Podcast appearances and mentions of jackie cummings koski

In this episode we chat with Bill Yount and Jackie Cummings Koski of the Catching Up To FI Podcast about the current environment for late starters. With a recession possibly coming and policy changes with the current administration, we chat about what late starters can do to stay ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Boldin Your Money, Steve Chen sits down with Jackie Cummings Koski, co-host of Catching Up to FI, to talk about her inspiring journey to financial independence after overcoming poverty, divorce, and single motherhood. Jackie shares practical advice for late starters, those in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who feel behind on saving for retirement. They cover the importance of mindset, overcoming the fear of investing, and how to build wealth even if you're starting late. Whether you're looking for guidance, motivation, or just the reassurance that it's not too late, this episode has something for you.

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

Considering working with a financial advisor? Here are 5 questions to ask a financial advisor before working with them. Getting answers to these questions will help you become informed and empowered on your investing journey. Second, we're back with our Net Worth Win segment. This month, we're featuring Jackie Cummings Koski from the Catching Up To FI Podcast. Jackie has grown her net worth to $1.8 million by 54 years old. We'll learn how she did it and what generational wealth means to her as a mother. Last, my son Calvin will be reading the month's review and I'll quiz him with some money questions. We're talking about Women's History Month, net worth, and visiting Cancun! EPISODE RESOURCES: Sponsors + Partners + Deals FIRE for Dummies (book): https://amzn.to/41PHiS5 (affiliate) Jackie Cummings Koski (podcast): https://catchinguptofi.com MKM RESOURCES: MKM Coaching: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. Make My Kid a Millionaire Course: Want to build generational wealth and happiness for your kid? Learn more about my course! Coast FIRE Calculator: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement. Mortgage Payoff Calculator: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free. YouTube: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES): Monarch Money - Best Budget App for Families & Couples Empower - Free Portfolio Tracker Crew - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link Ethos - Affordable Term Life Insurance Trust & Will - Convenient Estate Planning GUEST BIO: Jackie Cummings Koski is a financial educator, author, and F.I.R.E. advocate who achieved a $1M+ net worth despite earning under six figures. Raised in a modest household, she pursued financial literacy, earning a master's in Personal Financial Planning. As a single mother, she wrote Money Letters 2 My Daughter to teach financial principles. Now a CFP, AFC, and Certified Health Savings Advisor, she co-hosts the Catching Up to FI podcast and has been featured on CNBC, MarketWatch, and the Rachael Ray Show. Jackie is dedicated to empowering others through financial education. HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS: Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.   

Are you ready to take control of your finances and make this holiday season the year you avoid debt traps? Today, we're diving into the inspiring story of Jackie Cummings Koski, co-host of the Catching Up to FI podcast. Jackie's journey—from a divorce that sparked her financial awakening to achieving FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)—is packed with lessons you can use to stack your Benjamins and live life on your terms. What You'll Learn Today: How to develop a saving habit that lasts. The key steps Jackie took to overcome financial fears and invest wisely. Tips for navigating holiday spending without breaking the bank. Jackie also shares actionable strategies for building a financial dashboard, exploring side hustles, and embracing flexibility in your work and life. Whether you're just starting or looking to fine-tune your financial game, this episode is packed with advice to help you move forward with confidence. Episode Highlights: Struggling to get back to work after a holiday weekend? We've all been there! Jackie's journey: From financial wake-up call to achieving FIRE success. Overcoming fears, gaining confidence, and investing smarter. Building a financial dashboard to track your progress. Smart holiday spending tips to keep your budget intact. Trivia Fun: How much do people typically overspend during the holidays? Join Joe, OG, and Doug as they tackle this question in our trivia segment, with plenty of laughs and surprises along the way. Don't Miss This Episode If: You're looking for inspiration, actionable advice, and practical tips to master your money, avoid holiday debt, and build the financial independence you've always dreamed of. Resources from This Episode: Jackie Cummings Koski's Catching Up to FI Podcast Stacking Benjamins Workplace Benefits Guide Join the Basement Facebook Group for Tips and Community Fun Love What You Hear? Share the Wealth! If today's episode inspired you, help us spread the word by leaving a review or sharing it with a friend. Every share helps keep the basement buzz going! FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/FIRE-basics-with-jackie-cummings-koski-1610 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you interested in financial independence with kids? In this "Best of Marriage Kids and Money" episode, I share my interview on the Catching Up To FI Podcast with Bill Yount and Jackie Cummings-Koski. We discuss the steps we took as a family to find our version of financial independence with kids. EPISODE RESOURCES: Recommended Resources Make My Kid a Millionaire: https://www.makemykidamillionaire.com/sa Catching Up To FI Podcast: https://catchinguptofi.com/ SHOW INFORMATION: Marriage Kids and Money is dedicated to helping young families build wealth and happiness. This award-winning platform helps couples and parents achieve financial independence and discover the true meaning of wealth. To achieve these big goals, we answer questions and interview experts who uncover smart net worth building habits and tools that can help everyone find their own version of financial independence. Learn more at https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com HOST BIO: Andy Hill is the award-winning family finance coach behind Marriage Kids and Money - a platform dedicated to helping young families build wealth and happiness. Andy's advice and personal finance experience have been featured in major media outlets like CNBC, Forbes, MarketWatch, Kiplinger's Personal Finance and NBC News. With millions of downloads and views, Andy's message of family financial empowerment has resonated with listeners, readers and viewers across the world. When he's not "talking money", Andy enjoys being a soccer Dad, singing karaoke with his wife and relaxing on his hammock. HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS: Podcast Artwork: Kayli Groves Editor: Podcast Doctors Podcast Support: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we answer an email from Tom, Tom the Podcaster's Son (a/k/a "Patrick Star").  We discuss the basics of retirement accounts in honor of the annual benefits enrollment period and some rules of thumb for contributing to them, with a little commentary on HSAs.  We also discuss interesting recent podcasts featuring Bill Bengen, Corey Hoffstein and Cliff Asness.  And our friend Jackie Cummings Koski.And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.Additional links:Bill Bengen podcast:  The Father of the 4% Rule Fina - Afford Anything - Apple PodcastsCorey Hoffstein podcast:  Masters in Business: Corey Hoffstein - BloombergCliff Asness podcast:  Old Man Yells at the Cloud | TCAF 167Tax Tables:  2024-2025 Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates | BankrateJackie podcast #1:  Jackie Cummings Koski: Late St - The Long View - Apple PodcastsJackie podcast #2:  From Poverty to Wealth and Ear - Catching Up to FI - Apple PodcastsJackie podcast #3 (HSA focused):  All About The Health Savings A - Journey To Launch - Apple PodcastsAmusing Unedited AI-Bot Summary:Unearth the secrets to a financially independent future as we explore groundbreaking strategies and expert insights in this episode. Learn why Bill Bengen's latest research challenges conventional wisdom on withdrawal rates and how a diversified portfolio, including alternative assets like gold, can empower your financial journey. With engaging discussions from finance heavyweights like Corey Hofstein, we promise you a treasure trove of actionable advice to enhance your portfolio management and tax strategies.This episode is a masterclass for the do-it-yourself investor, guiding you through the maze of retirement account options and tax implications for every stage of life. For young professionals, discover how to maximize your 401k and Roth contributions, while mid-career individuals will learn to optimize savings amidst family and mortgage commitments. If you're nearing retirement and feeling off-track, we offer insights to realign your financial plans and keep your retirement goals within reach.Join us as we tackle the complexities of retirement account withdrawals and the strategic use of Health Savings Accounts as investment vehicles. With practical advice and a touch of humor, we'll navigate the week's market performances and celebrate the gains in sectors like the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and gold. From the power of compounding to the significance of early financial planning, this episode is your guide to mastering the art of financial independence.Support the show

