Beyond the Alphabet Soup: Expert Tips for Mastering Medicare & Avoiding Pitfalls | Danielle Roberts | 102

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 tough money-related trivia question Frugal or Cheap - are you being a good steward of your money or just a cheapo Fill in the blank - complete this statement We weigh in on some serious topics like: Is Couponing Worth it, Using Your Old Student ID for Discounts, Weirdest Way You’ve Made Money, and more. You will chuckle and laugh throughout this whole conversation, but you’ll also pick up tips and tricks along the way.    🔗Connect with us  Buy CUtFI a coffee  Record a message for CUtFI   Thank you to our sponsor:  DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off    Resources mentioned on the show: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) The Struggle is Real (Justin Peters) How to Money (Joel Larsgaard) Catching Up to FI (Jackie Cummings Koski) 📕 F.I.R.E. For Dummies ~ Jackie Cummings Koski  👉🏻 https://amzn.to/3BInEgu Price of Avocado Toast (Justin Brown-Woods) FinCon   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.

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 approach.  Be sure to listen to the end as Cody plays a beautiful Holiday piano medley to get us all in this spirit of the season.   🔗Connect with us  Buy CUtFI a coffee  Record a message for CUtFI   Thank you to our sponsor:  DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off    Resources mentioned on the show: 🌐 Measure Twice Planners 🌐 Measure Twice Money "Create Your Own Financial Plan" Comprehensive Video Course ($100 OFF) Cody's Create Your Own Financial Plan on YouTube (Free) Cody's Youtube Channel with recordings of real client meetings 24 DIY Investor Mistakes on LinkedIn 24 DIY Investor Mistakes on X (Twitter) 2024 Bogleheads Conference Recordings on YouTube     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 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.   🔗Connect with us  Buy CUtFI a coffee  Record a message for CUtFI   Thank you to our sponsor:  DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off    Resources mentioned on the show: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) 🌐 Bill Bengen Wikepedia page Bill Bengen on Kitces podcast/blog  📗 Conserving Client Portfolios During Retirement 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.

Today Bill and Jackie are joined by another genius in the world of retirement planning research, David Blanchett, PhD, CFA, CFP. In his role at PGIM, David is responsible for Target Date Funds and Retirement Spending Portfolios. In this episode he discusses redefined retirement concepts, the myths surrounding the 60/40 portfolio and some practical adjustments of the 4% rule. He also explains the 'retirement spending smile,' and retirement strategies for late starters.   🔗Connect with us  Buy CUtFI a coffee  Record a message for CUtFI   Thank you to our sponsor:  DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off    Resources mentioned on the show: 🌐David's Website David's Latest Research A Time-Honored Strategy Puts Your Retirement at Risk of Financial Ruin Guided Spending Rates: Rethinking “Safe” Initial Withdrawal Rates Redefining the Optimal Retirement Income Strategy   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 turn the tables as Bill joins Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP on the Childfree Wealth podcast. Bill shares his journey as a late starter physician who lived largely a paycheck-to-paycheck existence until waking up at age 50. He now co-hosts the 'Catching Up to FI' podcast to help other late starters. Jay is the author of the upcoming book 'The Childfree Guide to Life and Money' and the founder of Childfree Wealth, a financial planning firm that addresses the needs of childfree people in a way that traditional financial companies don’t. Jay and Bill cover topics like investing, long-term care, and preparing for unexpected medical emergencies.   🔗Connect with us  Buy CUtFI a coffee  Record a message for CUtFI   Thank you to our sponsor:  DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off    Resources mentioned on the show: 🌐 Childfree Wealth  Order Jay's new book: The Childfree Guide to Life and Money   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.

Hard to believe that 2024 is almost over but before we close it out, we have some end-of-year financial tips with special guest Eric Simonson, CFP and CEO of Abundo Wealth (an advice-only financial planning firm). Eric shares insights on maximizing different types of contributions, FSAs, charitable donations, and other tax strategies. There are a few things you’ll want to check off your financial to-do list before December 31st; some have a true deadline, and others are smart things you should review every year.   Eric also clues us in on a unique service the firm offers- 'travel hacking'. They love teaching skills such as budgeting for trips, finding cost-effective travel options, and maximizing travel rewards programs for their clients.    🔗Connect with us  Buy CUtFI a coffee  Record a message for CUtFI   Thank you to our sponsor:  DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off    Resources mentioned on the show: 🌐 Abundo Wealth: Advice-Only Financial Planning for Everyone  End of Year Financial Checklist: The Must-Do's  Abundo Wealth Blog Eric Simonson Interview on Kitces podcast Beginning in 2025, the catch-up contribution increases for those age 60, 61, 62 or 63 is an extra $11,250   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.

