In the Line of FIRE | Escaping Avalon | 090
Catching Up to FI: Financial Independence for Late Starters
Release Date: 08/04/2024
Catching Up to FI: Financial Independence for Late Starters
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. 🔗 === NEW SPONSOR === 📈...
info_outline Leaning Out: Cracking the Burnout Code | Dawn Baker | 119Catching Up to FI: Financial Independence for Late Starters
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 . 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. 🔗 🔥🔥🔥 Check out these discounts from our new partners: ...
info_outline Taking it to the Streets: Best Pro Tips for Late Starters | FinCon Attendees | 118Catching Up to FI: Financial Independence for Late Starters
In this episode, we're taking it to the streets of Atlanta, GA where the 2024 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?" 🔗 Huge thanks to our fellow content creators that contributed their valuable tips! (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying...
info_outline Retirement Remix: Crafting Financial Futures with Purpose | Christine Benz | 117Catching Up to FI: Financial Independence for Late Starters
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, . 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. 🔗 🔥🔥🔥 Check out our new partners and...
info_outline Value-Based Spending: The Latte Chronicles | Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni | 116Catching Up to FI: Financial Independence for Late Starters
In this episode, we talk with Jen and Jill from the Frugal Friends Podcast and authors of the new book 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. 🔗 🔥🔥🔥 Check...
info_outline The pURPOSE Code | Jordan Grumet | 115Catching Up to FI: Financial Independence for Late Starters
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...
info_outline Weathering Financial Storms | Kristen Knapp | 114Catching Up to FI: Financial Independence for Late Starters
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...
info_outline FINCON Jeopardy | Justin Peters, Joel Larsgaard & Justin Brown-Woods | 113Catching Up to FI: Financial Independence for Late Starters
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...
info_outline Tactical Tips and Tripwires: The DIY Financial Planner's Guide | Cody Garrett | 112Catching Up to FI: Financial Independence for Late Starters
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...
info_outline Mr 4% is now Mr 5% | Bill Bengen | 111Catching Up to FI: Financial Independence for Late Starters
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. 🔗 Thank you to our sponsor:...
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Bill and Jackie sit down with 'Jay,' an anonymous guest who shares his incredible journey from a military and police background to achieving financial independence by the age of 39. Jay discusses his experiences on the SWAT team and as an undercover detective, and the mental health challenges that came with his career. He also talks about his blog, Escaping Avalon, and provides a deep dive into mental health strategies, therapy, and self-care. Whether you're a late starter on the path to FI or someone looking to improve your mental well-being, Jay offers invaluable insights and resources that can benefit everyone. Don't miss this compelling and informative conversation.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Personal Finance Club: Use code CUTOFI to get $30 OFF any course or PFC investing course only
Measure Twice Money: $100 OFF "Create Your Own Financial Plan" Comprehensive Video Course
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Boston Institute of Finance Personal Growth Track: Enter code catchingup to get 5% off any “Personal Growth Track” course or package
Mental Health Landing Page and PTSD Info
Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia and Bill Gifford
00:00 Discovering the Joy of Simple Pleasures
02:31 Introducing Jay: A Journey to Financial Independence
03:31 Jay's Path to FI: From Military to Police Force
05:46 The Turning Point: Finding FI and Mr. Money Mustache
09:16 Strategies for Financial Independence
15:49 The Mental Health Impact of High-Stress Jobs
23:25 The Importance of Mental Health in the FI Journey
29:44 The Brain-Body Connection Analogy
31:29 Understanding Talk Therapy
32:45 Personal Journey with PTSD
33:14 The Turning Point: Clutch's Intervention
35:06 Compounding Trauma and Financial Independence
36:32 Proactive Mental Health Strategies
47:08 Mental Health Resources and Self-Care
54:34 Therapy and Financial Independence
58:52 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Disclaimer: We are not lawyers, financial advisors, accountants or tax experts. Please consult your own professional advisors before making any important decisions. Our content is for entertainment and education purposes only.