It's open enrollment season, meaning making healthcare choices for the upcoming year. So for today's episode, we're featuring FI healthcare experts Lynn Frair and Jackie Cummings Koski. We cover: HSAs Healthshare Ministries Subsidized Care Deductible and Out-ot-Pocket Maximums Open Enrollment State Healthcare Exchanges End-of-life Care Emergency Funds and more! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend! Links and Resources Lynn's Instagram Jackie's Instagram WexInc HSA vs Traditional Calculator Mad Fientist article on HSAs Join the Community We'd love to hear your comments and questions about this week's episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community! Grab the Ultimate FI Spreadsheet Join our Facebook Group Leave us a voicemail Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating/review! >> You can do that by clicking here 

This week, Jackie Cummings Koski, author of "F.I.R.E. For Dummies," sits down with us to share her personal experience and offer some wisdom for anyone, no matter how late they are in the game, to begin building their financial future. This episode isn't your typical FIRE fantasy. As a Black, divorced, single mom who retired with $1.3 million at age 49, Jackie's got the receipts and the real talk about what it looks like to navigate personal finances when your story is a little more complicated than the usual "quit your job, sail the world" narrative. Jackie's story is one of resilience, of taking on the challenge of reaching back to help your family when you're the first one to make it, and even more importantly, it's a story of recognizing that you have time on your side, even when you are a late starter.We discuss: The Great Un-Representation: Why the financial world needs more diverse voices, and especially more Black women, in the conversation.From "F.I.R.E. For Dummies" to Family Dinners: How the psychological aspects of money shape our choices, and why helping those closest to you often means reaching back instead of up.The Truth About Social Security: Jackie breaks down the reality of Social Security for early retirees (spoiler alert: it's a powerful backup, but don't expect it to be a cash cow).Beyond the Numbers: Living a life of purpose and leaving a meaningful legacy can be more important than just the final dollar figure.Is the 4% Rule a Myth?: Jackie shares her experiences with the 4% rule and how it can be adapted to your own circumstances and goals.Links:Get Jackie's book F.I.R.E. For Dummies hereListen to Catching Up to FI podcast with Jackie and Bill Yount Visit her website, Instagram, and LinkedIn  Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Our guest on the podcast today is Jackie Cummings Koski. She is a certified financial planner, and she is the author of a new book, F.I.R.E. For Dummies. FIRE stands for financial independence, retire early. Jackie is also the co-host of a podcast, Catching Up to FI, geared toward people getting a late start on financial independence. She is founder and CEO of Money Letters, LLC, which is geared toward providing financial education. She received her undergraduate degree in communications and journalism from Augusta University and her master's degree in personal financial planning and financial therapy from Kansas State University.BackgroundBioF.I.R.E. for DummiesCatching Up to FI podcastFInominal WomenHow It Began/Resources“Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) Explained: How It Works,” by Alexandra Kerr, Investopedia.com, Aug. 16, 2024.“This Women Grew Her Wealth and Retired by Age 49—Here Are 5 Major Steps She Took to Do It,” by Jasmin Suknanan, cnbc.com, Jan. 2, 2024.Choose FI1500 Days to FreedomRoot of GoodMad FientistJamila SouffrantHealth Savings Accounts“Health Savings Account (HSA): How HSAs Work, Contribution Rules,” by Julia Kagan, Ivestopedia.com, July 22, 2024.“How an HSA Is Helping One Woman Achieve FI/RE Toward Early Retirement,” hsastore.com.Other“Most US States Will Soon Require Personal Finance Courses in School,” by Justin Boggs, scrippsnews.com, July 1, 2024.Better InvestingAffordable Care Act (ACA)“Jamila Souffrant: ‘What Type of Life Do You Actually Want to Live?'” The Long View podcast, Morningstar.com, May 28, 2024.

Send us a Text Message.Jackie Cummings Koski, is a personal finance educator & consultant. After overcoming poverty, divorce & single motherhood, Jackie reached F.I.R.E. in her 40s, making less than six figures. Before retiring, she grew her wealth to over $1 million and her story and personal finance tips have been featured on CNBC, Forbes, and Market Watch. She holds the Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Financial Counselor credentials. Her commitment to educating and empowering Americans in the area of personal finance earned the policymakers and was officially recognized with a Congressional Commendation for her accomplishments in the field of financial literacy from the US House of Representatives.Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Are you a late starter who wants to reach retirement (or early retirement)? Then we've got just what you need! We're back with Bill Yount and Jackie Cummings Koski from the Catching Up to FI podcast as we share how to invest for retirement as a “late starter.” Did you know there are some serious advantages to investing later in life? Some of these advantages are so secret that even our hosts didn't know about them! But today, we're sharing them with you so you can achieve financial freedom on your terms! From top to bottom, we're sharing everything you need to retire sooner—from the best retirement accounts to debating 401(k)s vs. Roth IRAs vs. HSAs and more! Worried about healthcare if you retire before you turn sixty-five? DO NOT put your retirement plans on pause because of this! With some smart healthcare saving and investing, you won't have to worry about visits to the doctor's office! But before you start investing, we need to get your spending in check. Bill shares how he went from paycheck to paycheck to exploding his savings rate by “downsizing” his spending, which makes reaching financial independence even easier! If you're ready to retire, stick with us and follow these steps to a tee if you want to be financially free! Missed part one? Listen to it here! Support today's show sponsor, BAM Capital, your path to generational wealth with premier real estate investment opportunities!  In This Episode We Cover How much do you need to retire? Here's the exact calculations we use The best retirement accounts to invest in that have substantial tax advantages Social Security and whether or not you can plan on receiving it when you retire  The “triple tax benefit” healthcare account that you'll wish you knew about sooner How to “downsize” your life so you can invest more and retire faster  “Catch up” retirement investing and the investment accounts that late starters must take advantage of 401(k)s vs. Roth IRAs vs. HSAs: Which should you invest in first? And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggePockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Property Manager Finder Finance Friday: How to Get to Early Retirement Even Faster BiggerPockets 422 - The Late Starter's Guide to Financial Independence (Even in Your 50s!) w/Bill Yount BiggerPockets Money 527 - Retired at 49 on an Average Salary after Getting a “Late Start” to FIRE w/Jackie Cummings Koski Want to Be a Guest on the BiggerPockets Money Show? Apply Here Catching Up to FI Podcast HSA – The Ultimate Retirement Account Open Social Security The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement 00:00 Intro 01:19 Create a Simple Plan 04:58 How Much Do I Need to Retire? 09:18 What About Social Security?  16:27 Reducing Your Expenses 19:59 Healthcare and HSAs 33:28 Best “Catch Up” Investments  38:31 Roth vs. HSA vs. 401(k)  47:34 Investing Beyond Retirement Accounts  49:38 It's NEVER Too Late!  Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-538 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kyle Landis-Marinello is a practicing attorney specializing in environmental and energy law. Bill and Jackie dive deep with Kyle into topics such as socially responsible investing, student loan forgiveness, and his book, Personal Finance and Investing: How Anyone can Make More, Spend Less, and Invest Wisely. We also learn about Kyle's unique financial journey to improve his family's finances without compromising his values.