Our guest today is Jacqueline (Jack) Howard, head of Money Wellness at Ally Financial, a leading voice in financial health & wellness, and fierce change maker. We are thrilled to bring you this special episode recorded live from FinCon 2024 in Atlanta, GA! It's no secret that we love Ally and talk about them often on the podcast. From the high yield savings accounts to the cool buckets that are perfect for allocating your sinking funds, they're our favorite. But what really blew us away in this interview was Jack's money story and how it led to her incredible work as the face of financial wellness at Ally.  Jack blends personal finance and psychology to help people achieve holistic financial well-being that helps shift their perspective on money. She shares more about Ally's newest community initiative, Money Roots, a free financial education program designed to help people uncover the 'why' behind their money behaviors. Jack also gets vulnerable with us as she shares her own resilient story of the loss of her mother as a young girl and winning her heroic battle against breast cancer. With her giving spirit, she proudly served as chair of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Detroit in 2023 and 2024. Special thanks to LLC Attorney for sponsoring the Podcast booth at FinCon 2024.   🔗Connect with us  Buy CUtFI a coffee  Record a message for CUtFI   Thank you to our sponsor:  DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off    Resources mentioned on the show: 🌐 Ally.com Sign up for free Ally ‘Money Roots’ Virtual Workshop 5 steps to uncover your money story Jack's appearance on the show 'Side Hustlers' (Episode 2) Catching Up to FI Episode: Sinking Funds Are Sexy | Bill Yount & Becky Heptig | 003 Support Jack’s favorite charity: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Detroit (Search on 'Jacqueline Howard')   If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. 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.

Karsten Jeske also known as “Big ERN” is the founder and genius behind Early Retirement Now. He writes on all topics related to personal finance but is best known for his comprehensive series on safe withdrawal strategies.  In this episode he dives deep into the intricacies of safe withdrawal rates, sequence of return risk, the importance of market valuations for retirees and the 'one more year' syndrome often discussed in the Financial Independence community. Karsten also shares his personal journey from a modest upbringing in Germany to early retirement in the U.S.   🔗Connect with us  Buy CUtFI a coffee  Record a message for CUtFI   Thank you to our sponsor:  DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off    Resources mentioned on the show: 🌐 Early Retirement Now The Safe Withdrawal Rate Series Ten things the “Makers” of the 4% Rule don’t want you to know (SWR Series Part 26) Karsten on Two Sides of FI YouTube    If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. 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, Jesse Cramer discusses the essential considerations for pre and post-retirement planning and the major factors late starters should consider. Jesse is founder of the award winning 'The Best Interest' blog and podcast. He left a career as a mechanical and aerospace engineer to work with clients at a fiduciary, fee-only financial planning firm. Now, he uses those valuable engineering skills to simplify the most complex financial topics into fun explanations for his clients and his audience.    🔗Connect with us  Buy CUtFI a coffee  Record a message for CUtFI   Thank you to our sponsors:  Boomer Benefits: The nation’s leading family-owned Medicare brokers  DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off  Resources mentioned on the show: 🌐 Best Interest Blog Best Interest Podcast Blog Post: The Market Reacts to An Assassination Attempt Blog Post: It’s Not Too Late: 6 Finance Tips for Older Beginners Blog Post:  NVIDIA’s Day in the Sun(flower) Social Security Made Simple | Mike Piper | 054 Open Social Security calculator   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.

By day, Dr. Disha Spath is an internist caring for her patient’s physical and mental health.  By night, my she's known as The Frugal Physician and hosts the Finding Financial Freedom podcast. In this episode, Disha shares her personal journey from financial struggles to becoming an advocate for frugality and financial independence. She also discusses the differences between frugal and cheap, the gender wage gap, and strategies to manage income disparities in relationships.  *Trigger warning: There are brief mentions of suicide in this episode.   🔗Connect with us  Buy CUtFI a coffee  Record a message for CUtFI   Thank you to our sponsors:  Boomer Benefits: The nation’s leading family-owned Medicare brokers  DeleteMe: Your personal data is yours again. Hands-free subscription service that removes you from data broker sites. Enter the code Catchingup at checkout to get 20% off    Resources mentioned on the show: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) 🌐 The Frugal Physician Finding Financial Freedom Podcast SPIVA® U.S. Scorecard, Year-End 2023, S&P Dow Jones Indices  “The Loser’s Game” by Charles D. Ellis, Financial Analysts Journal, Jan/Feb, 1995 “Why Lifestyle Creep is Mostly a Myth” by Nick Maggiulli, Of Dollars And Data, July 23,2024 “She makes $550K a year. Her husband makes $60K.  Here is how it affects her relationship”, July 25, 2024, CNBC   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.