides a transparent look at her imperfect journey, aiming to inspire others on the path to FI. She not only shares her real numbers, but also her genuine thoughts and feelings beyond the math. Join us to learn from her experience and embrace the big takeaway that 'precision is not required' to reach your financial goals, even when you’re getting a late start.   🗣️ SHARE YOUR CONFESSION! Do you have a non-FI confession to make??? Leave us a voice message and we may just play it on a future show! Use this link to record a message from your computer or right from your phone:  📲 https://catchinguptofi.com/contact-us/#voicemail 🌐 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:   📕Jackie's book: 'F.I.R.E. For Dummies'  📈Jackie's Investment Club through BetterInvesting.org CampFI website  Watch other inspiring talks on CampFI's YouTube channel   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.

Lynnette Khalfani-Cox (also known as 'The Money Coach') is an icon in the financial media and financial education space. She is the author of 16 money-management books, including the New York Times bestseller ‘Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom’. Lynette joins us on this episode to share some of the big takeaways from her latest book 'Bounce Back', offering practical and emotional guidance for those recovering from financial setbacks. She guides us on how to take on―and defeat―the most common and difficult challenges most of us face, like being downsized from a job, disasters, debt, divorce, discrimination, and more. Lynette also gets vulnerable with us, sharing her emotional stories about dealing with her own divorce and the death of her sister.   🌐 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 Ask the Money Coach YouTube

Frank Vasquez, a mostly retired lawyer with decades of investing experience, shares his unique insights on financial independence in later years. He humorously emphasizes enjoying your wealth after years of hard work. The discussion covers diversified portfolios, including the intriguing 'Golden Butterfly' and 'Golden Ratio' strategies. Frank critiques traditional financial advice, highlighting essential retirement planning and the power of risk parity. Expect a blend of investing wisdom and laughter as he navigates the complexities of portfolio management.