Got a late start on your retirement planning? Do you feel like you missed the boat and won't be able to retire on your timeline? We've got good news for you in today's episode—it's never too late for retirement (and even EARLY retirement!). No matter what age you're at, how much you have in the bank, and how much you make, you CAN retire on your terms, and our guests will prove it. The question is, will you follow through on their time-tested system for reaching retirement? Bill Yount and Jackie Cummings Koski from the Catching Up to FI podcast are here to show you that whatever your situation is, you can get on track for retirement. Bill and Jackie both were late starters, only taking retirement seriously decades after starting their working careers. Even with their “late start,” Bill and Jackie were able to massively multiply their net worths and retirement savings, allowing them to reach financial freedom on their terms. In today's show, Bill and Jackie walk through the four steps that anyone can take to begin saving for retirement. You don't need ANY money to take these initial steps, but doing so will change your entire financial future. Stick around for our next show as we get into the nitty gritty of retirement planning and put you directly on the path to retirement or early retirement! Support today's show sponsor, BAM Capital, your path to generational wealth with premier real estate investment opportunities!  In This Episode We Cover The four steps anyone can take to reach retirement  Why it's okay to be a “late starter,” especially when it comes to retirement planning How to do a “backward budget” to quickly and easily see how much you're spending  Why you MUST look back on the financial “lessons” you've learned to build wealth now! Getting clear on your goals and what you want to achieve so you can reach retirement The “trifecta of mistakes” Bill made and how even that didn't stop his financial freedom journey! And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggePockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Property Manager Finder Finance Friday: How to Get to Early Retirement Even Faster BiggerPockets 422 - The Late Starter's Guide to Financial Independence (Even in Your 50s!) w/Bill Yount BiggerPockets Money 527 - Retired at 49 on an Average Salary after Getting a “Late Start” to FIRE w/Jackie Cummings Koski Want to Be a Guest on the BiggerPockets Money Show? Apply Here 00:00 Intro 01:14 Late Start, Early Retirement 06:01 Before You Can Start 08:06 “Backwards” Budgeting  17:12 Make a Plan  28:26 Acknowledge Your “Lessons”  33:19 Stick Around!  Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-537 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we delve into the FIRE movement—Financial Independence Retire Early. Whether you're new to FIRE or looking to refine your approach, this episode covers what you need to know about applying the FIRE approach to your life. We explore the evolution of FIRE, break down its various types (Lean FIRE, Fat FIRE, Barista FIRE, and Coast FIRE), and discuss who can benefit most from this financial strategy. As fiduciaries—a financial advisor and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™—we provide an unbiased analysis of the pros and cons of the FIRE movement. You'll gain valuable tips on how to implement FIRE principles into your own financial life, even if you don't fully commit to the movement. Tune in to discover how FIRE can help you achieve financial freedom and rethink your retirement strategy. For any questions, comments, and to suggest topics for the podcast, you can email us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com. More Resources: F.I.R.E. For Dummies by Jackie Cummings Koski   Follow Your Bliss   Choose FI - communities for Financial Independence, Retire Early

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, we have Jackie Cummings Koski, author of the award winning book “Money Letters 2 my Daughter” and her new book, “F.I.R.E. for Dummies”. Jackie overcame poverty, divorce and single motherhood and despite having a late start and making less than six figures, she reached Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) at age 49 in 2019 when she officially retired from her corporate job with a net worth of over $1 million. Jackie shares with us the importance of mindset and reframing attitudes towards money, strategies for managing retirement finances, & how you too can reach financial freedom even if you are starting later in life.  In This Episode you'll learn:  How Jackie used the 25x rule to get her FI number, and what financial habits helped her reach FI in 10 years, despite being in a difficult financial situation after her divorce.  How shifting your mindset from saving for retirement to investing for financial independence, can make it exciting to save and invest. Why she initially struggled with the emotional aspect of withdrawing money from her investment accounts in early retirement, and how her net worth increased to 2.8 million by 2024, even after making withdrawals  Example of retirement planning strategies for early retirees, including Social Security benefits and tax-free withdrawals  How Jackie's daughter has been her biggest cheerleader and how her views on work and retirement differ from Jackie's as she is part of a different generation, Gen Z.  Watch the video to this episode on YouTube by going to https://youtu.be/JARjqHD1r0s  Other Links Mentioned in episode: Jackie's first episode All About The Health Savings Account (HSA) -The Ultimate Retirement And Investment Account W/ Jackie Koski Jackie's previous episode: How To Thrive in the Current Financial Market Turmoil & Better Position Yourself Financially with Jackie Cummings Koski Get a copy of Jackie's book: F.I.R.E for Dummies Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with Jackie: Website: https://FinomenalWoman.com Instagram:@FInomenal_Woman Twitter: @FInomenal_Woman Catching Up to FI Podcast Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

Advice for Career Changers taking the CFP® ExamIn today's podcast, we speak with Jackie Cummings Koski, MSPFP, CFP®, AFC® about how to approach the CFP® exam as a career changer. Jackie will discuss why she chose the financial planning profession, how she selected a exam prep provider, how she got a $5,000 scholarship, what her study strategy for the exam was, and how she nearly fainted when “PASS” flashed on the computer screen after six long hours of answering question. Bio: Jackie is a financial literacy expert and the owner of Money Letters, LLC. In addition to being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Jackie holds a Masters of Science in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University and is an Accredited Financial Counselor®. She's also the author of the award-winning book 'Money Letters 2 My Daughter' and has showcased her expertise in financial literacy (and warm personality) on 'The Rachel Ray Show', CNBC, Forbes and People Magazine. You can learn more about Jackie Cummings Koski below: https://linktr.ee/MoneyLetters Jackie's Recommended CFP® Exam Help Resources: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JL3gHgqnfgR-biPQoIKyLMGehRE6G3Ej/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=118170074337197264225&rtpof=true&sd=true Book: Money Letters 2 My Daughter https://www.amazon.com/dp/0989186008?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_73DADFT2H9VNRXVWGTGGThe Rachel Ray Show: https://www.rachaelrayshow.com/video/how-this-single-mom-who-grew-up-in-poverty-was-able-to-retire-at-49 ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

