Late Starter Real Numbers: 1.5 M ➜ 864 K — And Back Again | J. C. & Bev Webber | 163

J.C. and Bev Webber's late-starter journey is proof that resilience + innovation can outrun even a Great Financial Crisis. J.C. gives us his real numbers and how he sprinted from a net worth of ~$120k (age 51) to $1.5M (age 57)—only to see it crash to ~$864k in early 2009. But that didn't derail their plans because he and his wife Bev still retired early and hit the road in their RV. You could say they reached FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) before it was hot! In this episode they walk us through all the twists and turns, giving us the excruciating details that you rarely hear about, including: J.C.'s brother-in-law bailing him out of credit-card debt by loaning him money J.C.'s military service and using the GI Bill hack college Ditching dead-end jobs for higher paying tech careers and eventually retiring from Apple Weathering multiple divorces and proving that it doesn't have to ruin your finances The unshakeable confidence in their human capital  Plans to live out their later years in Mexico   ===    VOTE FOR US: PLUTUS AWARDS  === We need your vote for the 2025 Plutus Awards! You can now vote for your hosts behind "Catching Up to FI" - Bill Yount & Jackie Cummings Koski.   ✅ WHAT IS THE PLUTUS AWARDS? The Plutus Awards recognize excellence in independent financial content. That's the best podcasts, books, video channels, blogs, and more.     ✅ VOTE  If you've gotten value from our content and think we are worthy of recognition,  please support by casting your votes here > >>  https://plutus.awardsplatform.com/. There's a short registration needed to vote and you'll be in and out in just a few minutes.    ✅ DEADLINE The deadline to vote is August 30th, 2025. Winners will be announced in October.   ✅ CATEGORIES Below are the categories we have been nominated for and we'd love your vote in each of them.  Catching Up to FI Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Audio Content Creator of the Year: Audio People's Choice: Audio Best Financial Advisor Content/Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP Plutus Storyteller Award Best Traditional Retirement Content Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities Best Personal Finance Content for Women   Other categories  Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Written (F.I.R.E. for Dummies) Best New Personal Finance Book (F.I.R.E. for Dummies) Plutus Resilience Award (Jackie Cummings Koski) Best Financial Independence or Retire Early Content (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)   🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website  🔗Connect with us ☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"  🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question   ===DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS=== 📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement): Retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. You can get started with the free version or choose the premium option (PlannerPlus) and get a 14-day free trial.   👉🏼 Be sure to use this link to get started:  Go.boldin.com/catchingup   Personal Finance Club: Use code CUTOFI to get $30 OFF any investing course   Nectarine: Advice-Only and Flat-Fee Hourly Fiduciary Financial Advisors (Catching Up to FI will be compensated by Nectarine if you use our affiliate link, which creates an incentive and conflict of interest. We are not current clients or employees of Nectarine.)     For a full list of current deals and discounts from our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners   RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:  🌐 J.C. and Bev's Trip Journal Images of J.C.'s Spreadsheets and numbers YNAB (You Need A Budget)   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.