Join us in this episode of the 'Forget About Money' podcast as Jackie Cummings Koski shares her incredible journey from poverty to financial independence, retiring at 49 with a $1.3 million net worth on a modest salary. Discover how Jackie overcame adversity, maximized her 401(k), and invested wisely to break free from the poverty cycle. Her dedication to financial literacy and empowering others in diverse communities is truly inspiring. Timestamps:0:00:00 Transformative Journey0:04:46 Shaping Personal Finance Approach0:06:31 Doing More with Money0:10:17 Transition to Financial Knowledge0:17:16 Sharing Financial Wisdom0:23:03 Transition to Advocating0:25:27 Meeting People Where They Are0:28:06 Notable Success StoryFollow 'Forget About Money' Podcast: Instagram: @forgetaboutmoneyYouTube: @forgetaboutmoneypodcast Get Jackie's Book: Unlock financial wisdom with Jackie Cummings Koski's book, "Money Letters 2 My Daughter," available on Amazon: Get Your Copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Money-Letters-2-My-Daughter/dp/0989186008 ✨ Engage with the Content: Like if Jackie's journey inspires you! Comment your insights on overcoming poverty. Subscribe for more empowering stories and financial advice. Share this episode to spread the message of financial independence! #PovertyCycle #FinancialFreedom #JackieCummingsKoski #InvestingWisely #RetirementGoals #MoneyManagement #PersonalFinanceTips #Empowerment #FinancialLiteracy #ForgetAboutMoneyPodcast #MoneyLetters2MyDaughter #WealthBuilding #Inspiration

This week is a bittersweet episode for the Catching Up to FI team as our beloved friend and co-host, Becky, announces she's stepping down from the podcast next month in order to pursue other aspirations during her go-go years of retirement as well as spend more time with her grandkids. While she may not be asking questions on the podcast, be sure to look for Becky in the Facebook group and FI community as she will be present and active in those spaces. Becky, we want to thank you for all you've done to mold the Catching Up to FI community, foster meaningful and educational conversations, and give practical yet compassionate advice to all of us in the financial independence space. Your dedication, spark, and humor will be missed on the podcast but we can't wait to see where life takes you in the coming years.  Although we cannot replace Becky, we are excited to welcome the lovely and joyful Jackie Cummings Koski to the show! Jackie is a transparent financial educator and author of Money Letters to My Daughter (and upcoming book, FIRE for Dummies). She has helped Bill co-host as a guest on previous episodes and is excited to jump into the seat full time. Bill and Jackie are cooking up some tasty future episodes, so be sure to stay tuned!

Jackie Cummings Koski is the author of the upcoming book, FIRE For Dummies. We discuss whether financial independence is the answer. Is FIRE available to everybody whether rich or poor, privileged or not? IS it accessible to everyone? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Jeff Opdyke to the show! Bill and returning guest host, Jackie, sit down with Jeff to talk about raising financially savvy children as well as the pros and cons of living internationally.  Jeff was born and raised in South Louisiana but grew up traveling the world and has never really stopped. He spent 17 years covering personal finance and investing for The Wall Street Journal, and seven years writing the Journal's nationally syndicated “Love & Money” column that chronicled the real ways personal finances and personal relationships clash.  Jeff has traveled to more than 70 countries and currently works as a digital nomad living and writing from Cascais, Portugal about retirement lifestyle, travel, and global investing. Jeff Opdyke is the editor of The Global Intelligence Letter and contributor to International Living. Welcome to the show, Jeff! Connect with us Buy CUtFI a coffee Resources mentioned on the show: Replay: Your Second Chance to Invest in the American Dream by Jeff Opdyke Financially Ever After: The Couples' Guide to Managing Money by Jeff Opdyke Bite Your Tongue Podcast Episode 2: MONEY...and Your Adult Children! Money Letters 2 My Daughter by Jackie Cummings Koski 4% Rule International Living International Living Conferences 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.

Today, Bill and guest co-host Jackie Cummings Koski dive deep with Jennifer Mah! Jen is a FI enthusiast, and you can find her wit and wisdom all over many FI social media channels. She is an administrator of the Afford Anything Facebook Group and is active in the Choose FI Community locally and worldwide. Her home base is in the San Diego area where she is an entrepreneurial financial coach at Your Money, Your Life Financial Coaching. Jen's services are designed to reduce anxiety and stress, help people take control of their money, and empower them to build the life that they want.  Jen's personal and money stories are moving to say the least. Today we explore the intersection of personal and financial trauma and inspirational resilience. Please be aware that some of the topics we discuss in today's show can be triggering. It is with great pleasure that we welcome Jen to the Catching Up to FI Family! Connect with us! Buy CUtFI a coffee Resources mentioned on the show: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Letters 2 My Daughter by Jackie Cummings Koski FinCon Afford Anything Facebook Your Money, Your Life Financial Coaching ChooseFI San Diego Coast FIRE Dough Roller Podcast Stacking Benjamins Earn & Invest Portfolio Visualizer cFIREsim Die With Zero: Getting All You Can From Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins 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.  

Jackie Cummings Koski has overcome poverty, divorce, and the struggles of single motherhood. Yet, she was able to retire from her corporate job of 20 years in 2019 at the early age of 49! That whole time, she's made less than six figures.   Jackie sits down with Stephanie and Kevin to discuss how she overcame those adversities and the wake-up call that totally changed her view of her finances.   Four years later, after leaving corporate America, 53-year-old Jackie is following her big dream of creating a financially-literate society!   Listen in as she shares an inspiring journey that began in rural South Carolina, where she lived below the poverty line in a single-parent household alongside her six siblings. Committed to “not grow up poor,” Jackie decided to study all she can about investing and the stock market and joined the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) community later on.   Years after beginning to implement what she's learned, Jackie was able to put together a powerful cash flow strategy for retirement despite never earning beyond six figures in her sales career.   Coupling her realization that “you don't have to be wealthy to teach about money” with her dream to make a real impact on the world, Jackie has dedicated her post-retirement life to educating others on financial literacy. That began with her daughter, to whom Jackie dedicated her 2014 book Money Letters 2 My Daughter.   Key Topics: Jackie's long journey to successfully retiring from her corporate job at 49 (2:25) Getting over the fear of investing following her divorce (9:06) Creating a plan to have enough saved for retirement (14:47) Writing the book Money Letters 2 My Daughter (16:17) Jackie's thoughts on the financial planning industry (20:48) How Jackie's definition of retirement changed over time (26:18) What drew Jackie to the FIRE community (30:05) Creating an “anti-budget” (35:12) The importance of doing a net worth statement (39:27) Advice to those looking to build up their retirement account in today's economy (44:17) Stephanie and Kevin's closing thoughts (49:19)   Follow Jackie Koski on Instagram at www.instagram.com/finomenal_woman.     If you like what you've been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. stephanie@sofiafinancial.com   You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.   Follow Stephanie on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.  Follow Kevin on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Bill and Becky speak with Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP.  She has been featured on CNBC, The Rachel Ray Show, Marketwatch, Forbes, and People Magazine.  She is a single mother and a force in financial education who grew up in poverty, started late on her path to FI, and "finished early" with a net worth of $1.4M at 49 years old.  Her story is incredible.  Her wisdom is vast.  Her dream of a financially literate society is a palpable passion.  She is not done yet!   Show Notes: Jackie can be reached at Money Letters Jackie supports Better Investing Jackie's Book Money Letters 2 My Daughter is available for purchase on Amazon If you wish to obtain an In Case of Emergency (ICE) Binder, you can find it at Emergency Binders

In today's podcast, we speak with Jackie Cummings Koski, MSPFP, CFP®, AFC® about how to approach the CFP® exam as a career changer. Jackie will discuss why she chose the financial planning profession, how she selected a exam prep provider, how she got a $5,000 scholarship, what her study strategy for the exam was, and how she nearly fainted when “PASS” flashed on the computer screen after six long hours of answering question. Bio: Jackie is a financial literacy expert and the owner of Money Letters, LLC. In addition to being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Jackie holds a Masters of Science in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University and is an Accredited Financial Counselor®. She's also the author of the award-winning book 'Money Letters 2 My Daughter' and has showcased her expertise in financial literacy (and warm personality) on 'The Rachel Ray Show', CNBC, Forbes and People Magazine. You can learn more about Jackie Cummings Koski below: https://linktr.ee/MoneyLetters Jackie's Recommended CFP® Exam Help Resources (we made the list!): https://docs.google.com/file/d/1JL3gH... Book: Money Letters 2 My Daughter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0989186008?... Rachel Ray Show: https://www.rachaelrayshow.com/video/...

You all know I'm a sucker for a good early retirement story. Jackie Cummings Koski retired at 49 years old and now spends her time creating a financially literate society.   Retiring in your 40s is impressive in itself but Jackie did this with no head start. She grew up in poverty with her dad and 5 siblings. She barely graduated college with passing grades because she had to work full-time. Then Jackie went on to raise her daughter as a single mom after an early divorce.   Does that sound like a candidate for early retirement? I don't think so but Jackie made it happen through a lot of self-education and hustle.   Speaking of education, Jackie became quite the expert in healthcare and in this episode, Jackie shares a lot of methodologies for cutting your healthcare costs.   Of course Jackie is a huge advocate for my favorite tax-advantage account: the HSA. I have never seen a health savings account as well-funded as Jackie's. Last we spoke, her HSA had over $150,000 in it..   Show Notes: [1:43] Jackie's story from poverty to financial independence [19:40] How Jackie retired by 49 year olds without ever making a 6-figure salary [22:57] Is an HSA right for you? [32:06] How Jackie grew her HSA to $150,000 [39:14] Tips for cutting healthcare costs   Mentions: Why You Should Consider Having a Health Savings Account (HSA) | E40 Sean Mullaney CostPlus Drugs (Mark Cuban's pharmacy company) goodrx.com   More of Jackie: Jackie's Linktr.ee VisuallyAmber.com   More of Justin & The Struggle is Real: Show Notes: https://justinpeters.co/thestruggleisreal/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinleepeters/

We're kicking off the Worth Listening Millionaire Series! Over the next couple of months, Worth Listening host and Certified Financial Planner Lauryn Wiliams, will be interviewing millionaires on the podcast so we can hear their money memories and what they did to reach that coveted millionaire status. The first guest on the series is Jackie Cummings Kosk. She is sharing her story of how she overcame poverty, divorce and single motherhood, to reach financial independence and retire early from her corporate job while still in her 40s, all while making less than six figures a year.  Jackie is the author of the book, “Money Letters 2 my Daughter”, which was a 2013 winner of the Excellence in Financial Literacy Education (EIFLE) Award. In 2015, she was officially recognized with a Congressional Commendation for her accomplishments in the field of financial literacy from the U.S. House of Representatives.  She now focuses on her life's work of financial education and following her dream of creating a financially literate society. She is a life-long learner and is currently pursuing her master's degree in Personal Financial Planning and Financial Therapy. Jackie is going to share with us the impact that always trying to run from poverty had on her life and what she did after the pivotal moment of deciding she never wanted to feel financially ignorant again. Her poverty to millionaire story is so encouraging because it's one that anyone can relate to. Her story will help break down the barriers you have to believing it's possible for you to become a millionaire and retire early too.  In This Episode We Discuss: The impact that growing up in poverty had on her life  How joining an investment club was one of her first steps to increasing her financial literacy How to complete a net worth statement and why you need to know your net worth The importance of understanding how compound growth works and why you need to get started now  Organizing your finances to live within your means and why it's not about hitting a 6-figure salary The importance of prioritizing work-life as a single mom  Understanding how investments can lower your tax liability How to determine how much you need to save for retirement Why financial freedom is about more than just money The importance of creating the habit of saving and investing even if you have to start small The one thing she did to hit millionaire status that a lot of people are afraid to do You can learn more about Jackie and connect with her on social media through linktree.com/moneyletters  If you want to further connect with Lauryn Williams at Worth Winning, follow us on social media: Instagram: @worthwinning Twitter: @worth_winning Facebook: @worthwinningfp LinkedIn: @lauryn-williams

In this season's final episode, Akeiva has a conversation with Jackie Cummings Koski, HSAe, CEPF®. Jackie is a financial literacy advocate and the author of "Money Letters 2 my Daughter," which was awarded the "Excellence in Financial Literacy Education" (EIFLE) Award. Jackie shares her story about growing up with limited financial means and learning her way to financial independence after her divorce by investing in the stock market. She also touches on the role communities play in building and managing wealth and the value of educating and helping people early in their wealth-building journey. Connect with Jackie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiecummingskoskiInstagram: @finomenal_womanConnect with Ballentine Partners:Website: www.ballentinepartners.comE-mail: info@ballentinepartners.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballentine-partners-llc/

For some who were born with a golden spoon in their mouth, money isn't a problem. But for most of us who have experienced poverty and lived a challenging life, money is something we value.With that being said, retirement planning is critical, and gaining knowledge and perspective on its advantages will greatly help you in the long run. This episode is a story of hope, perseverance, and a testament that with knowledge we can change our circumstances.The Dreamers,  joining us on the podcast this week is Jackie Cummings Koski, a Certified Personal Finance Educator and the author of the book “Money Letters 2 my Daughter.” Jackie talks about investing, retirement and financial planning, her investment strategy, and how to determine your F.I.R.E. number.Jackie is proof that you can rewrite your story and change the outcome of your life after going through trials as long as you don't give up. You can begin investing at any time, but it is most effective if you start it as early as now. If you enjoyed today's episode, here's what you can do to support me and help more Dreamers discover the podcast:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. I read every single review. I will select one review to read on the podcast every month.Follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify |  iHeart Radio | Amazon Music | Listen Notes |Share the podcast with your family, friends, and co-workers.Tag the podcast on Instagram @thedreamers.podcast and let me know what you like about it.Other Resources Mentioned:Many Letters 2 My Daughter by Jackie CummingsFire MovementCredit Karma AppMellody Hobson TED TalkMore about the Guest:Jackie Cummings Koski is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), and the author of the book, “Money Letters 2 my Daughter”, which was the 2013 winner of Excellence in Financial Literacy Education (EIFLE) Award for Adult's Book of the Year, Money Management. Connect with Jackie:InstagramLinkedInFacebookConnect with Anne-Lyse:Website InstagramInstagram (Personal) 

Jackie Cummings Koski is a single mom that retired in her 40s after writing a financial literacy book for her daughter. On episode 24 of Define Your Legacy, Jackie talks about investing with the health savings account, owning stock in Walmart over two decades ago and how her divorce helped her learn more about financial independence. Jackie's Instagram: http://instagram.com/finomenal_woman Define Your Legacy's Instagram: http://instagram.com/defineyourlegacy_ Define Your Legacy's Twitter: https://twitter.com/DYLpodcast Define Your Legacy's YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qBfFb2 Subscribe on all audio platforms: https://linktr.ee/defineyourlegacy Stock Market Explained for Beginners: https://youtu.be/qRYG_O-JHcs Theus' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theuselijah

Troutwood sits down with nationally recognized FIRE expert, Jackie Cummings Koski, to learn about her journey to financial freedom. Jackie came from an underprivileged single parent household in rural South Carolina. Despite the cards she was dealt, she was able to achieve financial independence before the age of 50 because of her personal finance decisions. If becoming financially independent and retiring early is a goal of yours, listening to Jackie's life story and her expertise on the topic is a must!

#MyInvestingStory showcases the Investing Story of Successful Long-term Investors, who are everyday people. Ann and Ionnie McNeill, are both Lifetime Members and Volunteers of BetterInvesting, a non-profit focused on Investment Education for Individuals and Investment Clubs. Each week we interview a Special Guest, shining light on their investing story, lessons learned, words of wisdom and resources to aid you in starting your investing journey. After overcoming poverty, divorce, and single motherhood, Jackie still managed to retire early (in her 40s) to follow her dream of creating a financial-literate society. Jackie is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), and author of the book, “Money Letters 2 my Daughter”, which was the 2013 winner of Excellence in Financial Literacy Education (EIFLE) Award for Adult's Book of the Year, Money Management. Jackie has served on the Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana Chapter Board of Directors for the past 10 years and recently joined the National BetterInvesting Board. Connect With Jackie Resources Mentioned -- If you're looking for a BetterInvesting Chapter near you, check out our community at https://bit.ly/BILocalChapters or visit us at BetterInvesting South Florida Chapter Take the info from the podcast to the next level by becoming a BetterInvesting Member and joining us at our next Educational Event Grab a copy of “The Baby Billionaire's Guide to Investing: Building Wealth at an Early Age” If you have questions about the podcast or any of the programs we discuss here, email us at abetterinvesting@gmail.com Want your child or a youth you know to participate in the Summer Stock Market game? Email your interest at abetterinvesting@gmail.com The hashtag for the podcast is #MyInvestingStory Make sure to follow us on Social Media: Facebook: @BetterInvestingSFL Instagram: @BetterInvestingSFL Linkedin: @BetterInvestingSouthFlorida Twitter: @BI_SEFL

"Discover your purpose. Dance with your duality. Telling stories is easier than speaking English." - quotes from Season 1 guests of It's About to Go Down. So what happens when a bunch of idea creators get together in the same zoom? In this "rap-up" episode, Marc and Cathey catch up with the members of the Season #1 community: Mark Brown, Lou Radja, Jessi Duley, Carol Barah, Jackie Cummings-Koski, Mira Kaddoura, Jennifer Gu, and Shenetta Malkia. Ideas are exchanged, new connections are made, and they let us know what has transpired with their ideas since they last spoke with Marc & Cathey. This is not just an abbreviated version of season #1, but also a "fire"side chat that opens up new possibilities of what is yet to come. After this conversation, you might discover what you can do next with your idea.

Three educators — Danielle Greco, Jessica Logan and Tara Slyman — and a personal finance author, Jackie Cummings Koski, shared their perspective in this 2.25.21 403bwise Event. 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Marc and Cathey have a heart-to-heart conversation with Jackie Cummings-Koski, who is a personal finance advisor, FIRE community member, and single mom. They talk about the concept of why every person should be more like a single mom, explore how to turn an idea into a viral challenge, and discuss how the single mom mindset can single-handedly change your world.

Today's episode features the healthcare option experts Lynn Frair and Jackie Cummings Koski. Lynn is crowdsourcing all the best health care options for the FI community and Jackie is a certified Health Savings Account (HSA) expert! Open enrollment is just around the corner and we're bringing you the knowledge you need to decide. This topic is crucial for everyone listening so don't miss this one. Links and Resources Comparing High Deductible Plans with a Health Savings Account to Traditional plans Lynn & Jackie recommend this tool -> WexInc HSA vs Traditional Calculator Really understanding what all you can do with HSAs Mad Fientist article helps with HSAs too How Lynn is crowdsourcing healthcare options especially for FIRE / Entrepreneurs Take a look at FI Healthcare Reach out to Lynn & Jackie Lynn Frair Website: FI Healthcare  Instagram: FI Healtchare LinkedIn: Lynn Frair Jackie Cummings Koski HSA Email: hsaquestion@gmail.com  Website: Money Letter 2 LinkedIn: Jackie Koski Join the Community We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community! Grab our FREE Budget Planner Join our Facebook Group Leave us a voicemail Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating/review! >> You can do that by clicking here

Is healthcare the great financial independence retire early killer?  We discuss this tough topic with Lynn Frair, Rosemary Fotheringham, and Jackie Cummings Koski.  Plus a short segment with Dan Huffman about leaving the armed forces.  

After overcoming poverty, divorce, and single motherhood, Jackie Cummings Koski still reached FIRE in her 40s, making less than six figures. She retired from her corporate job on December 6, 2019, decades before others told her she could, to follow her dream of creating a financial-literate society. In 2015, her commitment to educating and empowering Americans in the area of personal finance earned the attention of our nation’s policymakers. She was officially recognized with a Congressional Commendation for her accomplishments and excellent work in the field of financial literacy from the U.S. House of Representatives. Jackie is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), and author of the book, “Money Letters 2 my Daughter”Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram and Facebook. Join the Nurses on Fire Community and get access to resources to guide you on the path to Financial Freedom.Oh and please subscribe and leave a review on whatever app you're using to stream this podcast. Links mentioned:Jacki’s MarketWatch “FIRE Starter” Video EconoMe Talk- Unveiling my Real Numbers Behind “FIREing”Book “Money Letters 2 My Daughter”Stock Investment Clubs Affiliates:Student Loan PlannerBlooomStay connected:Join the NOF Facebook groupTo read the full show notes, visit www.nursesonfirepodcast.com/nofHow to share a podcastHow to subscribe, rate and review a podcastTo learn more about the giveaway, click here

#24: After overcoming poverty, divorce and single motherhood, Jackie still reached FIRE in her 40s, making less than six figures. Jackie Cummings Koski shares how she reached financial independence in just 10 years, and retired in December 2019. Now, she’s following her dream of creating a financially literate society. Jackie talks about how she overcame poverty, became a 1st generation college graduate, learned how to save and invest, and taught her daughter about personal finance. In this episode, we discuss: Why Jackie waited 2 years after FI to retire early How to get past the taboo and talk about money How Jackie’s path to FIRE differed from the norm How to teach others (especially your kids) about finance How to use early retirement to create a lasting legacy If you want to retire early, take a listen to this episode. If you enjoy it, please subscribe and share with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, I’d really appreciate it. Today’s sponsor is one-on-one coaching with Becky Blake from twentyfree.co and host of this podcast. As a money coach and lifestyle design expert, Becky helps people reach their biggest money goals, like paying off debt, building up savings and using their money to create their ideal life. She provides the proven tools to improve your finances, and accountability to make sure you take the action needed to change your life. Want to take the concepts you are learning on this podcast to the next level? Schedule your free 10-minute coaching call with Becky today!  Need someone to talk with about recent changes in your finances due to COVID19? Connect with Becky on a free 10-minute coaching call and discuss how she can help. For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.twentyfree.co/episode24/

A millionaire mom and retired before 50, Jackie Cummings Koski, is on this week’s podcast episode sharing her path to financial freedom. She went from poverty to wealth and learned a lot about investing along the way.   Throughout most of her career, Jackie made less than six-figures a year. She prioritized saving and investing and reached her financial independence number three years before planned. Jackie created a resilient investment portfolio that continued to grow even in uncertain times like today. In this podcast episode, Jackie shares her tips about how to keep calm and survive the current market turmoil. In this episode you’ll learn: What is financial independence (FI) and how to calculate your FI number Different ways to learn about investing so you can invest with confidence How to reduce your taxable income The first place where you can start investing What is a Health Savings Account (HSA) and how to use it The best times to double down in the market, and more  Check out today’s sponsor of the podcast Empower. Save more with Empower plus get $5 when you use the code JOURNEY at sign up. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Jackie was on Episode 40. Take a listen and learn about the Health Savings Account, the ultimate investment, and retirement account. Want to know how compound interest works? Check out this compound interest calculator. Check out Jackie’s book, Money Letters 2 My Daughter. Her book about money and personal finances includes easy to understand advice and guidance on some of the most important financial issues consumers face today. Get the Free Journeyer Jump Start Guide here Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. Check out the Journey To Launch Podcast index here which categorizes all of the Journey To Launch podcast episodes by subject. Now you can binge on your favorite topics or type of episode. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12  Watch my latest segments on News12 YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Jackie: Website Instagram: @FInomenal_Woman Twitter: @MoneyLetters2 Facebook: @Jackie.CummingsKoski Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club  Jumpstart Guide

How to not only survive but thrive on less.  Rose Lounsbury, Jackie Cummings Koski, and Justin Pogue help us understand the power of less.  We discuss the minimalism/materialism divide.  

Jackie Cummings Koski shares her story of a single mom that made FIRE a reality. She proves that there is no one way to achieve FI. The goal can be accomplished by people from all walks of life and Jackie offers a unique perspective of FI. For more information, visit the show notes at https://choosefi.com/161

Jackie Cummings Koski, author of Money Letters 2 My Daughter, a book of financial wisdom written for her then high school aged daughter. Jackie will soon retire from a corporate job to focus on her passion: spreading financial literacy. We talk about her book, how she achieved F.I.R.E. (Financially Independent Retire Early), and her future plans around teaching personal finance.   Resources: Money Letters 2 My Daughter 403bwise.org Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Facebook Group

We have some exciting changes coming to the show!  You'll have to listen to the episode to find out what they are. Then.... Come back here on Friday, for a brand new Side-hustle Show where we spotlight another awesome side-hustle, that could even turn into a full-time career for some of you.  Then, next Wednesday, we'll be back here for a regular episode to kick off season 2.  In the meantime, there are a few previous episodes that you show really take a listen to - they are so inspiring for wherever you are in your FIRE journey.   Episode 18 - with Jackie Cummings Koski - a single mom who has achieved a net worth of one million dollars, while never reaching six figures.  Then, in Episode 28, we talked to Dan Shaw, who was fed up and determined to reached Financial Independence.  He did it and is now able to be at home with his daughters and focus on real estate investing.     

Jackie Cummings Koski author of Money Letters 2 My Daughter is preparing to retire early to pursue her dream of teaching financial literacy. Jackie explains how the iconic $2 bill kick started her savings habit which eventually helped her achieve Financial Independence. In our beer segment Jackie describes how she chose Sam Adams White Christmas from a field of four contenders. Since Roy and I could not find White Christmas where we are, we had Jackie take us through the tasting process.  And before we wrapped up we had a little surprise for her. From K 9 studios in Phoenix AZ welcome to the retire hoppy podcast with Ted Carr and Roy Weinberg.

It’s really nice when we have the chance to speak with candid, forthcoming guests on our show.  This week we interviewed Justin McCurry of the Root of Good blog. Justin has been in the FIRE space, encouraging others with his story for many years.  In this interview, we explored the aspects of Justin’s story that were more specific to our House of FI family. He did such a great job inspiring us both to take action for our families.     Money is The Root of Good   Justin, founder of Root of Good, is a husband and the father of 3 kids, ranging in ages from 6 to 13. Born and raised in North Carolina, he now lives in a modest home with his wife and kids. Justin became financially independent by the age of 33 years old, and immediately retired from his full time work.  On our previous episode, we we spoke to Jackie Cummings Koski, who has also reached FI, but mentioned suffering from “One More Year syndrome”, where she finds herself hesitating on taking the FIRE Leap. This week Justin helped us to learn more about taking that LEAP and what to expect afterwards. Justin has been retired for over 5 years, making his current age 38 years old.   Justin’s Money Story Like some of us, Justin can’t recall a time when he wasn’t saving his money, and wasn’t frugal.  He knew from his first job that the responsible thing to do was to spend less than what he made, and save the difference. His parents were the same. Justin met his now wife while they were in college.  She came to the U.S. to pursue a degree in finance, and also had humble beginnings.  When Justin graduated from college, his first job paid him a salary of $48,000! Since he lived in a low cost of living (LCOL area), he was able to bank anywhere from 1000-1500 a month. He began saving up cash, investing for retirement, and also investing in a brokerage account.  And all of this was before he learned about FIRE! A Defining Moment At some point, Justin, dating a finance major and majoring in engineering, was playing with some spreadsheets.  He realized that he paid thousands of dollars in investment fees - he was actually paying more in fees than what he saved in two months combined! He begin searching for an alternative, and decided he needed to switch to a DIY approach. During the transition he learned about early retirement, and also about the ways to remove retirement money well before retirement.  In the episode we discuss the 72T rule and the Roth Conversion ladder. We also talk about his reasoning for using a 3.5% withdrawal rate for his portfolio and about his family’s decision to pay off their mortgage early. Family Time as a Limited Resource Justin and his wife are now both retired, which allows them to have time together during the day, and allows them to be involved in their kids’ school lives. So, obviously we wanted to know what Justin’s kids think about the benefit of having two parents at home full-time?  And also, how awesome is it that they get to slow travel every summer?   For some of us, having a million dollars would be the catalyst needed to spend quality time at home with our children (totally Wendy).  For others, having a million dollars would lead to exploring more options outside the house (totally me). Justin’s perspective on this privilege was insightful, no matter what we will choose to do when we reach financial independence!    How Does Justin Teach His Kids About Money Justin and his wife use a method for teaching their children about money that is very unique.  They support the method of letting the kids have some autonomy on how they spend their money, which he says gives them a chance to make early mistakes on smaller sums.   Listen to find out what happened when his some purchased and then lost a smart phone merely months after buying it!     Listen to the episode to hear more about: Health Care Options in Early Retirement Completing a Cost benefit Analysis before pulling the retirement trigger  How to assess your spending when it comes to houses and cars How to find free resources so that you can learn what you need to know to DIY your finances   Justin on the final questions: Lesson:  Focusing on investment costs was a big one i had to learn the hard way.  Getting rid of him and going and doing it myself saved me thousands of dollars. Credit card travel hacking - it’s like beating the casino and we love to travel. Most of the reading is general leisure reading.  Right now he is reading Cruise Confidential, a non-fiction book about a waiter's daily experiences while working in the belly of the cruise ship. How exciting! :-) And, why not include part 2!  Once I read the juicy title, I knew it needed a spot in our show notes! haha...   Bonus Resources From Justin: Zero to Millionaire in Ten Years     How we paid almost zero taxes on a six figure income     What we do for health insurance / Affordable Care Act Subsidies     Our $40,000 per year Early Retirement Budget (for a family of 5!)    Roth IRA Conversion Ladder (how we access our 401k/IRA decades before age 59.5 without paying any early withdrawal penalties)     Listen to Last Week's Episode: Health Savings Accounts

Connections I love being able to find a connection with the story of every person that we have on our podcast.  This week though, I felt a special connection to our graceful guest, Jackie Cummings Koski. Her story of being a single mother, the details she shared about the awakening that took place after her divorce and the absolute success path she’s experience since making up her mind to change her environment resonates deeply with me.   Not only does she share her story with empathy and honesty, but her experience gives new color and depth to this ongoing discussion about Privileged Frugality versus Choice-less Frugality.  She has experienced both on her journey towards Financial Independence. About Jackie Jacki Cummings Koski holds the designation of CEPF (Certified Educator in Personal Finance), she is a Financial Literacy Advocate and she is award winning author. She is known for writing the Award Winning book Money Letters to My Daughter. Jackie is very active in the House of FI community, as well as the ChooseFI community, and we are all better for her insight and thoughtful participation.   In addition to all of the wonderful work she does for the personal finance community, Jackie is one of our only guests that has reached Financial Independence. Jackie’s biggest issue now is her hesitation with pulling the retirement trigger!  She is having the dreaded #onemoreyear syndrome! Jackie’s Money Story Jackie Cummings Koski grew up in the Southeastern United States.  She was raised by a single father, as one of 6 children. Her father, a poor factory worker, knew how to stretch a dollar.  He was able to teach her how to live with dignity through mandatory frugality. This experience of growing up impoverished lit a fire within Jackie - who vowed to make more money and to create an environment around herself filled with rich opportunity.   Well, she did it!  She finished college, launched her career, married and had a daughter.   Life was good, until it wasn’t, and Jackie endured a difficult, emotional divorce.   The Impact of the Single Mom Bond Finding ways to connect and bond with your children is priceless.  The most heartwarming thing about Jackie’s story is the depth of the bond she has with her daughter.  It was this bond that led her to writing her award winning book, Money Letters to My Daughter. In the text, Jackie educates her daughter and others about money matters that she faced, and learned from.  In the episode we speak about her daughter’s reception of the book. The Benefits of the Health Savings Accounts Made most famous in the FIRE community by The Mad Fientist, the Health Savings Account, or HSA is known to be THE ULTIMATE retirement savings vehicle for the “low consumer of health services”.  A person that is likely a low consumer of health services is the person that has no medical (physical and mental health) issues that require expensive, repetitive intervention. If you are one of the low consumers of healthcare, the HSA may be for you.  If you use health care often, but can cover the costs of service out of pocket, you should still look into this awesome product. The HSA was introduced in the early 2000’s and it is the only savings vehicle that offers a tax advantage with each contribution, a tax advantaged growth (invested contributions) AND tax free distributions (when you take the money out).   After finding the Mad Fientist, Jackie doubled down on her contributions to her HSA, and currently has over $100,000 in tax free savings!   Listen to the show to hear how she plans to access the money!!   Credit Education As a CEPF, Jackie educates others on how to check credit scores and calculate credit utilization rates, amongst other things. Recently you read this post about filing bankruptcy, Bankruptcy is a real possibility, and managing your credit accounts and utilization rates can go a long way towards to protecting you from accruing overwhelming debt. Money Mistakes To Learn From So, financially independent, retiring early, what has Jackie made mistakes about when it comes to money?  Here’s the short list : Spending 30% of your gross income on a vehicle Making assumptions about financial ideas instead of checking those assumptions at the door Jackie purchased expensive new cars, but teaches us her process for buying cars now Not finding a qualified tax preparer. A provider should ask detailed questions about your situation - not making assumptions about your position.    Answers to the Final Questions Always save something.  This creates a habit that will serve you well for years to come What is Jackie reading right now?  Audiobooks and podcasts. Her favorite podcast right now is one she just hear about Coach George Raveling, who was a bodyguard at the Martin Luther King’s I have a dream speech     Jackie can be reached at moneyletters2.com Other links in this episode: ChooseFI The Mad Fientist Article on HSAs  IRS Publication 969 Health Savings Accounts IRS Publication 502 Medical and Dental Expenses

The Health Savings Account, introduced in the early 2000's, has proved to be the ultimate retirement and investment account–particularly for those on the road to early retirement. Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®) and Health Saving Account (HSA) expert, Jackie Cummings Koski, joins us on the show to discuss everything from how to obtain an HSA account to how to invest the money that you contribute. As one of 6 children raised by a single father, Jackie knows firsthand what it means to struggle financially. As a result, she made educating herself about finances and investing her personal mission. From the knowledge that she acquired, she wrote her book “Money Letters 2 My Daughter” as a way to educate her then 14-year-old daughter on what it means to be financially savvy. Today, Jackie has grown her HSA account to more than $100,000 as is on track to retire early in her 40's.  In this episode we discuss: The definition and benefits of the Health Savings Account (HSA) How to enroll in an insurance plan with an HSA Things to consider when enrolling in an insurance plan When to consider enrolling in a traditional plan vs. a high-deductible plan Annual contribution guidelines How and when to access the money within your HSA Shopping around for the right provider Inheritance of an HSA account The expenses that you can use HSA money for (qualifying reimbursements) Jackie’s early retirement plan At the end of the podcast, I also talk about the waitlist to the soft launch of my monthly membership program. Get monthly tips, tools, and classes to help you launch to Financial Freedom. Click here to sign up and be the first to be notified when the doors open in Summer/Fall 2018. (YNAB, my favorite budgeting app is giving Journeyers a 2-month free trial, no credit card required to try their amazing budgeting system, check it out here!)   Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Jackie's book "Money Letters 2 My Daughter" IRS Publication 969, Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12  Watch my latest segments on News12 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Vicki on: Moneyletters2.com Facebook Twitter Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

How do you talk with teens about money? Jackie Cummings Koski decided to do it through a series of letters to her daughter which she then turned into a book, Money Letters 2 My Daughter. In this interview, I talk with Jackie about how to have conversations with your children about money to help them avoid financial pitfalls. Among the topics we discuss: how to help them learn through (positive) experiences and what to do when friends and family ask to borrow money. This episode aired live January 5, 2013.